Safety and Health Program- Plumbing Upgrade Chapter

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Plumbing Operations and Safety

Policy:

Plumbing operations normally includes the installation, preventive maintenance, and repair of water supply systems, sewage and water disposal systems, natural liquified petroleum gas (LPG) or other gas supply systems (to include gas appliances), and oxygen supply systems. These systems and the maintenance of them contribute to the total well-being Company facilities.

Hazards encountered during plumbing operations include, but are not limited to, entry into an oxygen deficient atmosphere (confined space), fire or explosion (by introducing an ignition or flame source into a hazardous environment), and falls. Cave-in of an excavated area, burns from heat producing equipment, strains and sprains of the back (or other muscle group), and cuts and/or bruises, are also potential dangers.

Working in confined spaces, handling heavy and awkward materials, being subjected to numerous obstructions in limited working space, and health related hazards are conducive to producing accidents. Plumbing maintenance workers need to be knowledgeable of these potential hazards and conditions and take reasonable actions to prevent incidents before they occur.

Personal Protective Equipment:

Personal protective equipment worn during plumbing maintenance operations normally consists of eye and/or face protection, work or chemical resistant gloves, and safety-toe shoes. A bump cap or hard hat may be required under conditions that could result in head injuries (e.g., work in manholes and in close spaces with low overhead pipe or other obstructions).

Eye or face protection is required while working plumbing connections, with chemicals, or where an eye hazard could exist while using tools or machines, and while working on pressure systems.

Procedures:

Hot Operations- ("Open Flame" permits may be required for these operations. Seek guidance from the Safety and Health Manager or Supervisor prior to "Hot Operations")

1) Torches and Furnaces

a) Only essential fire prevention items pertaining to the operation of blowtorches and plumber's furnaces are included. Work and storage areas for this equipment shall be well ventilated.

b) No one shall be permitted to use a torch or furnace until the user is trained on its use and is familiar with the operating instructions.

c) Where flammable or explosive vapors or dust may be present, torches and furnaces shall not be used until the atmosphere has been vented and the sources of such vapors or dust removed.

d) Gasoline blowtorches and furnaces shall not be used in small, unventilated spaces since they could cause explosions. Acetylene gas shall never be brought in contact with metal powders such as copper or silver as the combination may produce flashes which can ignite explosive atmospheres.

e) Combustible materials in locations where torches or furnaces are to be used shall be protected or kept far enough away to prevent their being subjected to sparks or dangerous temperatures. Appropriate fire extinguishers shall be available.