(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 180917 and 190448, effective July 16, 2021.) A Hot Work permit shall be obtained before beginning any welding or burning operations in or on any vessel, in or abutting the Portland harbor.
A. Scope: This regulation applies to all operations involving the use of oxygen/fuel gas mixtures, electric arc welding, or other spark or fire producing operations on marine vessels regardless of the size of the vessel and regardless of whether or not the vessel is at anchor, moored, in drydock, or ashore.
B. General Definition for this Section: For the purpose of this regulation the following words have the meanings set forth below:
1. Adjacent Spaces - Those spaces in all directions from the subject space, including all points of contact, corners, diagonals, decks, tank tops, and bulkheads.
2. Bureau - The City’s Portland Fire & Rescue.
3. Competent Person - The holder of a valid Certificate issued by the National Fire Protection Association, or other recognized source attesting that the holder has successfully completed a course of training as a Competent Person and has been officially registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA) as a designated Competent Person by their respective employer.
4. Confined Space - A compartment of small size and limited access such as a double bottom tank, cofferdam, or other such similar type space which by its small size and confined nature can readily create or aggravate a hazardous exposure.
5. Fire Watch - A person designated by the supervisor of the welding operation to watch for signs of fire. Such persons shall be familiar with Fire Department Permit Conditions, the area where the hot work is to take place, and procedures for sounding an alarm in the event of fire. In addition, this person shall be trained in the proper use of the extinguishing equipment provided and instructed in the specific hazards anticipated.
6. Designated Piers - Those piers or berths designated by the Portland Harbor Master and by virtue of their construction, location, fire protection and fire hydrant availability, are suitable to permit certain repairs to vessels alongside.
7. Enclosed Space - Any space other than a confined space, which is enclosed by bulkheads and overhead. It includes cargo holds, tanks, quarters, and machinery and boiler spaces.
8. Gangway - A ramp-like or stair-like means of access provided to enable personnel to board or leave a vessel including accommodation ladders, gangplanks, and brows. A gangway shall have a walking surface not less than 20 inches wide, be of adequate strength, maintained in good repair, and safely secured. Each side of such gangway, and turntable if used, shall have a railing with a minimum height of 33 inches, with a mid rail. Rails, if constructed with rope or chain, shall be kept taut at all times.
9. Hazardous Materials - Any material which by reason of being explosive, flammable, poisonous, corrosive, oxidizing, irritant or otherwise harmful is like to cause injury.
10. Hot Work - Per NFPA 306, paragraph 1-05; any construction alteration, repair, or shipbreaking operation involving riveting operation welding, burning, or similar fire-producing operations. Grinding, drilling, abrasive blasting, or similar spark producing operations shall be considered hot work unless deemed otherwise by a Certified Marine Chemist.
11. Marine Chemist - The holder of a valid Certificate issued by the National Fire Protection Association in accordance with the “Rules for the Certification of Marine Chemist.”
12. Powder Actuated Fastening Tool - A tool or machine which drives a stud, pin, bolt or any type of fastener by means of an explosive charge.
13. Ship Repair - The repair of any vessel including, but not limited to, alterations, modifications, conversions, installations, cleaning, painting, and maintenance work, and for the purposes of this code includes shipbuilding and shipbreaking.
14. Shipyard - An operating facility, engaged in ship repair, doing business in the City of Portland or adjacent Columbia/Willamette River Port facilities, meeting the requirements of the Building and Fire Codes.
15. Vessel - Every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used as a means of transportation on water, including special purpose floating structures not primarily designed for or used as a means of transportation on water.
C. Hot Work Permits: Hot Works Permits for Hot Work on Marine Vessels shall be divided into three categories.
1. Level I - Those permits for hot work operations which are minor in nature. (See below for further definitions.)
2. Level II - Those permits for hot work operations which are moderate in nature. (See below for further definition.)
3. Level III - Those permits which involve major hot work operations. (See below for further definition.)
D. Level I Hot Work:
1. Definition: Level I hot work is work which involves repairs or modifications which by nature do not involve any cutting or welding on or near hazardous areas of the vessels.
