of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 17-NFPA 51B-2015 [ Global Input ] 3.3.X Responsible Party. The building owner, a lessee, or a duly authorized representative. Globally change "management" everywhere it appears in the document to "responsible party." Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input Management is not defined and is a very nebulous term that could indicate anyone from the shift manager at a local McDonalds to the CEO of a Fortune 100 company. Since the term management cannot be pinned to any one person, it is unenforceable. It could apply directly to no one and to everyone. This public input suggests changing it to "responsible party" and defining that term using the language from NFPA 1. Defining responsible party prevents having to say building owner, lessee, or designated representative every time "management" appears in the document. Related Public Inputs for This Document Related Input Public Input No. 19-NFPA 51B-2015 [Chapter 4] Public Input No. 20-NFPA 51B-2015 [Chapter 5] Public Input No. 21-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.4.1] Relationship Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Michael DeVore Organization: State Farm Insurance Company Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 03 11:39:26 EST 2015 Committee Statement Resolution: The Technical Committee does not agree with the proposal to change "management" to "responsible party". The current document contains a definition of management in 3.3.2 and provides the responsibilities in 4.1.
2 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 35-NFPA 51B-2016 [ Section No. 1.3.2 ] 1.3.2 This standard shall not apply to the following: (1) Candles (2) Pyrotechnics or special effects (3) Cooking operations (4) Electric soldering irons (5) Design and installation of gas cutting equipment and welding equipment covered in NFPA 51, Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes (6) Additional requirements for hot work operations in confined spaces (7) Lockout/tagout procedures during hot work (8) Hot works conducted in labratories compling with NFPA 45 Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input The requirements contained in NFPA 51B are excessive and not partible for work being conducted in laboratories. In addition, NFPA 45 contains safeguards for hot works in laboratories. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: William Guffey Organization: Street Address: City: State: Zip: University of Maryland, Fire Marshal's Office Submittal Date: Sat Mar 05 18:47:58 EST 2016 Committee Statement Resolution: NFPA 45 does not reference NFPA 51B or hot work safe practices in the current 2015 edition. The guidelines for designated area could be applied to a laboratory.
3 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 44-NFPA 51B-2016 [ Section No. 1.3.2 ] 1.3.2 This standard shall specifically not apply to the following: (1) Candles (2) Pyrotechnics or special effects (3) Cooking operations (4) Electric soldering irons (5) Design and installation of gas cutting equipment and welding equipment covered in NFPA 51, Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes (6) Additional requirements for hot work operations in confined spaces (7) Lockout/tagout procedures during hot work Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input Section 1.3.1 states applicability of the standard and in item (8) states this it applies to "similar applications." Section 1.3.2 elaborates on item (8) in listing application to which it does not apply. By adding the word "specifically," it emphasizes the intent more clearly. I eliminates the attempt to argue that item (8) may be interpreted to include the items in 1.3.2, nor that the definition of "Hot Work" in 3.3.1 includes these specific applications. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Jim Muir Organization: Building Safety Division, Clark County, Washington Affilliation: NFPA's Building Code Development Committee (BCDC) Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Thu Jun 16 17:39:12 EDT 2016 Committee Statement Resolution: The Technical Committee determined that the language was clear as written.
4 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 18-NFPA 51B-2015 [ New Section after 1.5 ] 1.6 Units and Formulas. 1.6.1 The units of measure in this [document] are presented first in U.S. customary units (inch-pound units). International System (SI) of Units follow the inchpound units in parentheses. 1.6.2 Either system of units shall be acceptable for satisfying the requirements in the standard. 1.6.3 Users of this standard shall apply one system of units consistently and shall not alternate between units. 1.6.4 The values presented for measurements in this standard are expressed with a degree of precision appropriate for practical application and enforcement. It is not intended that the application or enforcement of these values be more precise than the precision expressed. 1.6.5 Where extracted text contains values expressed in only one system of units, the values in the extracted text have been retained without conversion to preserve the values established by the responsible technical committee in the source document. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input Since units are used in the document, this standard language is needed in Chapter 1. See the Manual of Style section 4.1.1 and the suggested language, which is proposed, from A.4.4. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Michael DeVore Organization: Street Address: City: State: Zip: State Farm Insurance Company Submittal Date: Tue Nov 03 11:49:27 EST 2015 Committee Statement Resolution: FR-3-NFPA 51B-2016 Statement: Since units are used in the document, this standard language is needed in Chapter 1. See the Manual of Style section 4.1.1 and the suggested language from A.4.4.
5 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 19-NFPA 51B-2015 [ Chapter 4 ] Chapter 4 Responsibility for Hot Work. 4.1.2 Management shall designate a permit authorizing individual (PAI) 4.1 * Management. Management or a designated agent shall be responsible for the safe operations of hot work activity. 4.1.1 Management shall establish permissible areas for hot work.
