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• Lead Abatement On Bridges And Steel Structures

Lead Abatement On Bridges And Steel Structures

Table of Contents

SITE SAFETY

TRAINEE OBJECTIVES

After completing Section 5, you will be able to:

1. Define the following acronyms or terms:
   
   Accident
   Confined Space
   GFCI
   Hazardous Atmospheres
   LFL
   UFL
   
   
2. List the two ways to prevent accidents on the job site.
   
   
3. List the five most important actions for eliminating the risk of electrocution.
   
   
4. List the five items that should be checked on a regular basis prior to using a ladder.
   
   
5. Describe "safe work practices" when working with scaffolding.
   
   
6. List four examples of work practices that will help eliminate slips, trips, and falls on the job site.
   
   
7. List the three characteristics of a confined space.
   
   
8. List the three types of hazardous atmospheres.
   
   
9. List the three rules that are always to be followed when working with hazardous atmospheres.
   
   
10. The eight basic elements of any comprehensive confined space entry procedure.
    
    
11. List nine essential items of a written emergency action plan and fire prevention plan.

SITE SAFETY

Due to the nature of the work, lead abatement workers face a higher risk of accidents and injury than the typical construction worker. The personal protective equipment worn to reduce lead exposures can increase the accident potential by:

• Reducing dexterity
• Narrowing the field of vision and reducing clarity
• Reducing communication and hearing capabilities
• Increasing heat stress
• Increasing reaction time by causing physical and mental stress

In short, lead abatement workers are subjected to many factors that may reduce their ability to react, and thereby, increase their chances of an accident.

ACCIDENTS

An accident is an undesirable, unplanned event resulting in personal physical harm, damage to property, or interruption of business. An accident may be the result of an unsafe act, such as standing up in a small boat or not wearing a respirator properly. It may also be the result of an unsafe condition, such as a leaking boat or dangerous atmosphere. These situations can be related, since an individual's unsafe act can result in an unsafe condition for someone else.

Preventing Accidents

The following are two main approaches to reducing or preventing accidents:

• Eliminate unsafe conditions
• Reduce unsafe acts

Eliminate Unsafe Conditions

Workers must look for conditions that can contribute to an accident, and then work to remove exposure to these conditions. Examples are enclosing live electrical circuits or providing workers with the proper protective equipment. This is the best approach, but it is difficult to eliminate all unsafe conditions. It's more difficult to predict or anticipate where such conditions may exist or develop on an lead abatement job.

Reduce Unsafe Acts

Each worker must make a conscious effort to work safely despite the hazardous conditions that may exist at any site. A high degree of safety awareness must be maintained so that the safety factors involved in a job become an actual part of the job.

GENERAL SAFETY

Safety is "the state of being secure from harm, injury, or danger." To be safe, a worker acts in two ways-offensively and defensively. When a worker acts offensively, he or she protects against controllable actions. When a worker acts defensively, he or she maintains an awareness of actions or situations that may be created by others, or by things taking place.

Regulations established by both Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) cover many of these hazards. Employers are required to follow these regulations on the job site, including lead abatement job sites. Safety procedures that you are familiar with from your previous work experiences deal with:

• Eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Safety shoes and hard hats
• Scaffolding
• Safety belts
• Ladders
• Grounding electrical equipment
• Hand tools
• Lifting
• Fall Protection

If you continue to follow the procedures that you already are familiar with, they will protect you in situations you may encounter during lead abatement work.

Safe Work Practices

Safe work practices are "those work habits one can adopt and use to protect himself/herself while performing specific duties." Many of the safe work practices used during lead abatement are designed to limit exposure to lead-containing material. The following examples of work practices would apply to most bridge, steel structure, and demolition jobs:

• Using wet removal techniques
• Using negative pressure air filter systems
• Building containments and other barriers
• Cleaning up the work area regularly

General Site Safety

General site safety procedures include the use of engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment. Employing all available and possible protective measures provides a safer working environment for all workers.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

The use of wet methods increases the chances for electrical shock when working around electrical panels, conduits, light fixtures, alarm systems, junction boxes, computers, transformers, etc.

