Hot Work License Nyc – Fill Out and Use This PDF

A

B

1.Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

2.Applicants must have a reasonable understanding of the English language.

3.Applicants must present a letter of recommendation from his/her employer. The letter must be on official letterhead, and must state the applicant’s full name, character, physical conditions, experience, and address of premises where applicant will be employed.

4.Applicants must present two (2) forms of satisfactory identification i.e., driver’s license, passport, vehicle registration, library card, or equivalent.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Application Fees: $25.00 for originals and $15.00 for renewals. The fee may

be paid by credit card (no debit), in cash, money order, or personal check payable to New York City Fire Department. The $25.00 fee must be payable by all applicants prior to taking the Certificate of Fitness test. Application forms are available at the Public Certification Unit, 1st floor, 9 Metro Tech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

TEST INFORMATION

Test:The test will be of the written, multiple choice type. A passing score of at least 70% is required in order to secure a Certificate of Fitness. Call 718-999-1988, or 2504 for additional information and forms.

I

STUDY MATERIAL AND TEST DECRIPTION

About the Study Material

This study material will help you prepare for the examination for the Certificate of Fitness for torch use of flammable gases. The study material includes information taken from the Fire Prevention Code of the Bureau of Fire Prevention. This study material consists of 4 parts. The exam covers the entire booklet and any tables. It will not be provided to you during the test. It is critical that you read and understand this booklet to help increase your chance of passing this exam. The study material does not contain all of the information you need to know to work with a torch. It is your responsibility to become familiar with all applicable rules and regulations of the City of New York, even if they are not covered in this study material. You need to be familiar with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 51B, and Fire Code Chapter 26, Chapter 35, and Chapter 38 which regulate the torch use of flammable gases in order to adequately prepare for the exam.

About the Test

All questions on the Certificate of Fitness examination are of the multiple choice type with four alternative answers to each question. Only one answer is most correct for each question. If you do not answer a question, or if you mark more than one alternative your answer will be scored as incorrect. A score of 70% is required on the examination in order to qualify for the Certificate of Fitness. Read each question carefully before marking your answer. There is no penalty for guessing.

Sample Questions

1.Who was the first President of the United States?

(A)George Jefferson.

(B)George Washington

(C)Bill Clinton.

(D)Barack H. Obama.

The correct answer is "B". You would press "B" on your computer terminal.

2.The city in the United States referred to as The Big Apple is:

(A)Los Angeles.

(B)Buffalo.

(C)Florida.

(D)New York.

The correct answer is "D". You would press "D" on your computer terminal.

II

INTRODUCTION

This document outlines New York City Fire Department regulations for welding, cutting and other torch and hot work operations and equipment. Hot work processes are a necessary part of much construction work and industrial work. However, the improper use is often a major cause of fire and it can result in loss of life and property.

Certificate of Fitness

According with the FDNY regulations, a G-60 Certificate of Fitness is needed for conducting any of the following torch operations:

1.An oxygen-fuel torch using any amount of oxygen and flammable gas -Exception:

Torch operations using oxygen container and piped natural gas for jewelry manufacture may be performed by a person without a C of F, but must be under the personal supervision of a Certificate of Fitness holder. The Certificate of Fitness holder must regulate the pressure and flow of oxygen and natural gas to each torch.

However, if the torch operator for jewelry manufacture involves any oxygen with any fuel gas containers, the operator must be a C of F holder.

2.Any torch operation for torch-applied roof systems.

The Certificate of Fitness holder must keep the Certificates of Fitness upon his or her person or otherwise readily available for inspection by any representative of the Department, at all times while conducting or supervising the material, operation or facility for which the certificate is required.

Hot Work Permit

Permits issued by the FDNY are required to conduct the following hot work :

(1)storing, using or handling oxygen and a flammable gas, or

(2)storing, using or handling any flammable gas (e.g. LPG or CNG or acetylene) in excess of 400 SCF.

or

(3)storing, using or handling any oxidizing gas (e.g. oxygen) in excess of 504 SCF.

For LPG, 400 SCF is approximately 47 lbs. The following table lists the number of LPG containers for the storage, use, handling or transportation, requiring a permit. This permit will be issued by the Fire Commissioner after the location has been inspected and approved as acceptable for such practices.

