A plant production manager wanted to take an empty 20-gallon solvent drum home to use as a waste container in his workshop. He went to the shipping and receiving department where the supervisor let him pick out an empty drum that was in good condition. This was against a company policy that no drums be reused without decontamination.
The manager took the drum to the maintenance department and asked a welder to use his torch to cut the top off. The welder removed the plug and was adjusting his torch to begin the cut when the drum exploded. The welder’s jugular vein was partially severed by a metal fragment. Prompt first aid by a co-worker prevented the welder from bleeding to death before paramedics arrived.
The drum apparently contained a small amount of solvent and vapors, which were ignited by heat from the welder’s torch.
This company did have a rule designed to protect workers from this kind of event. Perhaps the shipping/receiving department supervisor felt uncomfortable telling the production manager no, or that he would have to wait. Certainly the welder should have looked out for his own best interest and satisfied himself as to the safety of the task he was asked to perform. But the regulations in the State that this occurred clearly provided guidance.
Working with ignition sources near flammable materials is referred to as “hot work.” Welding and cutting are examples of hot work. Fires are often the result of the “quick five minute” job in areas not intended for welding or cutting. Getting a hot work permit before performing hot work is just one of steps involved in a hot work management program that helps to reduce the risk of starting a fire by welding or cutting in areas where there are flammable or combustible materials. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 51B “Fire Prevention in the Use of Cutting and Welding Processes” serves as the basis for the fire codes and many fire prevention practices adopted by industry.
CSA Standard W117.2-94, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes.
Whenever welding or cutting, make certain of the compositions of the material you will be working on or around and the contents of any containers. When performing any task, consider the potential consequences. Don’t take risks with your health and well being. No one will look out for you as well as you can look out for yourself.