Actions to Take

1. Deenergize as much equipment as possible. Use portable floodlight systems for lighting and regularly check the system and wiring for damage.
   
   
2. Consider using dry removal in areas immediately adjacent to energized electrical equipment, if de-energizing is not feasible (with prior EPA permission only).
   
   
3. Use nonconductive scrappers and vacuum attachments (wood, plastic, rubber).
   
   
4. Wear heavy insulated rubber boots and gloves when working around energized wiring or equipment.
   
   
5. Put "hot line" covers over energized cables and power lines when possible.
   
   
6. Make sure all electrical equipment in use has a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) before the job starts. This means checking outlets, wiring, extension cords, and power pickups. Check for the ground pin on plugs. These checks should also be made while setting up and regularly during the job.
   
   
7. Use care not to violate insulated coverings with scrappers, scaffolding wheels, etc.
   
   
8. Avoid stringing electrical wiring across floors. Elevate wiring, when possible, to keep it away from water on
   the floor, and damage from foot traffic and rolling scaffolds.
   
   
9. Do not allow water to accumulate in puddles on work area floors. Some specifications require damp floors, but not deep water.
   
   
10. Ensure electrical outlets are tightly sealed and taped to avoid water spray.
    
    
11. Always perform a prework walk-through to identify potential electrical hazards for abatement workers or equipment that may be damaged by wet removal methods.
    
    
12. Use stable wooden or fiberglass ladders, not metal.
    
    
13. Determine operating voltages of equipment and lines before working on or near energized parts.
    
    
14. Electrical equipment and lines should be considered energized, unless tested and determined otherwise.
    
    
15. Energized parts must be insulated or guarded from worker contact and any other conductive objects.
    
    
16. Extension cords used with portable electric tools and appliances must be the three-wire type, and connected to a GFCI.

Extension Cords

1. Should be protected from accidental damage.
   
   
2. Should not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, used while still coiled, run underneath poly, or suspended by wire. (Tape is acceptable.)
   
   
3. Portable electric hand tools should:
   
   
   • Only be used with local exhaust ventilation to capture fibers.
     
     
   • Be equipped with a three-wire cord having a ground wire permanently fixed to the tool frame.
     
     
   • Be double-insulated and labeled as such.
     
     
4. For circuits over 600 volts, if electrical disconnects are not visible and open or locked out, the following requirements should be met:
   
   
   • Circuits to be deenergized are clearly identified and isolated from all energy sources.
     
     
   • Notification received from a designated worker that all switches and disconnects that could supply energy have been deenergized, locked out, and plainly tagged to show people at work.
     
     
   • Visual inspections and tests made to assure deenergizing of lines and equipment.
     
     
   • Protective grounds applied to disconnected lines or equipment.
     
     
5. Separate tag and lockout attached for each crew requiring deenergizing of the same line or equipment.
   
   
6. Tags should not be removed from completed work until designated workers report that all crew members are clear, and protective grounds they installed have been removed.

LADDERS AND SCAFFOLDS

Projects involving lead removal on steel structures always present risks to workers from falls, slips, or trips. Scaffolding and ladders are almost always needed to do the job.

Ladders

The following maintenance and use rules should be adhered to:

• Ladders are always maintained in good condition.
  
  
• Complete inspections are done periodically.
  
  
• No improvised repairs are made.
  
  
• Defective ladders are not used.
  
  
• Safety feet spreaders and other components of ladders are in good condition. (Missing safety feet create sharp edges that will cut poly floor covers.)
  
  
• Movable parts operate freely without binding or undue play.
  
  
• Rungs are kept free of grease or oil.
  
  
• Use ladders only for their intended purpose. (Ladders should not be used as a platforms or walk boards.)
  
  
• Extension type ladders should be used with a 1-4 lean ratio (1 foot out for every 4 feet of elevation).
  
  
• Step ladders should only be used when fully open.
  