2. Level I hot work must:
a. Not involve work on hazardous areas or compartments of the vessel. Such hazardous areas include, but are not limited to: Fuel systems (including tanks and piping and compartments adjacent to such tanks and piping). Compartments which are insulated with combustible or flammable insulation, including insulation which has a fire resistive barrier installed over the surface: Engine rooms, fire rooms and boiler rooms, auxiliary machinery rooms. Cargo or storage areas which contain or have contained hazardous materials (including flammable liquids and gases or combustible liquids). Work on surfaces directly adjacent to those compartments listed above (i.e.: Those opposite sides of an insulated space which might expose the insulation to heat).
3. Violation of Condition:
a. No welding or cutting shall be done on a dock or ship within the City’s harbor without first obtaining a hot work permit authorized by Portland Fire & Rescue.
b. If welding or cutting is done on a dock or ship within the City’s harbor without first obtaining the permit or permits required by this Chapter, the welding or cutting shall cease immediately and not begin again until the Fire Marshal or Harbor Master has inspected the worksite, the inspection fee has been paid and the Fire Marshal or Harbor Master has issued a permit for welding or cutting. The person(s) must also obtain any Coast Guard or other required permits for the hot work, prior to the commencement of such work.
4. Examples of Level I hot work include work on:
a. Standing rigging
b. Replacement of cleats and pad eyes
c. Work involving deck machinery
d. Similar repairs or modifications
5. Requirements:
a. Permits Required:
(1) A U.S. Coast Guard Hot Work Permit.
(2) A “Hot Work Permit for Vessels,” authorized by Portland Fire & Rescue shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any hot work operations aboard any marine vessel.
b. Violation of Conditions:
(1) Violation of any of the following permit conditions shall be cause for immediate revocation of the “Hot Work Permit For Vessels.” Permits which are revoked require all discrepancies corrected immediately and may require payment of a fee prior to issuance of a new permit. In the event that a fire occurs as a result of violation of these permit conditions, the Chief of Portland Fire & Rescue may prepare a statement setting forth the costs of extinguishing the fire and the permit holder shall pay such costs.
c. Authorized Locations: Level I hot work may be performed at the vessel’s normal berth. Exception: Level I hot work shall not be performed at fuel terminals, passenger terminals, grain terminals, or terminals or piers at which the use is primarily residential or recreational in nature, unless authorized by the U.S. Coast Guard, Harbor Master, and a NFPA certified Marine Chemist.
d. Vessel’s Fire Protection Systems: During hot work operations all of the vessel’s fire protection systems shall remain in service.
e. Gangways Required: At least one gangway shall be provided for access to the vessel.
f. Prohibited Activity: The following activities are prohibited during hot work operations, unless specifically approved by a Marine Chemist.
(1) All hot work operations shall be discontinued during discharge, loading, or transfer of fuel oils or other flammable or combustible substance.
(2) Spray painting or the application of other flammable compounds unless sufficient ventilation is provided to maintain the atmosphere at less than 10 percent of the lower explosive limit for the particular material being applied as determined by a Marine Chemist. Monitoring of such areas shall be carried out by a Competent Person.
g. Inspection Required:
(1) Prior to the commencement of hot work operations, an inspection shall be made of the area in which the work is to occur to assure that:
(a) The work to be performed does not involve an area of the vessel prohibited for Level I hot work.
(b) Prohibited activity is not taking place elsewhere on the vessel.
(c) The area is safe for the hot work to take place. Such inspection shall be made by the Competent Person and the person in charge of the repairs or modifications. Such inspections shall include the opposite sides of bulkheads or decks on which welding or cutting operations are to be performed.
h. Fire Watches:
(1) Whenever hot work operations are taking place, a responsible individual shall be appointed as fire watch and shall be on duty continuously during such operations.