Portable LPG containers that are more than 16.4 oz must not stored, handled, or used indoors in the following occupancies (as defined in the Building code): residential occupancies, factory and industrial occupancies; educational occupancies; institutional occupancies, except as the commissioner may authorize by rule.

1

Types of FDNY Permits

(1) Site-specific permit

Such permit authorizes the permit holder to store, handle, or use flammable gases, or conduct a torch operation at a specific premises or location. A site-specific permit may be a permanent permit or a temporary permit. Permanent permits are valid for 12 months only. Every permits or renewal shall require an inspection and shall expire after twelve months. Temporary permit may be valid from one day to 12 months depends on the construction /operation need. For example, a one-week temporary permit may be issued to a construction job which only takes one week. Normally, a hot work operation (e.g. construction site or hot work repair) is issued a temporary permit.

Example of a permanent FDNY permit

2

HOT WORK AUTHORIZATION PERMIT

Note: This authorization applies only to this job, and in the area specified during the date and time noted.

GENERAL INFORMATION

HOT WORK ACTIVITY

All hot work activities must be conducted by FDNY Certificate of Fitness holders. Certificate holders shall be responsible for keeping such certificate upon his/her person or otherwise readily available for inspection.

ACCEPTANCE BY THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON FOR HOT WORK

I certify that all applicable codes, procedures, regulations, rules, pre-checks and safety precautions will be followed for as long as the hot work authorization is effective.

DESIGNATED TO AUTHORIZE THE PERFORMANCE OF HOT WORK

This authorization shall be available for inspection by any representative of the fire department during the performance of the work and for 48 hours after the work is complete.

5

DEFINITIONS

CNG: Compressed Natural Gas.

FIRE GUARD: A person holding a Certificate of Fitness for such purposes, who is trained in and responsible for maintaining a fire watch and performing such fire safety duties as may be prescribed by the commissioner.

FIRE WATCH: A temporary measure intended to ensure continuous and systematic surveillance of a building or portion thereof by one or more qualified individuals for the purposes of identifying and controlling fire hazards, detecting early signs of fire, raising an alarm of fire, and notifying the department.

HOT WORK: Cutting, welding, thermit welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, thermal spraying, thawing pipe, cadwelding, installation of torch-applied system, or any other similar operation or activity.

HOT WORK AREA: The area exposed to sparks, hot slag, radiant heat, or convective heat as a result of hot work.

LPG: Liquefied Petroleum Gases.

NFPA: National Fire Protection Association. NFPA develops, publishes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks.

PERSONAL SUPERVISION. Supervision by the holder of any department certificate who is required to be personally present on the premises, or other proximate location acceptable to the department, while performing the duties for which the certificate is required.

RESPONSIBLE PERSON: A person trained in the fire safety hazards associated with hot work, and in the necessary and appropriate measures to minimize those hazards, who is designated by the owner of a premises to authorize the performance of hot work at the premises.

SCF: Standard Cubic Feet.

TORCH-APPLIED ROOF SYSTEM: Bituminous roofing systems using membranes that are adhered by heating with a torch and melting asphalt back coating instead of mopping hot asphalt for adhesion.

6

PART 1. GAS TORCH EQUIPMENT

Gas torches are widely used for different purposes citywide. A fuel gas is used in the equipment to generate a flame to perform heating, cutting welding and brazing. Gas torches utilize two basic types of gas systems: blowtorch (air-fuel) and oxy-fuel.

1.1Blowtorch (Air-fuel) and Oxy-fuel Torch

1.1.1Blowtorch (Air-fuel torch or single tank torch)

A propane torch is an example of a blowtorch, commonly used in torch-applied roof system. To provide enough oxygen for the torch to burn the fuel cleanly, the system mixes in air from the surrounding environment prior to ignition and while the torch is running. A container holds the fuel, while a tube carries it up to the nozzle. A valve near the nozzle lets in the air as needed.

7

1.2.2Brazing and Soldering

Brazing and soldering are similar to welding in that both the base metal and the filler metals are heated to melting and then solidify to form a joint. However, soldering and brazing temperatures are typically 840 ºF. Soldering or brazing typically involves smaller components to be joined and "softer" metals such as lead, tin or silver. Manual soldering processes use a hand-held iron to heat the components to be joined and the filler metals. A propane canister torch is often used for small tin-lead soldering jobs. It is a small disposable container of pressurized propane gas, and the container is attached with a reuseable torch.