6 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM General. 4.1.1 Responsible Party. The responsible party shall ensure all of the following: (1) Safe operations maintained during hot work activity (2) Permit authorizing individual (PAI) designated (3) Permissible areas established for hot work (4) Awareness provided for site-specific special hazards including, but not limited to: (5) Flammable materials (6) Hazardous processes (7) *Other potential fire hazards 4.1.2 Equipment. 4.1. 3 2.1 All equipment shall be examined to ensure it is in a safe operating condition. 4.1. 4 2.2 When found to be incapable of reliable safe operation, the equipment shall be repaired by qualified personnel prior to its next use or be withdrawn from service and tagged out of service. 4.1. 5 Management shall ensure that only approved apparatus, such as torches, manifolds, regulators or pressure-reducing valves, and acetylene generators, are used 2.3 Equipment withdrawn from service shall be tagged out of service. 4.1. 6 Management shall ensure that all individuals involved in the hot work operations, including contractors, are 3 Personnel. Employees or contractors performing hot work shall be familiar with the provisions of this standard. 4.1. 6 3. 1 Individuals involved in 1 Personnel performing hot work operations shall be trained in the safe operation of their equipment and in the safe use of the process. 4.1.
7 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM 6 3.2 Individuals involved in Personnel performing hot work operations shall have an awareness be aware of the inherent risks involved and understand the emergency procedures in the event of a fire. 4. 1.7 Management shall advise all contractors about site-specific flammable materials, hazardous processes or conditions, or other potential fire hazards. 4. 2 Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI). In conjunction with management When issuing hot work permits, the PAI shall be responsible for the safe operation of hot work activities. ensure safe operations by inspecting all of the following: (1) Location (2) Equipment (3) Personnel training credentials 4.2.1 * The When site-specific special hazards exist, the PAI shall consider inform the safety of the hot work operator and fire watch with respect to of the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for other special hazards beyond hot work. ( See 5.1.) 4.2. 2 2 The PAI shall determine identify site-specific flammable materials, hazardous processes, or other potential fire hazards that are
8 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM * present or likely to be present in the hot work location. 4.2. 3 The PAI shall ensure the protection of combustibles 3 Hot work shall not be permitted unless combustibles are protected from ignition by any of the following means: Considering (1) Using alternative methods to hot work (2) Moving the work to a location that is (1) free from (1) of combustibles If the work cannot be moved, moving the (1) Moving the combustibles to a safe distance or having (1) (2) Shielding the combustibles properly shielded (1) against ignition (2) Scheduling hot work so that (1) when operations are down that could expose combustibles to ignition are not begun during hot work operations 4.2.4 If the criteria of 4.2.3 (2) through 4.2.3 (4) cannot be met, hot work shall not be performed. (1) would produce combustibles in the hot work area 4.2. 5 4 The PAI shall determine that required fire protection and extinguishing equipment are properly located at the hot work site. 4.2. 6 5 Where a fire watch is required (see Section 5.5 ), the PAI shall be responsible for ensuring that a fire watch is at the site. 4.2. 7 6 *
9 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Where a fire watch is not required, the PAI shall make a final check 1 / 2 hour after the completion of hot work operations to detect and extinguish smoldering fires. 4.3 : Hot Work Operator. 4.3.1 The hot work operator shall handle equipment safely and use it as follows. so as not to endanger lives and property 4.3.2 The operator shall have the PAI 's The approval before starting hot work operations. All equipment shall be examined to ensure it is in a safe operating condition; if found to be incapable of reliable safe operation, the equipment shall be repaired by qualified personnel prior to its next use or be withdrawn from service. 4.3.3 Before starting hot work, the operator shall examine equipment in accordance with 4.1.2. 4.3.4 If unsafe conditions develop during hot work, the operator shall cease hot work operations if unsafe conditions develop and shall notify management, the area supervisor, or the PAI for reassessment of the situation. 4.4 Fire Watch. 4.4.1 * The fire watch shall be trained to understand the recognize inherent hazards of the work site and of the hot work operations. 4.4. 2
10 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM 2 The fire watch shall ensure that safe conditions are maintained during hot work operations. 4.4. 3 3 The fire watch shall have the authority to stop the hot work operations if unsafe conditions develop. 4.4.4 * The fire watch shall have be trained in all of the following: (1) Use of fire-extinguishing equipment (2) Keep fire-extinguishing equipment readily available and shall be trained in its use. (1) (2) Facility fire protection and safety equipment (3) How to sound an alarm if a fire were to occur 4.4. 5 5 The fire watch shall be familiar with the facilities and procedures for sounding an alarm in the event of a fire responsible for watching for fires in all exposed areas. 4.4. 6 5.1 The fire watch shall watch for fires in all exposed areas and try to extinguish them fires only when the fires are obviously within within their training and the capacity of the equipment available. 4.4.5.2 If the fire watch determines that the fire is not within the capacity of the equipment cannot be immediately extinguished, the fire watch shall sound the alarm immediately. 4.4.