(2) Such persons shall have no other duties other than to watch for fire. Fire watches shall be equipped with, or have immediate access to emergency fire protection equipment (charged fire extinguishers and/or fire hoses). Fire watches shall remain on duty for not less than 30 minutes after hot work operations are completed.
(3) Persons performing hot work may not serve as their own fire watch.
(4) Persons appointed as fire watch may be a member of the vessel’s crew or other person designated by the individual in charge of the work.
(5) As determined by a responsible, trained supervisor, the number and location of fire watch personnel shall be based on all existing conditions and potential fire hazards.
(6) Fire watches are to be readily identifiable.
(7) Fire Watches shall be equipped with a mechanism to send a fire alarm or a device to cause an alarm to be sounded, even if the Fire Watch is in a remote or confined area or tank.
i. Fire Extinguishing Devices Required:
(1) Portable fire extinguisher of sufficient size and number, as identified on Hot Work Permit, shall be kept in readiness at the location where the hot work is being done. Extinguishers may be 4A, 60BC, Dry Chemical; 1A 10/12 BC CO2 or, 2A pressurized water, depending on the work and surroundings involved. Extinguishers that are part of the vessel’s established fire protection outfitting may not be used for this purpose.
(2) A fire hose of not less than 1-1/2 inch diameter, with nozzle attached, shall be laid out an suitably charged in the vicinity of hot work operations. Such hose shall be of sufficient length to reach the compartment or space being worked on or protected.
j. Ventilation: Forced draft ventilation of adequate capacity to remove hot work vapors and any accumulation of flammable vapor shall be installed prior to performing any work below deck or inside a confined or enclosed space.
k. Other precautions Against Fire:
(1) Flammable or combustible liquids may not be stored within 50 feet of hot work operations.
(2) Combustible materials shall not be located within 25 feet of hot work operations. (Including the opposite side of surfaces on which welding or cutting is being performed.)
(3) Hot work shall not be done in or near compartments or spaces where flammable liquids or vapors, lints, or loose combustible stocks are so located or arranged that sparks or hot metal from the welding or cutting operation may cause ignition or explosion of such materials.
E. Level II Hot Work
1. Definition: Level II hot work includes that work which is moderate in nature or any hot work on or near areas of the vessel which are hazardous in nature.
2. Such hazardous areas include:
a. Fuel systems (including tanks and piping and compartments adjacent to such tanks and piping.
b. Compartments which are insulated with combustible or flammable insulation.
c. Engine rooms, fire rooms, boiler rooms, and auxiliary machinery rooms.
d. Cargo or storage areas which contain or have contained hazardous materials (including flammable liquids and gases or combustible liquids).
e. Work on surfaces directly adjacent to those compartments listed above (i.e., the opposite side of an insulated space, which might expose the insulation to heat). Level II hot work must be completed within 30 calendar days.
3. Examples of Level II hot work include:
a. Removal or replacement of major components of the vessel’s propulsion system.
b. Removal or replacement of major components or sections of any shipboard piping systems.
c. Replacement of deck houses or other major structural components.
d. Replacement of hull or deck plating.
e. Work is less than 30 days in duration.
4. Requirements:
a. Permits Required:
(1) A U.S. Coast Guard Hot Work Permit.
(2) A “Hot Work Permit for Vessels,” authorized by the Harbor Master shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any hot work operations aboard any marine vessel.
b. Violation of Conditions:
(1) Violation of any of the following permit conditions shall be cause for immediate revocation of the “Hot Work Permit For Vessels.” Permits which are revoked require all discrepancies corrected immediately and may require payment of a fee prior to issuance of a new permit.
(2) In the event that a fire occurs as result of a violation of these permit conditions, the Chief of Portland Fire & Rescue may prepare a statement setting forth the costs of extinguishing the fire and the permit holder shall pay such costs.
c. Authorized Locations:
(1) Level II hot work may only be performed at designated Port facility piers or at shipyards.