1.2.3Other heavy duty application

Gas torches also have applications for burning weeds, melting ice, or applying tar/asphalt to a roof. The flame is often a diffuse high temperature naked flame, heat is required, but not so hot as welding or cutting work. However, the temperature can exceed 2000°F.

10

Table: Examples of different torch

11

PART 2. TORCH (HOT WORK) OPERATION

Normally, the gas mixture is manually ignited by the operator when it leaves the torch. The flame itself can reach extremely high temperatures. A high temperature flame is needed to heat the metal. However, usually it is not the flame that causes a fire. Instead, it is the thousands of sparks and pieces of hot metal that are generated when using the torch. The sparks and pieces of hot metal are all possible sources of ignition. In fact, sparks and pieces of hot metal are the source of ignition in about 60% of all fires in industrial occupancies. This number is greatly reduced when the operators are trained to use the equipment correctly.

12

Sources

Arnold, Jim. “Large Building Fires and Subsequent Code Changes”. April 7, 2005. FDNY: Worker’s blow torch started Throgs Neck fire. (2009, July 13). Newsday.

Small Fire causes damage at hospital construction site. (2010, February 16). Daily Sound. Stephen G. Badger. “US Large-Loss Fires in 2009”. (2010, November/ December). NFPA Journal.

A fire guard is responsible for overseeing torch operations. This person ensures that sparks and pieces of hot metal do not cause a fire in the area of hot work or the floor below. Like the torch operator, the fire guard is a Certificate of Fitness holder (F-60), and both must have this in their possession at all times during all torch operations. One fire guard is required for each torch operation, as well as one required below the work area. A portable extinguisher must be within immediate reach to extinguish any potential fire situation.

2.1 Responsible Person and Pre-Hot Work Check

For citywide hot work operations, the owner of the premises of the hot work operation areas must be notified in writing by the citywide permit holder at least 48 hours before the hot work is to be started. For all hot work operations, the owner of the hot work operation areas must designate a responsible person. The responsible person must ensure that the hot work is performed in compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit. The person should inspect the hot work site prior to issuing the hot work authorization (hot work program permit) to ensure that it is a fire safe area. He/she also need to periodically monitor the work as it is being performed to ensure there are no fire safety hazards. Hot work operations must be conducted under the general supervision of the responsible person.

13

Flammable materials are generally categorized as either liquids or gases that burn. For example gasoline and propane are flammable materials.

A visible hazard identification sign must be posted in a conspicuous location to warn others before they enter the hot work area. An example warning sign is shown below.

A Designated Hot Work Area

The 2009 edition of National Fire Protection Association 51B shows the 35-ft. rule in a 3-D perspective to account for a general fire watch and multiple fire watchers. Detail information refer to Chapter 5 of NFPA 51B, 2009 .

15

2.3 Fire Watch

FDNY certified fire guards (F-60 C of F holders) must be present to perform fire watch during the hot work operations for the torch operations at the following locations: (1) Construction sites; (2) On any rooftop, or in connection with any torch-applied roof system operation; (3) In any building or structure, when the torch operation is conducted by a person holding a citywide permit for torch operation.

A fire guard may be required for adjoining areas and below. For example, an additional fire guard must be provided on the floor or level below the torch operation if torch operations are performed at the construction site or in connection with torch-applied roofing system operations. The responsible person shall ensure any adjacent structures are adequately protected and monitored (where necessary) by additional fire guard personnel.

The fire guard is responsible for fire safety duties during torch operations. This person ensures that sparks and pieces of hot metal do not cause a fire in the area of hot work or the floor below. Like the torch operator, the fire guard is a Certificate of Fitness holder (F- 60), and both must have this in their possession at all times during all torch operations.