11 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM 7 6 * The fire watch shall be permitted to perform additional tasks, but those. 4.4.6.1 The additional tasks shall not distract him or her from his or her fire watch responsibilities, except as outlined in. 4.4.6.2 Sole proprietors and individual operators shall be exempt from the requirements of 4.4.6.1 when operating in compliance with Chapter 6. 4.5 * Contractors. 4.5.1 Before starting any hot work, contractors and their clients shall discuss the planned project completely, including the type of hot work to be conducted method of procedure (MOP), and the hazards in the area. 4. 6 Mutual Responsibility 5. Management, contractors, the PAI, the fire watch, and the operators shall recognize their mutual responsibility for safety in hot work operations 2 The contractor shall have PAI approval to proceed with hot work. Additional Proposed Changes File Name Description Approved NFPA_51B-CH4.docx Final version of proposed public input. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input Edited to comply with the Manual of Style Chapter 3. Lists may only have one shall at the charging sentence or a shall in each list item, but none in the charging sentence. Each list item must be a word, phrase, or sentence but not a combination of these. Only 1 sentence is allowed per list item (3.3.1).The use of titles for subsections shall be optional but consistent; that is, if one subsection within a section is to be titled, all subsections in that section
12 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM shall also be titled (1.8.3.2).There was an attempt to eliminate unenforceable terms (2.2.2). Superfluous use of "any" and "all" were struck from the text. Sentences that did not contain a requirement were deleted such as section 4.6. Related Public Inputs for This Document Related Input Public Input No. 17-NFPA 51B-2015 [Global Input] Public Input No. 22-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.4.2.1] Public Input No. 23-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.4.2.7] Relationship Request to change the term "management" Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Michael DeVore Organization: State Farm Insurance Company Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 03 12:20:21 EST 2015 Committee Statement Resolution: Some of the revisions proposed by Public Input 19 were incorporated into First Revisions. See FR 18 (section 4.1), FR 19 (section 4.2.5), and FR 20 (sections 4.4.1, 4.4.2, and 4.4.3). However, some of the revisions proposed by Public Input 19 were not incorporated for the following reasons: The organization of the document is clear as it currently stands. The responsibilities for equipment and personnel all fall under management. The Technical Committee does not agree with the proposal to change "management" to "responsible party", because the document contains a definition of management in 3.3.2 and provides the responsibilities in 4.1. The current language and subdivisions are clear as to which responsibilities fall to each individual involved in the hot work team. Method of procedure has not been added as it is not a common term.
4.1* General. 4.1.1 Responsible Party. The responsible party shall ensure all of the following: (1) Safe operations maintained during hot work activity (2) Permit authorizing individual (PAI) designated (3) Permissible areas established for hot work (4) Awareness provided for site-specific special hazards including, but not limited to: (a) Flammable materials (b) Hazardous processes (c) *Other potential fire hazards 4.1.2 Equipment. 4.1.2.1 All equipment shall be examined to ensure it is in a safe operating condition. 4.1.2.2 When found to be incapable of reliable safe operation, equipment shall be repaired by qualified personnel prior to its next use or be withdrawn from service. 4.1.2.3 Equipment withdrawn from service shall be tagged out of service. 4.1.3 Personnel. Employees or contractors performing hot work shall be familiar with the provisions of this standard. 4.1.3.1 Personnel performing hot work operations shall be trained in the safe operation of their equipment and in the safe use of the process. 4.1.3.2 Personnel performing hot work operations shall be aware of the inherent risks and understand the emergency procedures in the event of a fire. 4.2 Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI). When issuing hot work permits, the PAI shall ensure safe operations by inspecting all of the following: 4.2.1* (1) Location (2) Equipment (3) Personnel training credentials
When site-specific special hazards exist, the PAI shall inform the hot work operator and fire watch of the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). 4.2.2 The PAI shall identify site-specific flammable materials, hazardous processes, or other potential fire hazards that are present or likely to be present in the hot work location. 4.2.3 Hot work shall not be permitted unless combustibles are protected from ignition by any of the following means: 4.2.4 (1) Using alternative methods to hot work (2) Moving the work to a location free of combustibles (3) Moving the combustibles to a safe distance (4) Shielding the combustibles against ignition (5) Scheduling hot work when operations are down that would produce combustibles in the hot work area The PAI shall determine that required fire protection and extinguishing equipment are located at the hot work site. 4.2.5 Where a fire watch is required (see Section 5.5), the PAI shall be responsible for ensuring that a fire watch is at the site. 4.2.6* Where a fire watch is not required, the PAI shall make a final check 1/2 hour after the completion of hot work operations to detect and extinguish smoldering fires. 4.3 Hot Work Operator. 4.3.1 The hot work operator shall handle equipment safely so as not to endanger lives and property. 4.3.2 The operator shall have PAI approval before starting hot work operations. 4.3.3 Before starting hot work, the operator shall examine equipment in accordance with 4.1.2. 4.3.4 If unsafe conditions develop during hot work, the operator shall cease hot work operations and notify the PAI for reassessment of the situation.
4.4 Fire Watch. 4.4.1* The fire watch shall be trained to recognize inherent hazards of the work site and hot work operations. 4.4.2 The fire watch shall ensure safe conditions are maintained during hot work operations. 4.4.3 The fire watch shall have the authority to stop hot work operations if unsafe conditions develop. 4.4.4* The fire watch shall be trained in all of the following: 4.4.5 (1) Use of fire-extinguishing equipment (2) Keep fire-extinguishing equipment readily available (3) Facility fire protection and safety equipment (4) How to sound an alarm if a fire were to occur The fire watch shall be responsible for watching for fires in all exposed areas. 4.4.5.1 The fire watch shall try to extinguish fires only when within their training and the capacity of the equipment available. 4.4.5.2 If the fire cannot be immediately extinguished, the fire watch shall sound the alarm. 4.4.6* The fire watch shall be permitted to perform additional tasks. 4.4.6.1 The additional tasks shall not distract from fire watch responsibilities. 4.4.6.2 Sole proprietors and individual operators shall be exempt from the requirements of 4.4.6.1 when operating in compliance with Chapter 6. 4.5* Contractors. 4.5.1 Before starting hot work, contractors and their clients shall discuss the planned project, method of procedure (MOP), and the hazards in the area.