(2) Crane service must be immediately available whenever work is being performed. Such cranes must be capable of lifting not less than 10,000 pounds with a boom of sufficient length to reach the middle of the ship on the largest vessel at the pier.
d. Vessel’s Fire Protection System: During hot work operations all of the vessel’s fire protection systems shall remain in service.
e. Gangways Required: Two gangways shall be provided for access to the vessel, unless physical limitations dictate otherwise.
f. Prohibited Activity: Unless approved by a Certified Marine Chemist, the following activities are prohibited during hot work operations:
(1) All hot work operations shall be discontinued during discharge, loading or transfer of fuel oils or other flammable or combustible substances.
(2) Spray painting or the application of other flammable compounds unless sufficient ventilation is provided to maintain the atmosphere of less than 10 percent of the lower explosive limit for the particular material being applied as determined by a Marine Chemist. Monitoring of such areas shall be carried out by a Competent Person.
g. Shipyard Personnel Required: Depending on the exact nature of the work, Level II hot work must be reviewed by a NFPA Certified Marine Chemist or a full-time safety person, or both prior to commencement. Full-time safety persons shall meet the requirements for Competent Persons.
h. Marine Chemist Certificate Required:
(1) No person shall engage in hot work or the use of powder actuated fastening tools in or on the spaces listed below until a certificate setting forth that such work can be done safely is issued. Such certificates shall be valid only if they are issued by a Marine Chemist certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
(2) A Marine Chemist Certificate shall be required prior to Hot Work operations on any vessel:
(a) Within or on the boundaries of cargo tanks which have been used to carry combustible or flammable liquids and/or gases, or within spaces adjacent to such cargo tanks.
(b) Within or on the boundaries of fuel tanks.
(c) On pipe lines, heating coils, pumps, fittings or other appurtenances connected to cargo tanks, fuel tanks or fuel systems.
(d) Within the boundaries of engine rooms, fire rooms and boiler rooms.
(e) Within the boundary of any machinery compartment or space in which the machinery uses a flammable or combustible liquid or flammable gas in its operation.
(f) Marine Chemist Certificate shall be issued in strict accordance with the requirements of NFPA 306 Standard for the “Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels.”
i. Inspection Required:
(1) Prior to the commencement of hot work operations, an inspection shall be made of the area in which the work is to occur to assure that:
(a) The work to be performed is not prohibited for Level II hot work.
(b) Prohibited activity is not taking place elsewhere on the vessel, unless approved by a Certified Marine Chemist. (See section entitled “Prohibited Activity” above.)
(c) The area is safe for the hot work to take place and Hot Work Permit Conditions are being complied with:
(i) Regular inspections shall be made by a Competent Person during the entire repair period to note and eliminate fire hazards and to implement work procedures to keep such hazards to a minimum.
(ii) The types and amounts of fuel oils and other flammable or combustible liquid in all cargo, bunker, deep, settler and double bottom tanks shall be determined. Such determination shall include associated piping systems. Such information shall be readily available to Portland Fire & Rescue in the event of a fire or inspection by the Harbor Master.
(iii) Such inspection shall be made by the Competent Person or Certified Marine Chemist. Such inspection shall include the opposite sides of bulkheads or decks on which welding or cutting operations are to be performed.
j. Fire Watches: Whenever hot work operations are taking place, a responsible individual shall be appointed as fire watch and shall be on duty continuously during hot work operations.
(1) Such persons shall have no other duties other than to watch for fire.
(2) Fire watches shall be equipped with and have immediate access to emergency fire protection equipment (charged fire extinguishers and fire hoses).
(3) Fire watches shall remain on duty for not less than 30 minutes after hot work operations are completed or breaks taken.
(4) Persons engaged in Hot Work operations may not serve as their own fire watch.
(5) Persons appointed as fire watch may be a member of the vessel’s crew or other person designated by the individual in charge of the work.