The fire watch must be continued after the completion of torch operation. The fire guard must inspect all areas exposed to the effects of torch operations for the purpose of detecting fires. The entire work area should be checked after completion of hot work for fires. For all hot work, the inspection must be conducted 30 minutes after completion of torch operations. In the best practice, the 2nd inspection should be 1 hour after completion of torch operations. For any CNG or LPG torch operation, the first inspection shall be conducted 30 minutes after completion of torch operations; the second inspection 1 hour after completion of torch operations. This is to make sure that there are no smoldering fires in the building. The fire guards must complete a signed inspection report. The fire guards must complete a signed inspection report (or the log book). This report must be submitted to and retained by the person in charge of the torch operations. The inspection report must be made available to any representative of the Fire Department and should be maintained on the premises for reasonable length of time (e.g. 48 hours) after work is complete.

Such fire guards must not be assigned any duties other than to remain alert and guard against fire, and they must be alert to sparks, the transmission of heat, and the potential ignition of combustible material. They are also authorized to stop work if necessary, and restore safe conditions within the hot work areas. Such fire guards must be responsible for ensuring that fire extinguishing equipment is readily accessible from the time torch operations are commenced until an hour after such operations are completed. A minimum 2-A:20-B:C rating fire extinguisher must be readily accessible within 30 feet of the hot work location and the fire guard. Fire guards may use garden hoses connected to a reliable water supply, or buckets of water.

17

2.3.1Special Regulations of Fire Watch in the Torch-applied Roof System

A torch-applied roof system is a bituminous roofing system using membranes that are adhered by heating with a torch and melting asphalt back coating instead of mopping hot asphalt for adhesion. It is widely used in US, torch-applied operations can be hazardous to roofers and the public. Improper torch use or careless fire watch has caused many rooftop fires. A torch-applied roof system must not be operated on roofs constructed of combustible materials. Fire guards must be on continuous duty during all torch operations on the roof of a building. There must be one fire guard on the roof for each torch operator, and an additional fire guard is required one floor level below the work area. The fire guard makes sure that sparks do not cause a fire on the lower floor. A minimum 3-A:40-B:C rating fire extinguisher must be readily accessible within 30 feet of the hot work location and the fire guard. Fire guards may use garden hoses connected to a reliable water supply, or buckets of water.

2.4 Personal Protection

The gas-torch equipment should only be used by trained and responsible personnel. Only the equipment approved by the Materials and Equipment Acceptance (MEA) should be used. The work area should be well ventilated. This will prevent the worker from breathing dangerous fumes. Exhaust fans may be used to draw the fumes away from the work area. An example of a well ventilated work area is shown below.

18

A Well Ventilated Work Area

The workers should wear flame resistant gloves and aprons, skull caps, helmets or goggles, and safety shoes. Clothing with pockets or cuffs should not be worn while working. Sparks or pieces of hot metal might catch in the cuffs or pockets. The following picture shows the appropriate safety clothing to wear while cutting and welding.

Frayed clothing is particularly susceptible to ignition and burning and should NOT be worn when welding or cutting.

Protective Clothing to be Worn While Cutting and Welding

19

2.5 Gas Torch Operation Precautions

Each person must operate only one torch at a time and such torch must not be left unattended while ignited. Any containers that contain combustible materials must not be cut, welded, or applied any torch operation. The container may catch fire and result in an explosion. Such explosions have caused serious injuries and several deaths. Even containers that have been empty for awhile may be dangerous as they may still contain flammable vapors. All combustible and flammable solids, liquids, dusts, or vapors must be removed from the container before cutting or welding. The containers should be thoroughly cleaned with the correct cleaning solutions.

It is prohibited to perform welding or cutting when supported by or resting on any compressed gas containers. Performing any torch-applied roof operations on any combustible roof (e.g. wood roof) is also prohibited.

The torch equipment should only be used for purposes for which it was intended. It should not be used for any kind of tricks or stunts. This could result in serous or fatal injuries.

Automatic sprinkler protection shall not be shut off while hot work is performed. Cutting and welding may cause sprinkler heads to accidentally open if the temperature rises near the sprinkler heads. To prevent this the head should be covered by noncombustible barriers or damp cloth. The covers should be removed immediately after the cutting and welding is finished. If the work extends over several days, the covers shall be removed at the end of each workday.

Smoke Eater being used to remove fumes/smoke and prevent unnecessary fire alarm activations.

Posted Hot Work Authorization

(Hot Work Permit)

Welding Screen being used to prevent the passage of sparks, slag and heat from the hot work area.