  
• The user faces the ladder while going up and down.
  
  
• Tops are not used as steps. If needed, get a longer ladder.
  
  
• Bracing on the back legs is not used for climbing.
  
  
• Portable ladders are used by one person at a time.
  
  
• Ladders are secured to prevent displacement during use.
  
  
• All ladders have well designed safety shoes.
  
  
• Hook or other type ladders used in structures are positively secured.
  
  
• Wood or fiberglass ladders should be selected to avoid electrical hazards of metal ladders.

Scaffolding

Most bridge, structural steel, and demolition projects involve the use of scaffolding. Proper set-up, regular inspection, and basic maintenance is important. In many removal projects, mobile scaffolding provides a convenient and efficient work platform. OSHA standards require that when freestanding mobile scaffolding is used, the height shall not exceed four times the minimum base dimension. This requirement is based on the fact that scaffolding is easily tipped over. Since relatively little force is required to tip a scaffold, it becomes important to make sure that wheels on mobile scaffolds turn freely and are lubricated. All components, such as cross bracing, railings, pin connectors, planking or scaffold grade lumber, should be available before the units are assembled.

When workers will be riding mobile scaffolding, the base dimension should be at least one-half the height. Be careful to keep debris bagged and obstacles off the floor where mobile scaffolds will be used. If a wheel catches on debris on the floor when the unit is moved, additional force will be required to move it. This additional force may tip the unit over. OSHA requires that employers not allow employees to ride on rolling (manually propelled) scaffolding unless the following conditions exist:

• The floor or surface is within 3º of level and free from pits, holes and or obstructions.
  
  
• The minimum dimension of the scaffold base when ready for rolling, is at least one-half of the height. Outriggers, if used, shall be installed on both sides of the staging.
  
  
• The wheels are equipped with rubber or similar resilient tires.
  
  
• All tools and materials are secured or removed from the platform before the mobile scaffold is moved.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Guard rails and toe boards should always be installed on scaffolding used for abatement projects. Workers are usually looking up while working, and can easily step off the edge of scaffold without rails or toe boards.

Areas sealed with poly and kept damp to reduce airborne fibers become very slick. Disposable booties are a potential trip hazard. Air and electrical lines create trip hazards. All of these conditions create potential worker hazards, even before removal begins. When lead and other debris are removed, the accumulations should be bagged and removed from the floor as soon as possible. This simple step, which may require more initial effort, will make cleanup easier and the overall job far safer.

Summary

• Consider the height of the work, equipment in use, and any trip hazards. Take a look at "walking surfaces."
  
  
• The use of disposable booties may be impractical in many removal situations. They may come apart and create a serious trip hazard. Seamless rubber boots, slip-on shoes, or safety shoes with nonskid soles may be an alternative, depending on the job.
  
  
• Inspect ladders and scaffolding for condition. Make sure railings are adequate on scaffolds.
  
  
• Minimize water on floors. Wet poly is very slick, and water increases the risk of electrical shock.
  
  
• Use care around air lines and electrical cords.
  
  
• Suspend electrical lines and cords, when possible, using tape.
  
  
• No running or jumping in work areas should ever be allowed.
  
  
• Minimize debris on floors.
  
  
• Pick up tools, scrappers, etc.

HEAT STRESS

Heat can be a serious hazard on the lead abatement job, especially in crawl spaces and boiler rooms. If workers will be exposed to excessively hot environments, an extensive program specifying safety work practices should be established prior to starting the work. In general, the hotter and more strenuous the job, the greater the chance of heat stress. The severity of heat stress depends on many factors, including:

• Environmental conditions, such as air temperature, air movement and relative humidity, as well as the worker's age.
  
  
• Physical fitness.
  
  
• Degree of obesity.
  
  
• Degree of acclimatization (i.e., workers in winter are less acclimated to heat; and thus, more susceptible).
  
  
• Type of clothing worn.