(6) As determined by a responsible, trained supervisor, the number and location of fire watch personnel shall be based on all existing conditions and potential fire hazards.
(7) Fire watches are to be readily identifiable.
(8) If during any Hot Work operation there will be a transmission of heat through a bulkhead or above or below a deck where such work is being done, a fire watch shall be maintained on all sides of the bulkhead or deck.
(9) Fire Watches shall be equipped with a mechanism to send a fire alarm or a device to cause an alarm to be sounded, even if the Fire Watch is in a remote or confined area or tank.
k. Fire Extinguishing Devices Required:
(1) Portable fire extinguishers of sufficient size and number as identified on the Hot Works Permit shall be kept in readiness at the location where hot work is being done. Extinguishers may be 4A, 60BC Dry Chemical; 1A 10/12 BC CO2, or 2A pressurized water, depending on the work and surroundings involved. Extinguishers that are part of the vessel’s established fire protection outfitting are not to be used for this purpose.
(2) Fire hose(s) of not less than 1-1/2 inch in diameter, with nozzle attached, shall be stretched out and suitably charged prior to the commencement of Hot Work operations. One such hose shall be stretched to the area where the Hot Work is to occur. Hose(s) shall be tested prior to commencing any hot work. The hose(s) will remain ready for instant use for at least 30 minutes (1/2 hour) after any hot work has been completed or breaks taken.
(3) In areas of physical space limitations a special exemption relative to hose size(s) may be granted by the Company Safety Manager, or the Harbor Master or their designated representative.
(4) Designated emergency “Red Head” fire boxes shall be supplied and available. Each fire box shall be equipped with two (2) 100 feet lengths of 1-1/2 inch fire hose with adjustable fog/shut-off nozzles attached. Designated emergency (Red Head) fire boxes shall be suitably charged and positioned at intervals to maximize adequate fire protection including use of the vessel’s charged fire main system. Adequate supplies of spare hose (and nozzles), sufficient to reach any compartment in which Hot Work operations are taking place and each compartment adjacent to the compartment being worked on shall be readily available immediately adjacent to the Red Head boxes. Red Head fire boxes shall be used for emergency use only.
(5) In the event of severe freezing weather, or in electronic spaces or compartments containing materials that are easily water damaged, fire watches shall be equipped with CO2, other acceptable portable extinguisher(s). Fire hose(s) strung out shall remain dry, but in a state of readiness in the event portable extinguishers are not effective.
l. Ventilation: Forced draft ventilation of adequate capacity to remove hot work vapors and any accumulation of flammable vapor shall be installed prior to performing any work below deck or inside a confined space.
m. Removal of Materials:
(1) Unless approved by a Certified Marine Chemist, the following materials must be removed from the vessel or decks if hot work operations are to be performed at any location aboard the vessel during the repair process:
(a) Refrigerant gases (including gases within the system).
(b) Compressed gas cylinders except those needed for hot work.
(c) Drums of flammable and combustible liquids.
(d) Explosives.
n. Other Precautions Against Fire:
(1) Unless approved by a Certified Marine Chemist, solid combustible materials shall not be located within 25 feet of hot work operations (including the opposite of surfaces on which welding or cutting is being performed.
(2) Hot Work shall not be done in or near compartments or spaces where flammable liquids or vapors, lint or loose combustible stocks are so located or arranged that sparks or hot metal from the welding or cutting operation may cause ignition or explosion of such materials.
(3) Where floor (deck) openings or cracks cannot be closed, precautions shall be taken such that no combustible materials on the floor below will be exposed to sparks. The same precautions shall be observed with cracks or holes in bulkheads, open doorways, and other openings (i.e., open piping, electrical stuffing tubes, etc.)
F. Level III Hot Work:
1. Definition: Level III hot work is that work which is major in nature or work which is moderate in nature and which will require more than 30 days to complete or work which will place the vessel’s fire protection systems out of service.
2. Requirements:
a. Permits Required:
(1) A U.S. Coast Guard Hot Work Permit.