4.5.2 The contractor shall have PAI approval to proceed with hot work.
13 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 48-NFPA 51B-2016 [ Section No. 4.1.5 ] 4.1.5 Management shall ensure that only approved listed and properly maintained apparatus, such as torches, manifolds, regulators or pressure-reducing valves, and acetylene generators, are used. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input Reason Statement: How is management to ensure that an equipment item is approved for use? Relying on a listing for the design and testing of the equipment from the manufacturer and the listing organization enables management to accomplish this task and eliminates the judgment required to determine if an equipment item is approved or not. It is also important that management ensure the listed equipment has been maintained properly prior to using in a hazardous operation. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Kelly Nicolello Organization: Street Address: City: State: Zip: UL llc Submittal Date: Wed Jun 29 09:44:57 EDT 2016 Committee Statement Resolution: Approved is defined in Chapter 3, and maintenance is covered by 4.1.3 and 4.1.4. The Technical Committee believes that the AHJ has the authority to allow conditions that reflect the intended safe hot work practices detailed within NFPA 51B. Sections A.3.2.1, A.3.2.2, and A.3.2.3 expand upon the allowable actions of the AHJ.
14 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 20-NFPA 51B-2015 [ Chapter 5 ] Chapter 5 Fire Prevention Precautions.
15 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM 5.1 * Personal Protective Clothing. Clothing shall be selected to minimize the potential for resist ignition, burning, trapping hot sparks, and electric shock. 5.2 Permissible Areas. 5.2.1 General. Hot work shall be permitted only in areas that are or have been made fire safe. 5.2.2 Designated or Permit-Required Areas. Hot work shall be performed in either designated areas or permit-required areas. 5.2.2.1 Designated Areas. 5.2.2.1. 1 1 In order for a location to be a designated area, the area shall meet the requirements in 5.4.2. 5.2.2.1. 2 2 Prior to the start of any hot work in a designated area, at a minimum, the hot work operator shall perform verify all of the following: The location is verified as fire resistant. The (1) Fire resistance of the location (2) Combustibles meet the requirements of 5.4.2 (3) are met. (1) (2) Fire extinguishers are (1) in working condition and readily available. (1) (2) Ventilation is
16 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM (1) working properly. (1) (2) Equipment is (1) in working order. (1) 5.2.2.1. 3 3 Permanent areas designated for hot work shall be reviewed at least annually by the Permit Authorizing Individual ( PAI ). 5.2.2. 2 1.4 Signs shall be posted designating hot work areas as deemed necessary by the PAI. 5. 3 * Nonpermissible 2.2.2* Permit-Required Areas. A written hot work permit shall be required before hot work operations begin in a permit-required location. 5.3* Non-permissible Areas. Hot work shall not be permitted in the following areas : In areas (1) Areas not authorized by management (1) the responsible party (2) In sprinklered (1) buildings where sprinklers are impaired, unless the requirements of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, are met (1) (2) In the presence of explosive atmospheres (i.e., where mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts with air exist) (1) (2) In the presence of uncleaned (1) uncleansed or improperly prepared equipment, drums, tanks, or other containers that have previously contained materials that could develop explosive atmospheres (2) In areas with
17 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM an accumulation of combustible dusts that could develop explosive atmospheres (1) potential fire, flash fire, or explosion hazards associated with the presence of one or more combustible particulate solids (dusts) 5.4 * Hot Work Permit. 5.4. 1 * 1 Before hot work operations begin in a nondesignated location, a written hot work permit by the PAI shall be required. is issued, the conditions in 5.4.1.1 through 5.4. 2 Before a hot work permit is issued, the following conditions 1.15 shall be verified by the PAI :. 5.4.1.1 The hot work equipment to be used shall be in satisfactory operating condition and in good repair. 5.4.1.2 Where combustible materials, such as paper clippings, wood shavings, or textile fibers, are on the floor, the floor shall be swept clean for a radius of 35 ft (11 m), and the following criteria also shall be met: *. 5.4.1.2.1* Combustible floors shall be kept wet, covered with damp sand, or protected by a listed welding blanket, welding pad, or equivalent. 5.4.1.2.2 Where floors have been wet down, personnel operating arc welding equipment or cutting equipment shall be protected from possible electrical shock. * All combustibles 5.4.1.3* 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: *. 5.4.1.3.1* If relocation is impractical, combustibles shall be protected by a listed welding curtain, welding blanket, welding pad, or equivalent. 5.4.1.3.2 To prevent the entrance of sparks, the edges of covers at the floor shall be tight, including at the point at which several where covers overlap where a large pile is being protected. 5.4.1.4 Openings or cracks in walls, floors, or ducts within 35 ft (11 m) of the work site shall be covered or sealed
18 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM with listed fire-rated or noncombustible material to prevent the passage of sparks to adjacent areas. 5.4.1.5 Ducts and conveyor systems that might carry sparks to distant combustibles shall be shielded, shut down, or both. 5.4.1.6 * If hot work is done near walls, partitions, ceilings, or roofs of combustible construction, they shall be protected by a listed welding curtain, welding blanket, welding pad, or equivalent. 5.4.1.7 If hot work is done on one side of a wall, partition, ceiling, or roof, one of either the following criteria shall be met: criteria in 5.4.1.7.1 or 5.4.1.7.2 shall apply. 5.4.1.7.1 Precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition of combustibles on the other side by relocating the combustibles. 5.4.1.7.2 If it is impractical to relocate combustibles, a fire watch shall be provided on the side opposite from where the work is being performed. 