Under normal conditions, the body produces more heat than necessary to maintain the body temperature. Air currents and evaporation of sweat can remove heat when the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air is lower than the body temperature. However, when the air temperature is above body temperature and the humidity is high, the body may not be able to get rid of extra heat fast enough. If the body can't give off heat fast enough, the body temperature will rise.

Workers Who are at Risk

• Workers wearing protective clothing.
  
  
• Workers who are suffering from diarrhea or fever.
  
  
• Workers who are not physically fit or have not acclimated (become accustom) to the environment.
  
  
• Workers with chronic diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes.
  
  
• Workers who drink alcohol excessively or use drugs.
  
  
• Workers who are obese.
  
  
• Workers who regularly take certain medications for depression, nervous conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.

Forms of Heat Stress

There are four forms of heat stress that result from exposure to high temperature. Generally, productivity also decreases significantly with increased heat.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is the mildest form of heat stress. This is how the body reacts to hot and humid environment. It is caused by heavy sweating where sweat is not easily removed by skin evaporation. Common signs and symptoms include reddening of the skin and development of blisters or a rash.

Heat Cramps

These are probably due to a low sodium chloride level in the blood. The worker experiences severe, painful muscular contractions of the arms, legs, hands, and trunk. Cramps are always preceded by marked sweating. Body temperature may be above or below normal with a rapid pulse. Cramps are usually in the extremities, and generally, follow heavy exertion, but may also take place hours later. If heat cramps occur, the worker should rest in a cool place, and increase fluid intake. (See "Preventive Measures.")

Heat Exhaustion

This is the result of not getting enough water. The individual becomes pale, has cold, clammy skin, and is weak to the point of exhaustion. He/she may also have a headache, vomiting, nausea, muscle cramps, diarrhea, and giddiness. The blood pressure is low, and the temperature may be above or below normal. The condition resembles surgical shock. It may be preceded or followed by heat cramps. There is no increase in body core temperature. If heat exhaustion occurs, the worker should rest in a cool area and drink plenty of water (i.e., 1 pint). (Refer to the topic heading, "Preventive Measures" in this section.)

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat disorder and results from exposure to excessive heat. The skin becomes hot and dry (or red and mottled), and there is a rapidly rising body temperature with a rapid pulse and deep breathing. Blood pressure is high, and there may be unconsciousness, convulsions, or deep coma. The onset may be gradual, with mental excitement and dryness of mouth and skin, or may be sudden with delirium, stupor, or coma. This condition has a death rate of 30% to 50%. If a worker experiences the symptoms of heat stroke, he or she should seek medical attention immediately.

Table 5-1 summarizes the four forms of heat stress and their signs and symptoms.

Preventive Measures

Avoid entering hot areas whenever possible.

• Try to enclose or ventilate equipment or processes generating heat or steam. For example, reflective shielding placed between workers and the source of radiant heat (i.e., furnace) can reduce workers' exposure to heat.
  
  
• Use exhaust ventilation to draw heat from the area. Have high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) exhaust in hottest areas. Supply area with colder air. Fans are not recommended when loose lead material is present because fibers will become airborne.
  
  
• Implement short work periods and long rest periods (in a cool area). It may be necessary to have up to 75% rest time depending on work conditions.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids even if you are not thirsty. Some studies have shown that drinking commercial thirst quenching, (electrolytic solution) is helpful. Workers with heart conditions or on low salt diets should consult with a physician first. Avoid alcohol consumption because it can lead to further dehydration.
  
  
• Slowly acclimatize workers to the hot environment. Acclimatization is the process by which humans are able to adjust to hot environments by means of physiological and psychological adjustments. Gradual exposure to a hot environment works best. Acclimatization can be quickly lost. New employees or workers returning after a weekend or vacation will be less able to tolerate heat than those working regularly in a hot environment, and will then be more susceptible to heat stress.

Monitoring for Heat Stress

• Check heart rate during rest breaks. If it is greater than 120, work time should be reduced and rest time increased.
  
  
• Check temperature at the end of the work period, but before drinking fluids. If it is greater than 99.6ºF (37.6ºC), work time needs to be reduced and rest time increased. If it is greater than 100.6ºF (38.1ºC), remove protective work clothing.
  