20

If the torch operation is to be discontinued for a period of 1 hour or more, the torch valve must be closed and the gas supply to the torch also must be completely shut.

The torch system must be shut down as follows:

a.Close gas container valve.

b.Open torch valve and drain regulator and lines. DO NOT discharge toward people, flame or source of ignition.

c.Release regulator adjusting knob fully counterclockwise.

d.Shut off torch valve. Disconnect torch and regulator, replace the protective cap and plug to the hose end and supply tank respectively for overnight or longer shutdown.

2.8 Common Problems Occur With Torch Operations

2.8.1Backfire

This occurs when the flame on the torch goes out unexpectedly. A loud snap or pop may occur when the flame goes out. Sometimes the flame will quickly relight. This happens when the working surface area is hot enough to re-ignite the flame. Backfire may be caused by several things that are easy to fix. The following is a list of some conditions that might cause backfire.

(1)Touching the nozzle tip against the working surface.

(2)Overheating the nozzle tip.

(3)The oxygen and/or the fuel gas is set at the wrong pressure.

(4)The cutting or welding tip is loose or dirty.

(5)Dirt on the work surface.

(6)Kinks or blockages in the hoses.

(7)The nozzle tip is damaged and not seated properly in the torch head.

If backfire is noticed the container valves should be closed and the equipment checked for the symptoms listed above. If any dirt or damage is noticed, it should be cleaned or repaired before the equipment is used again.

2.8.2Flashback

This occurs when the cutting or welding flame burns inside the torch or the hoses. It is usually accompanied by a whistling or hissing noise. As soon as the hissing or whistling is noticed the torch control valves should be closed. Then the fuel gas container valve should be closed. This allows the flame to burn itself out. After a few minutes the fire should have burned itself out.

Flashback indicates that there is something seriously wrong with the equipment. The equipment should be checked for damage or blockage. Check for the same conditions that might cause backfire. A build up of dirt may also cause the flashback. This can be a very dangerous situation. Care should be taken to make sure that it is fixed properly. If the equipment is not cleaned and repaired correctly it may result in an explosion. The entire system should be cleaned and repaired if needed. If the flashback happens again, a qualified technician should repair the equipment.

2.8.3Check for Leaks

24

The gas containers, valves, hoses, and related equipment should be inspected for physical damage. Special care should be taken to identify any defects that may cause a leak. Any defective components that are discovered must be marked and be replaced before the equipment may be used again. If any leak of flammable gases or oxygen is detected, move the gas container to an isolated, well-ventilated area away from combustible materials. Post signs that describe the hazard. The Certificate of Fitness holder must not attempt to do any repairs, but only take the equipment out of service. This equipment is very sensitive and must be repaired by the manufacturer only.

After the new container has been connected to the appliance, all connections must be checked for leaks. Most of these leaks occur at the top of the gas container in areas such as the valve threads, pressure safety device, valve stem and valve outlet.

These areas must be checked using a soap and water solution. NEVER CHECK FOR LEAKS WITH A FLAME. First make sure that all connections are tight. Then open the container valve. Each connection is checked by brushing or spraying a soap and water mixture on the connection. The connection should be checked to see if any air bubbles are present. If no air bubbles are visible there is no leak. However, if bubbles are present there may be a problem with the connection. The suspected fittings should be disconnected and cleaned. Then the connection is tightened and the checking procedure is repeated. If the bubbles are still visible, there is a problem with the connection. The fittings should be repaired or replaced before the equipment is used again. A lighted flame (for example, a match) should never be used when checking a connection for a leak.

Occasionally, ice or moisture may build up on the regulator. Icy build-up indicates that the compressed gas is leaving the gas container in a liquid state. This is caused by a dangerous defect in the gas container. If ice build-up on appliance or connectors, shut off the main control valve of the fuel container, take it out of service, and return it to the supplier immediately. If the ice build-up is on the gas container itself or its control valve, you should call 911 immediately.

25

PART 3. COMPRESSED GAS CONTAINER

The gases used by gas torches are commonly supplied in compressed gas containers, which can pose additional handling and transport hazards. All compressed gases are potential hazards because of the pressure within the container, their flammability, and/or their toxicity. The chemical is in gaseous form and pressurized, it can quickly contaminate a large area in the event of a leak.