5.4.1.8 Hot work shall not be attempted on a partition, wall, ceiling, or roof that has a combustible covering or insulation, or on walls or partitions of combustible sandwich-type panel construction. 5.4.1.9 Hot work that is performed on pipes or other metal that is in contact with combustible walls, partitions, ceilings, roofs, or other combustibles shall not be undertaken if the work is close enough to cause ignition by conduction. 5.4.1.10 Fully charged and operable fire extinguishers that are appropriate for the type of possible fire shall be available immediately at the work area. 5.4.1.11 If existing hose lines are located within the hot work area defined by the permit, they shall be connected and ready for service but shall not be required to be unrolled or charged. The following shall apply to 5.4.1.12 For hot work done in close proximity to a sprinkler head: fire protection system, the criteria in 5.4.1.12.1 and 5.4.1.12.2 shall apply. 5.4.1.12.1 A wet rag shall be laid over the sprinkler head and then removed at the conclusion of the welding or cutting hot work operation. 5.4.1.12.2 During hot work, special precautions shall be taken to avoid accidental operation of automatic fire detection or suppression systems (e.g., special extinguishing systems or sprinklers). 5.4.1.13
19 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM The operator and nearby personnel shall be suitably protected against dangers such as heat, sparks, and slag. 5.4.1.14 * In instances where the scope of work and the tools used to conduct hot work result in possible travel of slag, sparks, spatter, or similar mobile sources of ignition farther than 35 ft (11 m), the PAI shall be permitted to extend the distances and areas addressed in 5.4. 1. 2 (2) through 5.4. 2 ( 1. 4 ). 5.4.1.15 * In instances where the scope of work and tools used to conduct hot work are known to be incapable of generating slag, sparks, spatter, or similar mobile sources of ignition capable of leaving the immediate area of the applied hot work, the PAI shall be permitted to do reduce the following: Reduce the distances and areas addressed in 5.4. 1. 2 (2) through 5.4. 2 (4) to distances and areas that he or she considers fire safe for the intended operationdescribe those distances and areas 1.4. 5.4.2 The PAI shall describe any separation distance extension or reduction on the hot work permit. 5.4. 3 3 The PAI shall determine the length of the period for which the hot work permit is valid. 5.4. 3.1 4 The hot work permit shall not be valid for a period exceeding 24 hours. 5.4. 4 5 The area PAI shall be inspected by the PAI inspect the hot work area at least once per shift while during the hot work permit is in effect period to ensure that it is
20 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM a fire-safe area. 5.5 Fire Watch. 5.5.1 * A fire watch shall be required by the PAI when hot work is performed in a location where other than a minor fire might develop or where any of the following conditions exist: (1) * Combustible materials in building construction or contents are (1) closer than 35 ft (11 m) to the point of (1) hot work operation. (1) (2) Combustible materials are (1) more than 35 ft (11 m) away from the point of (1) hot work operation but are (1) easily ignited by sparks. (1) (2) Wall or floor openings within a 35 ft (11 m) radius expose combustible materials in adjacent areas, including concealed spaces in walls or floors. (1) (2) Combustible materials are (1) adjacent to the opposite side of partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs and are (1) likely to be ignited. (1) 5.5. 2 1.1 A fire watch shall be maintained for at least 1 / 2 hour after completion of hot work operations in order to detect and extinguish smoldering fires. 5.5.1.2
21 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM The PAI shall extend the duration of the fire watch shall be extended if the PAI determines the fire hazards warrant the extension continue to be present. 5.5. 3 2 * More than one fire watch shall be required if combustible materials that could be ignited by the hot work operation cannot be directly observed by the initial fire watch. 5.6 * Hot Tapping. Hot tapping or other cutting and welding on a flammable gas or liquid transmission or distribution utility pipeline shall be performed by a crew that is qualified to make hot taps. 5.7 Cylinders. Cylinder use and storage shall be in accordance with NFPA 55, Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code. Additional Proposed Changes File Name Description Approved NFPA_51B-CH5.docx Final edited text for public input Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input Edited to comply with the Manual of Style Chapter 3. Lists may only have one shall at the charging sentence or a shall in each list item, but none in the charging sentence. Each list item must be a word, phrase, or sentence but not a combination of these. Only 1 sentence is allowed per list item (3.3.1).The use of titles for subsections shall be optional but consistent; that is, if one subsection within a section is to be titled, all subsections in that section shall also be titled (1.8.3.2).There was an attempt to eliminate unenforceable terms (2.2.2). Superfluous use of "any" and "all" were struck from the text. Related Public Inputs for This Document Related Input Public Input No. 17-NFPA 51B-2015 [Global Input] Public Input No. 24-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.5.4.1] Public Input No. 25-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.5.4.2(2)(a)] Public Input No. 26-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.5.4.2(3)] Public Input No. 27-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.5.4.2(3)(a)] Public Input No. 28-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.5.4.2(6)] Public Input No. 29-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.5.4.2(14)] Relationship Request to replace the term "management"
22 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 30-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.5.4.2(15)] Public Input No. 31-NFPA 51B-2015 [Section No. A.5.5.3] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Michael DeVore Organization: State Farm Insurance Company Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 03 13:55:56 EST 2015 Committee Statement Resolution: FR-11-NFPA 51B-2016 Statement: Edited to clarify requirements for ease of enforcement.