  
• Check weight (in the nude) before and at the end of work. If the loss of weight is greater than 1.5% of total weight, take in more fluids during work. As an example, if normal weight is 200 pounds and more than 3 pounds (.015 x 200 lbs = 3 lbs) is lost from the start to the end of the shift, it is necessary to drink more fluids .
  
  
• Check for symptoms of heat stress and seek treatment when necessary.

Treatment/Emergency Measures

• Get medical help immediately. Emergency telephone numbers should be posted at the work site.
  
  
• Move victim to cool area. Remove worker's respirator if he/she is wearing one.
  
  
• Soak clothes thoroughly with water (or remove clothes), and fan person vigorously to increase cooling.

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

A confined space is an area that has any one or all of the following characteristics:

• Adequate size and shape to allow a person to enter.
• Limited openings for entry and exit
• Is not designed for continuous human occupancy

Improper entry into confined spaces results in a significant number of industrial and construction accidents, including fatalities, every year.

Typical examples of confined spaces include storage tanks, tank trucks, process vessels, boilers, pipelines, pits, septic tanks, vats, manholes, utility vaults, ventilation ducts, silos, sewers, and trenches.

Confined Spaces Hazards

The primary hazards that may be found in confined spaces are:

• Hazardous atmospheres
• Moving or driven equipment
• Process liquids and steam or water

Hazardous Atmospheres

Since, in most confined spaces there is a lack of natural air movement, the most common hazard is hazardous atmospheres. There are three types of hazardous atmospheres that workers should recognize:

• Oxygen-deficient atmospheres
• Flammable atmospheres
• Toxic atmospheres

Oxygen-deficient Atmospheres

An oxygen-deficient atmosphere has less than 19.5% available oxygen. Any atmosphere with less than 19.5% oxygen should not be entered without an approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or airline respirator with escape. Even if testing shows oxygen levels above 19.5%, remember there is normally a lack of ventilation or natural air movement in a confined space. Any work that uses up oxygen, such as welding, cutting, or brazing, may cause the oxygen level of the confined space to fall below 19.5%. It is important, therefore, to periodically test the air in the confined space for oxygen content when work is being performed without an appropriate SCBA, airline respirator, or ventilation.

Flammable Atmospheres

A flammable atmosphere develops when a flammable gas, vapor, or dust is present in the air at concentrations between the Lower Flammable Limit (LFL) and the Upper Flammable Limit (UFL). If a source of ignition (e.g., a sparking electrical tool) is introduced into a confined space containing a flammable atmosphere, an explosion will result.

Toxic Atmosphere

Most substances (liquids, vapors, gases, mists, solid materials, and dusts) should be considered hazardous in a confined space. The following are some sources of toxic substances that may be present in confined spaces:

• Liquids, residues, or sludges from material previously stored.
  
  
• Toxic materials that have been absorbed into the walls and will give off toxic gases or vapors.
  
  
• Hazardous gases produced by decomposition.
  
  
• Hazardous gases that have accumulated at the bottom of the confined space because they are heavier than air.
  
  
• Materials produced by, or used in, the work being performed in the confined space. For example, cleaning solvents, paints, and welding fumes.

In view of these extremely hazardous atmospheres that can exist in confined spaces, the following rules should always be followed:

• Never enter a confined space if it contains flammable vapors or gases greater than 10% of the lower explosive level (LEL) or lower flammable level (LFL), or if the concentration of a toxic material is immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
  
  
• Always wear an approved SCBA when entering an atmosphere with less than 19.5% oxygen.
  
  
• When concentrations of toxic materials are above 50% of the permissible exposure limit (PEL), but below the IDLH, workers may enter if they are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Reducing the Danger

The following procedures will reduce the dangers associated with confined spaces:

• Isolation
• Testing the atmosphere
• Ventilation
• Standby and rescue

Isolation

Isolation of a confined space eliminates the hazards associated from moving or driven equipment, and the unexpected entry of process liquids, steam, or water.

