Purpose

The Purpose of the Validus Energy Hot Work Program is to define where Hot Work (Welding, soldering, cutting, and brazing) can be done safely, to define the requirements of the hot work permit and the responsibilities of the fire watch.

All Hot Work not done in a Designated Hot Work Area must have a Hot Work permit filled out prior to beginning the work.

 A dedicated Fire Watch must be present for the duration of the work plus an additional 30 minutes.

 Any Hot Work done during red flag conditions must be approved in writing by the appropriate superintendent.

General Policies

If hot work is done outside a designated Hot Work Area, a minimum 35-foot safe zone must be cleared of all explosive, flammable, and combustible materials.  

A foreman or above must authorize Hot Work to be performed on any active or producing Validus Energy wellsite.

A Fire Watch is required for all Hot Work activities and must be present for an additional 30 minutes after the work is completed.  The Fire Watch cannot have any other duties.  The Fire Watch must have a suitable fire extinguisher available.

Air Monitoring must be conducted to ensure that hot work is not being done in a flammable atmosphere.

A hot work permit is required for any hot work activities not done in an approved hot work area.  The Validus Energy Hot Work Permit is found on the forms page of Validus.Energy.

Specific Requirements

Confined Space

Validus Energy Employees may not conduct any hot work operations in a confined space.

Contractors conducting hot work in a confined space must meet the requirements of the OSHA Confined Space Standard (1910.146) and the applicable requirements outlined in Subpart Q of 1910 for the work being conducted.

Welding Equipment

All personnel operating, installing, and maintaining Welding equipment shall be qualified or trained to operate and maintain the equipment.

Prior to Welding, verify that ground connections are mechanically strong and adequate for the required current.

All leads shall be periodically inspected and replaced if insulation is broken, or splices are unprotected.  Leads shall not be repaired with electrical tape.

When arc welding is stopped, electrodes shall be removed from the holders.

Designated Hot Work Area requirements
Indoor floors swept and cleaned of combustibles within 35 feet of work area.

Flammable and combustible liquids and material will be kept 35 feet from the hot work area and ventilation potentials shall be terminated and exhausted prior to commencement of Hot Work.

The area must have adequate ventilation.

At least one 20-pound dry chemical fire extinguisher shall be within immediate access of the Designated Hot Work Area.

Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS)

Prior to conducting Hot Work on a Validus Energy site where simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) are under way, the Validus Energy Person in Charge (PIC) must approve the scope of work.

Hot Work must be shut down if any of the following conditions occur:

·        Any emergency alarm sounds

·        Smell or monitor reading of gas

·        Evacuation

·        Emergency drill

·        Any other emergency

Hot-work activities may not resume following any of the above conditions without reauthorization from the PIC.

PPE Use

Personal Protection
Employees conducting Hot Work must use proper personal protective equipment rated for the activity being done to protect the hands, body and eyes.

During all activities that create an arc, the employee must wear an appropriately shaded hood/lens combination to protect their head and eyes from light and sparks/debris.  

Respiratory Protection

Employees conducting Hot Work activities will refer to the Validus Energy Respiratory Protection Program to determine the appropriate minimum respiratory protection that shall be used during Welding operations.

All Welding and cutting operations shall be adequately ventilated to prevent the accumulation of toxic fumes or exhaust. This applies not only to the welder, but also to helpers and other personnel in the immediate vicinity.

Cylinder Requirements

Compressed gas cylinders shall be DOT-approved and legibly marked near the shoulder to identify the contents.

Compressed gas cylinders shall be always secured and stored in an upright position unless they are being loaded, hoisted, or carried.

All cylinders shall be kept away from sources of heat and flame.

Stored oxygen cylinders shall be kept at least 20 feet from the fuel gas cylinders or combustible materials or separated by a non-combustible barrier at least 5 feet high with a fire rating of at least 30 minutes.

Valve protection caps shall always be in place and hand-tight except when cylinders are in use or connected for use.

Assigned storage spaces shall be located where cylinders cannot be knocked over or damaged by falling objects or subject to tampering by unauthorized persons.

Cylinders and safety devices shall not be tampered with, nor should any attempt be made to repair them.

Emergency Procedures

If a fire occurs that cannot be controlled by the fire watch, evacuate the area and contact Emergency Services.