5.1* Personal Protective Clothing. Clothing shall be selected to resist ignition, burning, trapping hot sparks, and electric shock. 5.2 Permissible Areas. 5.2.1 General. Hot work shall be permitted only in areas that are or have been made fire safe. 5.2.2 Designated or Permit-Required Areas. Hot work shall be performed in either designated areas or permit-required areas. 5.2.2.1 Designated Areas. 5.2.2.1.1 In order for a location to be a designated area, the area shall meet the requirements in 5.4.2. 5.2.2.1.2 Prior to the start of hot work in a designated area, at a minimum, the hot work operator shall verify all of the following: 5.2.2.1.3 (1) Fire resistance of the location (2) Combustibles meet the requirements of 5.4.2(3) (3) Fire extinguishers in working condition and readily available (4) Ventilation working properly (5) Equipment in working order Permanent areas designated for hot work shall be reviewed at least annually by the Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI). 5.2.2.1.4 Signs shall be posted designating hot work areas as deemed necessary by the PAI. 5.2.2.2* Permit-Required Areas. A written hot work permit shall be required before hot work operations begin in a permit-required location. 5.3* Non-permissible Areas. Hot work shall not be permitted in the following: (1) Areas not authorized by the responsible party (2) In buildings where sprinklers are impaired (3) In the presence of explosive atmospheres
(4) In the presence of uncleansed or improperly prepared equipment, drums, tanks, or other containers that have previously contained materials that could develop explosive atmospheres (5) In areas with potential fire, flash fire, or explosion hazards associated with the presence of one or more combustible particulate solids (dusts) 5.4* Hot Work Permit. 5.4.1 Before a hot work permit is issued, the conditions in 5.4.1.1 through 5.4.1.15 shall be verified by the PAI. 5.4.1.1 The hot work equipment to be used shall be in satisfactory operating condition and in good repair. 5.4.1.2 Where combustible materials, such as paper clippings, wood shavings, or textile fibers, are on the floor, the floor shall be swept clean for a radius of 35 ft (11 m). 5.4.1.2.1* Combustible floors shall be kept wet, covered with damp sand, or protected by a listed welding blanket, welding pad, or equivalent. 5.4.1.2.2 Where floors have been wet down, personnel operating arc welding equipment or cutting equipment shall be protected from possible electrical shock. 5.4.1.3* Combustibles shall be relocated at least 35 ft (11 m) in all directions from the work site. 5.4.1.3.1* If relocation is impractical, combustibles shall be protected by a listed welding curtain, welding blanket, welding pad, or equivalent. 5.4.1.3.2 To prevent the entrance of sparks, the edges of covers at the floor shall be tight, including at the point where covers overlap. 5.4.1.4 Openings or cracks in walls, floors, or ducts within 35 ft (11 m) of the work site shall be covered or sealed with listed fire-rated or noncombustible material to prevent the passage of sparks to adjacent areas. 5.4.1.5
Ducts and conveyor systems that might carry sparks to distant combustibles shall be shielded, shut down, or both. 5.4.1.6* If hot work is done near walls, partitions, ceilings, or roofs of combustible construction, they shall be protected by a listed welding curtain, welding blanket, welding pad, or equivalent. 5.4.1.7 If hot work is done on one side of a wall, partition, ceiling, or roof, either the criteria in 5.4.1.7.1 or 5.4.1.7.2 shall apply. 5.4.1.7.1 Precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition of combustibles on the other side by relocating the combustibles. 5.4.1.7.2 If it is impractical to relocate combustibles, a fire watch shall be provided on the side opposite from where the work is being performed. 5.4.1.8 Hot work shall not be attempted on a partition, wall, ceiling, or roof that has a combustible covering or insulation, or on walls or partitions of combustible sandwich-type panel construction. 5.4.1.9 Hot work that is performed on pipes or other metal that is in contact with combustible walls, partitions, ceilings, roofs, or other combustibles shall not be undertaken if the work is close enough to cause ignition by conduction. 5.4.1.10 Fully charged and operable fire extinguishers that are appropriate for the type of possible fire shall be available immediately at the work area. 5.4.1.11 If existing hose lines are located within the hot work area defined by the permit, they shall be connected and ready for service but shall not be required to be unrolled or charged. 5.4.1.12 For hot work done in close proximity to a fire protection system, the criteria in 5.4.1.12.1 and 5.4.1.12.2 shall apply. 5.4.1.12.1 A wet rag shall be laid over the sprinkler head and then removed at the conclusion of the hot work operation.