(2) A “Hot Work Permit for Vessels,” authorized by the Harbor Master shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any hot work operations aboard any marine vessel.
b. Violation of Conditions:
(1) Violation of any of the following permit conditions shall be cause for immediate revocation of the “Hot Work Permit for Vessels.” Permits which are revoked require all discrepancies corrected immediately and may require payment of a fee prior to issuance of a new permit.
(2) In the event that a fire occurs as result of a violation of these permit conditions the Chief of Portland Fire & Rescue may prepare a statement setting forth the costs of extinguishing the fire and the permit holder shall pay such costs.
c. Authorized Locations: Level III repairs may only be performed in a shipyard.
d. Vessel’s Fire Protection System: Whenever hot work operations are to occur, the vessel’s fire protection systems shall remain in service or other steps shall be taken to provide a level of fire protection equivalent to the protection provided by the vessel’s system. Before beginning the work, the ship’s superintendent or designated person shall obtain the Harbor Master’s approval of alternate measures.
e. Gangways Required: Not less than two gangways shall be provided for access to the vessel.
f. Prohibited Activity: Unless approved by a Certified Marine Chemist, the following activities are prohibited during hot work operations:
(1) All hot work operations shall be discontinued during discharge, loading or transfer of fuel oils or other flammable or combustible substances.
(2) Spray painting or the application of other flammable compounds unless sufficient ventilation is provided to maintain the atmosphere at less than 10 percent of the explosive limit for the particular material being applied as determined by a marine chemist. Monitoring of such areas shall be carried out by a Competent Person.
g. Special Personnel Required: Level III hot work must be reviewed by a NFPA Certified Marine Chemist or a full-time safety person, or both prior to commencement. Full-time safety persons shall meet the requirements for Competent Person.
h. Marine Chemist Certificate Required:
(1) No person shall engage in hot work or the use of powder actuated fastening tools in or on the following spaces, boundaries, or pipe lines until a certificate is issued setting forth that such work can be done safely. Such certificates shall be valid only if they are issued by a Marine Chemist certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
(2) A Marine Chemist Certificate shall be required prior to Hot Work operations on any vessel:
(a) Within or on the boundaries of cargo tanks which have been used to carry combustibles or flammable liquids and/or gases, or within spaces adjacent to such cargo tanks.
(b) Within or on the boundaries of fuel tanks.
(c) On pipe lines, heating coils, pumps, fittings, or other appurtenances connected to cargo tanks, fuel tanks or fuel systems.
(d) Within the boundaries of engine rooms, fire rooms and boiler rooms.
(e) Within the boundary of any machinery compartment or space in which the machinery uses a flammable or combustible liquid or flammable gas in its operation.
(3) Marine Chemist Certificates shall be issued in strict accordance with the requirements of NFPA 306, “Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels.”
i. Inspection Required:
(1) Prior to the commencement of hot work operations, an inspection shall be made of the area in which the work is to occur to assure that:
(a) Prohibited activity is not taking place elsewhere on the vessel.
(b) The area is safe for the hot work to take place and Hot Work Permit conditions are being complied with.
(2) Regular inspections shall be made by a Competent Person during the entire repair period to note and eliminate fire hazards and to implement work procedures to keep such hazards to a minimum.
(3) The types and amounts of fuel oils and other flammable or combustible liquids in all cargo, bunker, deep, settler and double bottom tanks shall be determined. Such determination shall include associated piping systems. Such information shall be readily available to Portland Fire & Rescue in the event of a fire or inspection by the Harbor Master.
(4) Such inspection shall be made by the Competent Person or a Certified Marine Chemist.
(5) Such inspections shall include the opposite sides of bulkheads and decks on which welding or cutting operations are to be performed.
j. Fire Watches:
(1) Whenever Hot Work operations are taking place, a responsible individual shall be appointed as fire watch and shall be on duty continuously during hot work operations.