3.1 Handling, Use, and Storage of Compressed Gas

3.1.1General Guidance

(1)Label all compressed gas containers clearly

The contents of any compressed gas container must be clearly identified. Gas identification should be stenciled or stamped on the container or a label, and is typically applied near the neck of the container. Do not rely solely on the color of the container to identify the contents. Do not use any container that is unmarked or has conflicting marking or labels.

(2) Do not refill container

The gas containers must be replaced when they are empty. It is illegal to refill gas containers in New York City. Empty containers must be handled in the same manner as full ones. They should be marked empty, the container valve or regulator tap must be closed and stored separately from full containers. All empty containers must be promptly removed by vendors.

(3) Upright position

The oxygen and the fuel gas containers should be maintained in an upright position when being used. This is true for both the portable and the manifold system. This is especially important for the acetylene containers. If the acetylene container is used while on its side the acetone may escape. This may result in an explosion inside the gas container. The gas containers used for a portable oxy-fuel torch system are usually secured on a handtruck. The containers are less likely to be damaged when secured to a handtruck. The handtruck permits the gas containers to be moved safely. The portable system is usually used for on- site jobs. All gas containers must be secured from tipping over, and should be stored in an upright position, and be equipped with a pressure regulator designed for the specific gas and marked for its maximum container pressure. You can use appropriate material, such as chain, plastic coated wire cable, commercial straps, etc., to secure gas containers.

(4) Well-ventilated areas

Indoor compressed gas storage and compressed gas use areas must be located in well- ventilation areas.

(5) Always replace the protective cap

Most gas containers have a protective cap, LP Gas containers have a collar. These devices protect the container control valve from physical damage. The protective cap is shaped like an inverted cup. It is screwed on top of the gas container. It must be in place when the gas container is not in use. The protective collar is welded onto the top of the container. The collar extends above the height of the containers control valve. An example of a container with a protective collar installed is shown below.

26

Always select the regulators recommended by the manufacturer. Do not interchange regulators between different sizes/types of container without consulting the manufacture.

Do not open the gas container valve or regulator tap until the regulator is securely attached. Regulator connections to gas container valves must be completely free of dirt, dust, oil, and grease. The regulator controls the discharge rate of gas from the container. Examples of typical regulators are shown below.

A Typical Regulator of CNG Container

(3) Hose, Piping and Tubing

The regulator is also connected to a hose that supplies the gas to the appliance. This hose must be securely connected to the appliance. A rubber slip connection is prohibited. Only DOT approved hoses designed for a working pressure of 350 psi. are allowed. Generally speaking, nonmetallic pipe, tubing and components for any installation, appliance or equipment using LPG or CNG is prohibited. However, nonmetallic hose may be allowed at construction sites. Hoses must be as short as practical protecting from mechanical injury, but they must not be too close to an open flame. Hoses must be protected from physical damage and no hose is allowed to exceed 30 feet. When the gas containers are used inside buildings, the hose must not pass through any partitions, walls, ceilings, or floors. (NFPA 58 6.20.3.2)

This is designed for a rubber slip which is prohibited.

28

Piping in systems must be run as directly as is practical from one point to another, with as few fittings as practical. The use of nonmetallic pipe tubing, or hose for permanently interconnecting gas containers is prohibited. All piping and tubing must be protected against damage by vehicles and by corrosion-causing substance.

3.1.3Moving Compressed Gas Containers

A compressed gas container must not be rolled on its side or its rim. It must be moved only by using approved lifting equipment. Containers must never be dropped or thrown from any height. Before transporting any compressed gas containers make sure that the valves are tightly closed.

Compressed gas containers should be moved in an upright position, and must be moved using an approved method. Where containers are moved by hand cart, the hand truck or other mobile device must be designed for the secure movement of containers. Carts and trucks utilized for moving compressed gas containers outdoors must be designed so that the containers will be secured against dropping, or otherwise striking against each other or other surfaces. Ropes, chains or slings must not be used to suspend compressed gas containers unless such containers have been designed for such handling. Valves of compressed gas containers must not be used for lifting.

If the compressed gas containers need to be transported between different floors, if possible use an elevator (e.g. freight elevator, construction elevator, or passenger elevator when approved), and such elevator shall be occupied by the minimum number of persons.