Isolation is the process whereby the space is removed from service by:

• Locking out electrical sources, preferably by disconnecting the switches from the equipment.
  
  
• Blanking and bleeding lines which contain process fluids, steam, and water; or pneumatic and hydraulic lines.
  
  
• Disconnecting or locking out drives on mechanically driven equipment.
  
  
• Securing moving parts (within the confined space) with latches, chains, locks, or other devices.

Testing the Atmosphere

It is important to understand that some gases or vapors are heavier than air and will settle to the bottom of a confined space. Also, some gases are lighter than air and will be found around the top of the confined space. Therefore, it is necessary to test all areas (i.e., top, middle, bottom) of a confined space with properly calibrated testing instruments to determine what gases are present. If testing reveals oxygen deficiency, or the presence of toxic gases or vapors, the space must be ventilated and retested before workers enter. If ventilation is not possible and entry is necessary (e.g., for emergency rescue), workers must have appropriate respiratory protection.

Ventilation

Ventilation by a blower or fan may be necessary to remove harmful gases and vapors from a confined space. There are several methods for ventilating a confined space. The method and equipment chosen are dependent upon the size of the confined space openings, the hazards gases to be exhausted, and the source of makeup air.

Under conditions where flammable gases or vapors have displaced the oxygen, but are too rich to burn, forced air ventilation may dilute them until they are within the explosive range. Also, if inert gases (e.g. carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon) are used in the confined space, they may have displaced the oxygen content. Therefore, the space should be well ventilated and retested before a worker may enter.

A common method of ventilation requires a large hose with one end attached to a blower and the other lowered into the confined space. For example, a manhole would have the ventilating hose run to the bottom to blow out all harmful gases and vapors. The air intake would be placed in an area that will only draw in fresh air. Ventilation should be continuous, where possible, because in many confined spaces, the hazardous atmosphere will form again when the flow of air stops.

Standby and Rescue

A standby person should remain on the outside of the confined space and be in constant contact (visual or speech) with the workers inside. The standby person should not have duties other than to serve as standby and know whom to notify in case of emergency. Standby personnel should not enter a confined space until help arrives, and then only with proper equipment.

More than 50% of the workers who die in confined spaces are attempting to rescue other workers. Rescuers must be trained in, and follow, established emergency procedures and use appropriate equipment and techniques (e.g., lifelines, respiratory protection, standby persons). Steps for safe rescue should be included in all confined space entry procedures. Rescue should be well planned and drills frequently conducted on emergency procedures. Unplanned rescue, such as when someone instinctively rushes in to help a downed co-worker, can easily result in multiple fatalities.

Confined Space Entry Procedure

Basic elements of any comprehensive confined space entry procedure include:

Authorization and Permit

No person should enter a confined space, unless a confined entry permit has been prepared and authorized by the appropriate individual (normally, a supervisor).

Pre-entry Precautions

Ensure that the confined space has been isolated to prevent entry of hazardous materials. Locking and tagging, removal of spool pieces, and installation of blanks are acceptable methods. Lock out and tag out all associated electrical and mechanical equipment.

Pre-entry Testing

Confined spaces shall be tested for hazardous atmospheres, including, as a minimum, flammable vapors (percentage of LEL), oxygen deficiency (percentage of oxygen) and toxic materials (concentration of any unknown contaminant). Result of testing (instrument readings) should be noted on entry permit.

Entry Decision

No one may enter a confined space until all items on the confined space entry permit are completed and signed. Appropriate authorization signatures must be in place.

Standby Observer

Personnel working in a confined space must be under the constant observation of a standby observer who is outside the confined space. The standby person should review the checklist before permitting any confined space entry.

Rescue Harness

Every person entering a confined space must wear a rescue harness or wristlets with a lifeline attached. The end of the lifeline must be secured outside the confined space.

Dangerous Atmosphere

Where an oxygen deficiency or a potential fire hazard exists, or could develop, all persons within the confined space must wear SCBA.