(2) Such persons shall have no other duties other than to watch for fire.
(3) Fire watches shall be equipped with and have immediate access to emergency fire protection equipment (charged fire extinguishers and fire hoses).
(4) Fire watches shall remain on duty for not less than 30 minutes after hot work operations are completed or breaks or lunch taken.
(5) Persons engaged in Hot Work operations may not serve as their own fire watch.
(6) Persons appointed as fire watch may be a member of the vessel’s crew or other persons designated by the individual in charge of the work.
(7) As determined by a responsible, trained supervisor, the number and location of fire watch personnel shall be based on all existing conditions and potential fire hazards.
(8) If during any Hot Work operation there will be a transmission of heat through a bulkhead or above or below a deck where such work is being done, a fire watch shall be maintained on all sides of the bulkhead or deck exposed to heat.
(9) All Fire Watches shall be equipped with a mechanism to send a fire alarm or a device to cause an alarm to be sounded, even if Fire Watch is in a remote or confined area or tank.
k. Fire Extinguishing Devices Required:
(1) Portable fire extinguishers of sufficient size and number as identified on the Hot Work Permit shall be kept in readiness at the location where hot work is being done. Extinguishers may be 4A, 60BC dry chemical; 1A 10/12 BC CO2 or 2A pressurized water, depending on the work and surroundings involved. Extinguishers that are part of the vessel’s established fire protection outfitting are not to be used for this purpose.
(2) Hose(s) shall be tested prior to commencing any hot work. The hose(s) will remain ready for instant use for at least 30 minutes (1/2 hour) after any hot work has been completed or lunch or breaks taken.
(3) In areas of physical space limitations a special exemption relative to hose size(s) may be granted by the Company Safety Manager, or the Harbor Master or their designated representative.
(4) Designated emergency “Red Head” fire boxes shall be supplied and available. Each fire box shall be equipped with two (2) 100 feet lengths of 1-1/2 inch fire hose with adjustable fog/shut-off nozzles attached. Designated emergency (Red Head) fire boxes shall be suitably charged and positioned at intervals to maximize adequate fire protection including use of the vessel’s charged fire main system. Adequate supplies of spare hose (and nozzles), sufficient to reach any compartment in which Hot Work operations are taking place and each compartment adjacent to the compartment being worked on shall be readily available immediately adjacent to the Red Head boxes. Red Head fire boxes shall be used for emergency use only.
(5) In the event of severe freezing weather, or in electronic spaces or compartments containing materials that are easily water damaged, fire watches shall be equipped with CO2, or other acceptable portable extinguisher(s). Fire hose(s) strung out shall remain dry, but in a state of readiness in the event portable extinguishers are not effective.
l. Ventilation: Forced draft ventilation of adequate capacity to remove hot work vapors and any accumulation of flammable vapor shall be installed prior to performing any work below deck or inside an enclosed space.
m. Removal of Materials:
(1) Unless approved by a Certified Marine Chemist, the following materials must be removed from the vessel and/or dock if hot work operations are to be performed at any location aboard the vessel during the repair process:
(a) Refrigerant gases (including gases within the system).
(b) Compressed gas cylinders except those needed for hot work.
(c) Drums of flammable and combustible liquids.
(d) Explosives and pyrotechnics.
n. Other Precautions Against Fire:
(1) Unless approved by a Certified Marine Chemist, combustible materials shall not be located within 25 feet of hot work operations, including all sides of surfaces on which welding or cutting is performed.
(2) Hot work shall not be done in or near compartments or spaces where flammable liquids or vapors, lint or loose combustible stocks are so located or arranged that sparks or hot metal from the welding or cutting operation may cause ignition or explosion of such materials.
(3) Where floor (deck) openings or cracks cannot be closed, precautions shall be taken such that no combustible materials on the floor below will be exposed to sparks. The same precautions shall be observed with cracks or holes in bulkheads, open doorways, and other openings (i.e., open piping, electrical stuffing tubes, etc.).