29

All compressed gas containers may be transported only in approved vehicles. A FDNY transportation permit issued by the Bureau of Fire Prevention is required for each vehicle transporting quantities exceeding 400 SCF of any flammable gas (e.g. LPG/CNG), or exceeding 504 SCF of oxygen. Compressed gas containers may be delivered only to sites displaying a permit or Letter of Authorization issued by the Fire Commissioner.

3.1.4Storing Containers

A permit is required for any storage area storing (1) any flammable gas (e.g. LPG or CNG or acetylene ) in excess of 400 SCF; or (2) any oxygen in excess of 504 SCF. The Certificate of Fitness holder is responsible for the safe storage and use of the gas containers. The CNG and LPG and other flammable gases container storage must be located away from the following: Electric power lines; Piping containing flammable or combustible liquids; Piping containing flammable gases; and Piping containing oxidizing materials. The oxygen containers must be separated from any flammable gas containers (e.g. LPG, CNG, Acetylene) or combustible materials (e.g. oil or grease) by a minimum distance of 20 feet, or by protective structures at a minimum distance of 5 feet having a minimum fire- resistance of 2 hours.

Unit Size References

SCF = Standard Cubic Feet

One standard size Oxygen container (9.27 in x 55.5 in) is approximately 307 SCF

One standard size Acetylene container (12 in x 48.5 in) is approximately 420 SCF

3,500 SCF in total storage / 300 SCF per standard cylinder = 11.40 cylinders

Brazing is typically done with a B tank set-up. The tank is normally 23 inches high and contains about 40 SCF of gas.

(1)Separation from hazardous conditions

All compressed gas containers and systems in storage or use shall be away from materials and conditions that present potential hazards to them or to which they present potential hazards. It is recommended to group containers according to the type of gas (e.g. flammable, oxidizer) or whether containers are full or empty, if they are stored at the same location. Fuel gas or oxygen containers in storage must be separated from any combustible materials by a minimum distance of 20 feet. Oxidizing gases shall not be stored/used or come in contact with oil, grease, or other petroleum base.

Generally, the compressed gas containers shall be kept away from

Sources of ignition

Temperature extremes (Above 125 ºF or less than mean low atmospheric temperatures)

Corrosive chemicals or fumes

Falling objects

Public tampering

Ledges, unprotected platforms, and elevators or other areas where the container could drop a distance exceeding one-half the height of the container

30

(3) Quantity Limitation of Gas Storage

The maximum allowable quantities of different gas storage are listed as below.

a. In any single construction site

b. If the indoor storage location is not accessible to the public, such as industrial buildings, the capacity can be up to 300 lbs.

c. Storage in amounts exceeding 1,000 SCF must comply with the requirements of FC Table 2703.1.1(1) or FC3504.

d. Only one liquid oxygen container having a maximum water capacity of 6.2 SCF is allowed.

e. Storage and use of oxygen containers in connection with CNG torch operations must be limited to a total capacity not exceeding 279 SCF.

All empty or in-use gas containers should be counted as full containers. In other words, the quantity of any empty gas container must be subject to the maximum allowable storage quantity.

3.2 Handling and Use of Acetylene Gas

Acetylene gas is a colorless, extremely flammable gas with a garlic-like odor. It is stored as a liquid in containers under pressure. Copper tubing should never be used to splice the acetylene hose. The copper tube will react chemically with the acetylene. The reaction may cause an explosion if the tube is subjected to a physical blow. Use of acetylene generators is prohibited in any hot work operations.

For use in welding and cutting, the working pressure must be controlled by a regulator. You should never set the regulator above 15 psi as the acetylene will decompose explosively. Acetylene leaks, no matter how small can have serious consequences.

The acetylene containers have safety plugs installed on the top and bottom of the container. These plugs melt if the container becomes too hot for it to be used safely. The melted plugs allow the gas to escape slowly. This prevents the container from exploding.

31

PART 4. PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Aportable fire extinguisher with at least a 2-A:20-B:C rating (a minimum 3-A:40-B:C rating fire extinguisher on torch-applied roofing system operations) must be readily accessible within 30 feet of the location where hot work is performed and where the fire guards are positioned. In case of fire, 911 must be called.

