Page 147 - MRF Training TJ MRF Manual Version 5 22042024 final April 24_Neat

The contractor / operator in all circumstances is to ensure that the working area is clean and
clear of combustible materials prior to commencement of work, and care is to be taken to
use water based cleaning materials and not solvents prior to any work commencement.

The working area must always be adequately ventilated and that no flammable gases or
combustible airborne particles are present prior to any work being carried out. It is essential
that all contractors and Company maintenance personnel, who carry out hot work,
familiarise themselves with the means of escape and means of raising the alarm prior to the
commencement of any hot work.

Stage 4

At the end of the Hot Work, all equipment should be removed to a suitable and secure
location and in all circumstances gas cylinders are to be removed from the working area
when not in use
When work is finished the contractor or operator in all circumstances is to ensure that the
area be inspected to check for incipient fires; this inspection should be maintained for at
least one hour after cease work of the Hot Work operation.
Precautions - Gas Welding And Cutting Apparatus

It is essential that in all circumstances the Contractor or operator is suitably qualified and
competent to carry out the task safely and proficiently. All equipment should be maintained,
operated and secured in accordance with current regulations and standards.

Precautions - Electric Welding And Cutting Apparatus

Many fires are caused by sparks from molten metal during cutting and welding, by hot
electrode stubs falling onto combustible material or by direct ignition from the blowpipe.
Risks also arise from faulty or badly maintained fittings incorrectly connected electric-
welding equipment or by transmission of heat through material being welded or cut therefore
the operator’s attention should be drawn to the following points:

A suitably serviceable fire extinguisher should be at hand.

Combustible material should be removed from the vicinity of the flame and from
behind the work, or, if this is not possible it should be screened.

Flammable liquids should be removed from the area.

Metal receptacles should be provided for electrode stubs.
The electrical cable provided with the welding equipment should be as short as possible and
meet current regulations; this is to include all wiring and connections. Operators are to
ensure in all circumstances that the three connections are carried out (Welding Lead,
Welding Return and Welding Safety Earth) for every welding circuit.

Page 146 of 181

Reviewed April 2024