02/15/2023
QUICK CARD
Hot Work Safety
on Hollow or Enclosed Structures in Shipyards
Hot work performed on hollow or enclosed structures on a vessel or shoreside can present hazards to
workers, as well as the vessel and shipyard facility. Hot work includes welding, burning, brazing,
and the use of powder-actuated tools or similar fire or spark-producing operations (e.g., cutting
with abrasive or metal blades).
Hollow or enclosed structures, which employees work on, but that are not large enough for them to
enter, may include: drums, inaccessible voids, sealed bulkheads, hatches and coamings, skegs, bilge
keels, rudders, fairwaters, pipes or piping systems, pipe stanchions,
masts, booms, lampposts, crane pedestals, lapped-plates, doubler-plates, railings, rub-rails,
mooring bitts and bollards, vents, container frames, box girders, cargo lids, sponsons, pontoons,
floats, or buoys.
Such structures should not be confused with tanks or confined and enclosed spaces, which are large
enough that workers can enter them. Work performed in such spaces must comply with requirements in
29 CFR 1915, Subpart B.
Explosion and Fire Hazards on Hollow or Enclosed Structures during Hot Work
• Flammable materials can catch fire or release toxic vapors;
• Toxic, corrosive, or irritant gases, liquids, or residues can cause injury to workers if inhaled
or contact the eyes or skin;
• Combustible preservatives can explode when combined with an ignition source, such as hot work;
• Often contain saltwater that causes metal to rust, releasing hydrogen gas;
• Fuel oil, solvents, degreasers or cleaning chemicals may leak from adjacent spaces; and
For more information:
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA (6742)