5.4.1.12.2 During hot work, special precautions shall be taken to avoid accidental operation of automatic fire detection or special extinguishing systems. 5.4.1.13 The operator and nearby personnel shall be suitably protected against dangers such as heat, sparks, and slag. 5.4.1.14* In instances where the scope of work and the tools used to conduct hot work result in possible travel of slag, sparks, spatter, or similar mobile sources of ignition farther than 35 ft (11 m), the PAI shall be permitted to extend the distances and areas addressed in 5.4.1.2 through 5.4.1.4. 5.4.1.15* In instances where the scope of work and tools used to conduct hot work are known to be incapable of generating slag, sparks, spatter, or similar mobile sources of ignition capable of leaving the immediate area of the applied hot work, the PAI shall be permitted to reduce the distances and areas addressed in 5.4.1.2 through 5.4.1.4. 5.4.2 The PAI shall describe any separation distance extension or reduction on the hot work permit. 5.4.3 The PAI shall determine the period for which the hot work permit is valid. 5.4.4 The hot work permit shall not be valid for a period exceeding 24 hours. 5.4.5 The PAI shall inspect the hot work area at least once per shift during the hot work permit period to ensure a fire-safe area. 5.5 Fire Watch. 5.5.1* A fire watch shall be required by the PAI when hot work is performed in a location where other than a minor fire might develop or where any of the following conditions exist: (1) *Combustible materials in building construction or contents closer than 35 ft (11 m) to the hot work operation (2) Combustible materials more than 35 ft (11 m) away from the hot work operation but easily ignited by sparks (3) Wall or floor openings within a 35 ft (11 m) radius expose combustible materials in adjacent areas, including concealed spaces in walls or floors
(4) Combustible materials adjacent to the opposite side of partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs and likely to be ignited 5.5.1.1 A fire watch shall be maintained for at least 1/2 hour after completion of hot work operations in order to detect and extinguish smoldering fires. 5.5.1.2 The PAI shall extend the duration of the fire watch if the fire hazards continue to be present. 5.5.2* More than one fire watch shall be required if combustible materials that could be ignited by the hot work operation cannot be directly observed by the initial fire watch. 5.6* Hot Tapping. Hot tapping or other cutting and welding on a flammable gas or liquid transmission or distribution utility pipeline shall be performed by a crew qualified to make hot taps. 5.7 Cylinders. Cylinder use and storage shall be in accordance with NFPA 55, Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code.
23 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 45-NFPA 51B-2016 [ Section No. 5.2.2.1.2 ] 5.2.2.1.2 Prior to the start of any hot work in a designated area, at a minimum, the hot work operator shall perform ensure the following: (1) The location is verified as fire is fire resistant. (2) The requirements of 5.4.2 (3) are met. (3) Fire extinguishers are in working condition and readily available. (4) Ventilation is working properly. (5) Equipment is in working order. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input The charging statement uses "perform," but items 1-5 do not readily fit with the word "perform," but would fit with ensure. Ensure is more specific than verify. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Jim Muir Organization: Building Safety Division, Clark County, Washington Affilliation: NFPA's Building Code Development Committee (BCDC) Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Thu Jun 16 17:41:33 EDT 2016 Committee Statement Resolution: FR-11-NFPA 51B-2016 Statement: Edited to clarify requirements for ease of enforcement.
24 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 39-NFPA 51B-2016 [ New Section after 5.3 ] 5.3.1 Preparing Nonpermissible Areas for conversion to Permissible Areas to for allow safe hot work In building areas where automatic sprinkler protection is impaired, removal of combustible loading (contents/construction) or complete isolation of said combustibles with a 30-minute fire rated barrier within the proposed hot work area applying the minimum 35-ft space separation rule, is required. Clean and remove all flammable gas, flammable/combustible liquid, and/or combustible dust from the proposed hot work area following the minimum 35-ft space separation rules. Isolate potential sources of flammable gas, flammable/combustible liquid, and/or combustible dust/lint that may be released into the hot work area during work. Inert any exposed tanks, vessels, or piping systems. Conduct a job safety analysis to identify sources of these materials, and to determine the appropriate isolation method. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input There are going to be situations where hot work must be done within Nonpermissible Areas which then will require necessary actions to prepare such environments to allow hot work to be conducted safely. Omitting these requirements from 51B by simply mandating that hot work cannot be done in these areas, invites the public to ignore what can be viewed as an impractical standard resulting in improper hot work within environments that will represent severe risk to human life and property. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Ruby Evans Organization: Street Address: City: State: Zip: FM Global Submittal Date: Thu May 12 11:42:24 EDT 2016 Committee Statement Resolution: FR-14-NFPA 51B-2016 Statement: The referenced requirements in NFPA 25 are open to wide interpretation as to what conditions represent allowable/acceptable risks from hot work operations within buildings with impaired automatic sprinkler protection. This revision provides annex material to address proper preparation of nonpermissible areas due to impaired fire protection systems, to convert the area to a permissible/permit-required hot work environment.