Emergency Actions

In the event of an emergency, the standby person must:

• Never enter the confined space
• Promptly sound alarm or communicate the emergency to emergency personnel
• Leave post only to report emergency or for self-protection

FIRE SAFETY

A few fire safety concerns are exits, travel distances, emergency lighting, and alarm systems.

Some protective clothing will burn and melt quickly. It can shrink, adhere to skin, and rip as it burns. Heavy black smoke is a combustion byproduct. Polyethylene and other fabric type containments are combustible. They start burning slowly and pick up speed as more heat is generated, giving off heavy smoke as the fire progresses. Flame spread is slow and steady. Sheeting should be kept away from heat sources, such as transformers, steam pipes, and boilers that will be heated during removal. (Polyethylene should not be allowed to come in contact with surfaces above 150ºF.)

Avoiding Fire Problems in Control Areas:

• In case of fire, the fire hazard becomes more immediate than the lead hazard, and workers may need to break the barriers. This should be communicated to workers in the emergency action plan for the job site.
  
  
• Ensure all sources of ignition are removed. Be sure that gas and other fuel sources are cut off and that pilot lights in boilers, heaters, hot water tanks, and compressors are extinguished.
  
  
• Locate "hot spots." Often equipment will have to be draped instead of sealed off to prevent overheating (e.g. computers, terminal boards, switch panels, transformers).
  
  
• Cut off supply to steam lines, electric and steam heaters, and radiators. Do not permit the poly to come in contact with hot surfaces.
  
  
• Do not allow lighters or matches into the work area.
  
  
• Strictly enforce no smoking, eating, or drinking rules inside the work area.
  
  
• When using an oxygen/acetylene torch for cutting, post a fire watch along with the appropriate fire extinguisher. Do not use CO₂ extinguishers in confined or enclosed spaces. Dry chemical extinguishers are effective, but the powder is a respiratory irritant.
  
  
• When using a cutting torch, know what is on the other side of the wall and below the floor. Use sheet metal or a treated tarp to catch sparks.
  
  
• Reduce the amount of flammable and combustible materials inside a space to a minimum prior to hanging plastic. This includes removal of any chemicals, flammable liquids and heat sensitive materials.
  
  
• Mark exits from the work area. Post directional arrows when exits are not visible from remote work areas. This can easily be done using duct tape on the polyethylene walls and barriers.
  
  
• Keep trash and debris to a minimum (e.g., tape, poly, bags, lumber).
  
  
• If the work area is large, and many workers are present, several emergency exits may be needed. Choose exits that are locked from outside, but can be opened from the inside. A daily inspection should be conducted to ensure secondary exits are not blocked.
  
  
• Lighting should be provided in exits and exit routes .
  
  
• Be alert for flammable vapors in industrial areas (solvents, such as naphtha, toluene, and xylol). This is especially critical in industrial vacuuming operations, where vacuum motors are not explosion proof. Compressed air vacuums may be required.
  
  
• A telephone should be available at all times for notifying authorities in an emergency.
  
  
• Post local fire department and rescue squad phone numbers. Advise them of the operations in progress.
  
  
• Make sure there is a monitor outside at all times, trained in emergency procedures. Someone should be trained in first aid and in the treatment of heat stress.

Effective December 11, 1980, OSHA revised its fire safety standards. OSHA now requires a written emergency action plan and fire prevention plan. Briefly, the essential elements of the plans include:

• The manner in which emergencies are announced.
  
  
• Emergency escape procedures and emergency escape routes.
  
  
• Procedures for workers who must remain to operate critical plant operations that may take time to shut down.
  
  
• Procedures for accounting for all workers after evacuation.
  
  
• Rescue and medical duties.
  
  
• Names and/or job titles of individuals to contact for additional information.
  
  
• A list of the major workplace fire hazards.
  
  
• Names and/or job titles of individuals to contact for maintenance of fire prevention equipment.
  
  
• Names and/or job titles of individuals responsible for the control of fuel source hazards.