NFPA 51B Hot Work Standards Now Referenced

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NFPA 51B Hot Work Standards Now
Referenced by OSHA, DOE & API
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1. What other organizations now look to NFPA 51B as the
recognized standard for hot work practices?
NFPA 51B is now the hot works protocol referenced by the
following agencies:
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
29 CFR 1910.252
• Department of Energy (DOE) - 10 CFR 851
• American Petroleum Institute (API) - API 2009
2. When did the 2009 become effective?
The NFPA 51B 2009 Edition was made effective on September
5, 2008. It supersedes all previous editions.
3. What Is the Purpose of the Standard?
NFPA 51B provides guidance for persons, including outside
contractors and property managers, who manage, supervise,
and perform hot work. It covers provisions to prevent loss of
life and property from fire or explosion as a result of hot work.
4. What are Some of the Requirements in the 2009 Edition?
“The 2009 edition includes a new requirement for listed
and/or approved welding blankets, pads, and curtains; gives
definitions of those terms; and updates permit information. It
also includes clarification of the 35 Foot Rule; alternative
methods to hot work; requirements for site-specific hazard
awareness by hot work contractors; and new requirements for
personnel protective equipment.” – Page 1 of 2009 Standard
5. What is the Requirement for Listed and/or Approved
Welding Blankets, Curtains and Pads?
NFPA 51B now requires that welding blankets, curtains and
pads be listed, approved, or the equivalent, for such use. One
such listing includes ANSI/FM 4950, American National
Standard for Evaluating Welding Pads, Welding Blankets and
Welding Curtains for Hot Work Operations.
6. How does the Standard Define Welding Blankets, Curtains
and Pads?
Welding Blanket — A heat-resistant fabric designed to be
placed in the vicinity of a hot work operation. Intended for
use in horizontal applications with light to moderate
exposures such as that resulting from chipping, grinding, heat
treating, sand blasting and light horizontal welding. Designed
to protect machinery and prevent ignition of combustibles
such as wood that are located adjacent to the underside of
the blanket.
Welding Curtain — A heat-resistant fabric designed to be
placed in the vicinity of a hot work operation. Intended for
use in vertical applications with light to moderate exposures
such as that resulting from chipping, grinding, heat treating,
sand blasting, and light horizontal welding. Designed to
prevent sparks from escaping a confined area.
Welding Pad — A heat-resistant fabric designed to be placed
directly under a hot work operation such as welding or cutting.
Intended for use in horizontal applications with severe exposures
such as that resulting from molten substances or heavy horizontal
welding. Designed to prevent the ignition of combustibles that
are located adjacent to the underside of the pad.
7. What does the Standard Say about Contractors’
Responsibility for Hot Work?
“Before starting any hot work, contractors and their clients
shall discuss the planned project completely, including the type
of hot work to be conducted and the hazards in the area.”
– Page 6 of 2009 Standard
8. What are Some of the Conditions that Require “Listed or
Approved” Materials Before a Hot Work Permit is Issued?
• “All combustibles shall be relocated at least 35 ft (11 m) in all
directions from the work site, and the following criteria also
shall be met:
- If relocation is impractical, combustibles shall be
protected by a listed or approved welding curtain,
welding blanket, welding pad, or equivalent.
- To prevent the entrance of sparks, the edges of covers at
the floor shall be tight, including at the point at which
several covers overlap where a large pile is being
protected.“ – Page 7 of 2009 Standard
• ”If hot work is done near walls, partitions, ceilings or roofs
of combustible construction, they shall be protected by a
listed or approved welding curtain, welding blanket,
welding pad, or equivalent.” – Page 7 of Standard
9. What is the Requirement for Listed or Approved Materials
on a Hot Work Permit?
The Standard includes a sample Hot Work Permit that includes
“requirements within 35 ft (11m) of hot work.” One of the
requirements is:
• Other combustible storage material removed or covered
with listed or approved materials (welding pads, blankets, or
curtains; fire-resistive tarpaulins), metal shield, or
noncombustible materials.
10. Why is using Certified Fabrics Important?
In order for welding blankets, curtains, and pads to meet
ANSI/FM 4950 they must undergo and pass stringent thirdparty testing, certification and ongoing audit procedures, and
meet the conditions for safety, performance and quality. In
addition, manufacturers must maintain a quality control
program and submit to manufacturing facility inspections as
part of the Approval process.
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H O T W O R K S A F E T Y S TA N D A R D S U P D AT E
Update:
Information For Entities Working Under U.S. Dept. of Energy or National Nuclear Security Administration Regulation
10 CFR 851:
The program requires compliance to the latest edition of all pertinent safety standards. For hot work activities, two
standards apply:
1) ANSI Z49.1 “Safety in Welding, Cutting and
Allied Processes”, section 4.3 and E4.3 (1999).
These sections deal with Protective Clothing and
PPE.
2) NFPA 51B “Standard for Fire Prevention During
Welding, Cutting and Hot Work”, 2009 Edition.
This standard covers provisions to prevent loss of
life and property from fire or explosion as a
result of hot work, including welding curtains,
blankets and pads, as explained on front.
Auburn Manufacturing Inc. (AMI) is the safest
choice and most reliable source for Approved
fabrics that meet NFPA 51B for several reasons:
1) We were the first manufacturer to achieve FM
Approved status of hot work fabrics, and have
maintained Approval status since 2004, including
annual audits and inspections.
2) AMI is a U.S. manufacturer and uses domestically
sourced materials. We are able to certify to the
requirements of the Berry Amendment, often requested in government-funded projects. We are currently under
contract with DoD to supply welding fabrics to U.S. Naval Shipyards.
3) AMI fabrics exceed FM Approved requirements with continuous printing of “FM Approved” and the Performance
Rating (Curtain, Blanket or Pad) throughout the rolls for easy ID on the job. This addition was driven by a DOE
request.
4) AMI is a small, woman-owned business, and is certified as such by WBENC.
Auburn Manufacturing, Inc.
Since its founding in 1979, Auburn Manufacturing, Inc., a U.S. manufacturer, has become a leading developer,
manufacturer, and marketer of textile products for hundreds of extreme temperature industrial applications
throughout the world, including welding protection, industrial insulation, safety apparel, gaskets and seals, and
other MROP applications. AMI is certified to ISO 9001:2008.
34 Walker Road • P.O. Box 220 • Mechanic Falls, Maine 04256 • T: 1-800-264-6689 • www.auburnmfg.com
NUC 10/11/10