Hot work performed on the interior or exterior of tanks that hold or have held flammable or combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Section 3510.2 and Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 of NFPA 326.
The following steps shall be taken to minimize hazards where hot work must be performed on a flammable or combustible liquid storage container:
- Use alternative methods to avoid hot work where possible.
- Analyze the hazards prior to performing hot work, identify the potential hazards and the methods of hazard control.
- Hot work shall conform to the requirements of the code or standard to which the container was originally fabricated.
- Test the immediate and surrounding work area with a combustible gas detector and provide for a means of continuing monitoring while conducting the hot work.
- Qualified employees and contractors performing hot work shall use an industry-approved hot work permit system to control the work.
- Personnel shall be properly trained on hot work policies and procedures regarding equipment, safety, hazard controls and job-specific requirements.
- On-site safety supervision shall be present where hot work is in progress to protect the personnel conducting the hot work and provide additional overview of site-specific hazards.