In the event of a fire extinguisher has been discharged, a fully charged replacement is required before work can resume. The C of F holder is recommended to be trained for the use of portable fire extinguisher. Portable fire extinguishers are important in preventing a small fire from growing into a catastrophic fire, however, they are not intended to fight large or spreading fires. The trained

Certificate of Fitness holders should only consider extinguishing fires when they are limited in size and spread such that they can readily be extinguished using a portable fire extinguisher. By the time the fire has spread, fire extinguishers, even if used properly, will not be adequate to extinguish the fire. Such fires should be extinguished by the building fire extinguishing systems or trained firefighters only. In case of any fire, FDNY must be notified. Fire extinguishers must be used in accordance with the instructions painted on the side of the extinguisher. They clearly describe how to use the extinguisher in case of an emergency. The Certificate of Fitness holder should be familiar with the use of portable fire extinguishers. When it comes to using a fire- extinguisher just remember the acronym P.A.S.S. to help make sure you use it properly. P.A.S.S. stands for Pull,

Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

All fire extinguishers must be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 5 ft above the floor and the clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor is not less than 4 in. In other words, no fire extinguisher is allowed to put on floor.

32

4.1 Operation Instructions for a Fire Extinguisher

Special care must be taken when extinguishing a gas fire caused by a leak. The easiest way to extinguish the fire is to shut off by using the Emergency Shut Off valve until the flame is extinguished. In case of any fire, Fire Department must be notified. The flame must be approached from an upwind direction. This will prevent the Certificate of Fitness holder from being burned by the flames. Never approach a fire from a downwind direction. The correct ways to approach a fire are shown below.

The dry chemical stream must be directed toward the point where the flame begins. Do not direct the chemical stream at the center of the flame. This will not extinguish the fire. The correct way to direct the dry chemical stream is shown below.

For the piped gas, the gas supply must be shut off first and then call 911. This is safer than allowing the flammable gas (e.g. acetylene or LPG) to leak out. A flammable gas leak could result in a serious explosion if it were ignited. Never attempt to extinguish the flame unless the gas supply shut. When it is not possible to shut off the gas supply (e.g. the fire is near the control valve or the shut-off valve) and the gas supply is limited (e.g. it is from a cylinder), allow the flame to burn itself out and call 911. In the mean time, you should try to control the scene and prevent the fire spreading to the surrounding materials. The

33

trained Certificate of Fitness holders should only consider extinguishing fires when they are limited in size and spread such that they can readily be extinguished using a portable fire extinguisher. By the time the fire has spread, fire extinguishers, even if used properly, will not be adequate to extinguish the fire. Such fires should be extinguished by the building fire extinguishing systems or trained firefighters only.

4.2 Fire Extinguishers

The Certificate of Fitness holder must be familiar with the different types of fire extinguishers available at the work site. The Certificate of Fitness holder must know how to operate the extinguishers in a safe and efficient manner. The Certificate of Fitness holder must also know the difference between the various types of extinguishers and when they may be used. A description of the classes of fires and the appropriate extinguishers are described below.

CLASS A fires are caused by ordinary combustible materials (such as wood, paper, and cloth). To extinguish a Class A fire, these extinguishers utilize either the heat-absorbing effects of water or the coating effects of certain dry chemicals.

CLASS B fires are caused by flammable or combustible liquids and gases such as oil, gasoline, etc. To extinguish a Class B fire, the blanketing-smothering effect of oxygen- excluding media such as CO2, dry chemical or foam is most effective.

CLASS C fires involve electrical equipment. These fires must be fought with fire extinguishers that do not conduct electricity. Foam and water type extinguishers must not be used to extinguish electrical fires. After shutting off the electrical equipment, extinguishers for Class A or B fires may be used.

CLASS D fires are caused by ignitable metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and metallic sodium, or metals that are combustible under certain conditions, such as calcium, zinc, and aluminum. Generally, water should not be used to extinguish these fires.

A multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher may be used to extinguish more than 2 Classes fires. Examples of some fire extinguishers are shown below.

Examples of fire extinguishers

10-B:C (10BC) 3-A:40-B:C(3A40BC) 3-A:40-B:C(3A40BC), wheeled

34