25 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 38-NFPA 51B-2016 [ Section No. 5.3 ] 5.3 * Nonpermissible Areas. Hot work shall not be permitted in the following areas: (1) In areas not authorized by management (2) In sprinklered buildings where sprinklers are impaired, unless the requirements of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, are met (3) In the presence of explosive atmospheres (i.e., where mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts with air exist) (4) In the presence of uncleaned or improperly prepared equipment, drums, tanks, or other containers that have previously contained materials that could develop explosive atmospheres (5) In areas with an accumulation of combustible dusts that could develop explosive atmospheres Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input The referenced requirements in NFPA 25 (section 15) currently noted in NFPA 51B section 5.3, are vague and open to wide interpretation as to what conditions represent allowable/acceptable risks from hot work operations within buildings with impaired automatic sprinkler protection (see copied/highlighted sections from NFPA 25 2014). It is proposed to strike these NFPA 25 references from NFPA 51B and replace them with a section following addressing proper preparation of Nonpermissible areas due to impaired automatic sprinkler protection to convert the area to a Permissible hot work environment. NFPA 25 Referenced Sections 15.1.1.2 Measures shall be taken during the impairment to ensure that increased risks are minimized and the duration of the impairment is limited. 15.5.2 Before authorization is given, the impairment coordinator shall be responsible for verifying that the following procedures have been implemented: (1) The extent and expected duration of the impairment have been determined. (2) The areas or buildings involved have been inspected and the increased risks determined. (3) Recommendations to mitigate any increased risks have been submitted to management or the property owner or designated representative. (4) Where a fire protection system is out of service for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period, the impairment coordinator shall arrange for one of the following: (a) Evacuation of the building or portion of the building affected by the system out of service (b)*an approved fire watch (c)*establishment of a temporary water supply (d)*establishment and implementation of an approved program to eliminate potential ignition sources and limit the amount of fuel available to the fire A.15.5.2(4)(d) Depending on the use and occupancy of the building, it could be enough in some circumstances to stop certain processes in the building or to cut off the flow of fuel to some machines. It is also helpful to implement No Smoking and No Hot Work (cutting, grinding, or welding) policies while the system is out of service because these activities are responsible for many fire ignitions. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Ruby Evans Organization: FM Global Street Address: City:
26 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM State: Zip: Submittal Date: Thu May 12 11:37:07 EDT 2016 Committee Statement Resolution: FR-14-NFPA 51B-2016 Statement: The referenced requirements in NFPA 25 are open to wide interpretation as to what conditions represent allowable/acceptable risks from hot work operations within buildings with impaired automatic sprinkler protection. This revision provides annex material to address proper preparation of nonpermissible areas due to impaired fire protection systems, to convert the area to a permissible/permit-required hot work environment.
27 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 46-NFPA 51B-2016 [ New Section after 5.4.2 ] TITLE OF NEW CONTENT Type your content here...5.4.2.1 Portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input Conducting periodic inspections, maintenance, and hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers in accordance with NFPA 10 will help ensure that the extinguishers will operate properly during a fire emergency. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Jennifer Boyle Organization: Street Address: City: State: Zip: FEMA Submittal Date: Thu Jun 23 14:51:46 EDT 2016 Committee Statement Resolution: FR-10-NFPA 51B-2016 Statement: Fire extinguishers are referenced throughout the document and complying with NFPA 10 will help ensure that the extinguishers will be accessible and operate properly during a fire emergency.
28 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Public Input No. 14-NFPA 51B-2015 [ Section No. 5.4.2 ]
29 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM 5.4.2
30 of 55 11/18/2016 2:12 PM Before a hot work permit is issued, the following conditions shall be verified by the PAI: (1) The hot work equipment to be used shall be in satisfactory operating condition and in good repair. (2) Where combustible materials, such as paper clippings, wood shavings, or textile fibers, are on the floor, the floor shall be swept clean for a radius of 35 ft (11 m), and the following criteria also shall be met: (3) * Combustible floors shall be kept wet, covered with damp sand, or protected by a listed welding blanket, welding pad, or equivalent. (4) Where floors have been wet down, personnel operating arc welding equipment or cutting equipment shall be protected from possible shock. (5) * All combustibles shall be relocated removed at least 35 ft (11 m) in all directions from the work site hot work area, and the following criteria also shall be met: * If relocation is impractical, combustibles shall be protected by a (a) If a combustible item is immovable, it shall be shielded by a sealed barrier constructed of non-combustible materials or otherwise protected by a listed welding curtain, welding (a) welding blanket, welding (a) or welding pad, or equivalent (a). (b) 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 (a) item is being protected. (6) Openings or cracks in walls, floors, or ducts within 35 ft (11 m) of the site shall be covered or sealed with listed fire-rated or noncombustible material to prevent the passage of sparks to adjacent areas. (7) Ducts and conveyor systems that might carry sparks to distant combustibles shall be shielded, shut down, or both. (8) * If hot work is done near walls, partitions, ceilings, or roofs of combustible construction, they shall be protected by a listed welding curtain, welding blanket, welding pad, or equivalent. (9) If hot work is done on one side of a wall, partition, ceiling, or roof, one of the following criteria shall be met: (10) Precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition of combustibles on the other side by relocating the combustibles. (11) If it is impractical to relocate combustibles, a fire watch shall be provided on the side opposite from where the work is being performed. (12) Hot work shall not be attempted on a partition, wall, ceiling, or roof that has a combustible covering or insulation, or on walls or partitions of combustible sandwich-type panel construction. (13) Hot work that is performed on pipes or other metal that is in contact with combustible walls, partitions, ceilings, roofs, or other combustibles shall not be undertaken if the work is close enough to cause ignition by conduction. (14) Fully charged and operable fire extinguishers that are appropriate for the type of possible fire shall be available immediately at the work area.