PIPING AND MECHANICAL WORKS - Section # 1. SAFETY PROCEDURES

Bechtel is committed to a ZERO INJURY safety philosophy in all of its construction work activities. The installation of piping components and mechanical equipment can result in serious accidents and injuries if not properly planned and executed. As a consequence performing piping and mechanical

installation work safely is one of the principle features of Bechtel's overall safety program.

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TH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) SAFETY REGULATIONS

Requirements for safe construction rigging work practices in the United States are defined in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 29 Part 1926, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction. This document is organized into various "subparts" that each address a particular aspect of construction work operations. The subparts applicable to piping and mechanical work operations are discussed below:

Subpart D - Occupational Health and Environmental Controls

This subpart establishes requirements for noise, ventilation, illumination, and hazardous materials controls. Since many piping and mechanical work activities involve performing the work in tight quarters with high noise levels, a clear understanding of the provisions of this subpart is  important.A hardhat, safety glasses, and hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs) should always be worn in the work area.

Subpart E - Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment

This subpart establishes minimum requirements for the use of fall protection devices including safety belts, lifelines, lanyards, and safety nets. The execution of piping and mechanical work operations often requires individuals to work in elevated locations subject to falls and the requirements of this subpart are designed to prevent serious injuries that could result from a fall.

Subpart G - Signs, Signals, and Barricades

This subpart establishes minimum requirements for signaling and controlling traffic flows. Since piping and mechanical work operations often involve rigging and the movement of equipment and materials on roadways, the requirements of this subpart define the minimum signaling and barricading requirements required.

Subpart H - Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal

This subpart provides minimum requirements for the use of material handling equipment including rope, slings, chains, shackles, and hooks.  The requirements of this subpart are very specific and  it is important that material handling capacities are clearly understood.

Subpart I - Tools - Hand and Power

This subpart defines requirements for the handling and use of hand tools, power operated tools, abrasive wheels and tools, and jacks. All of these devices are used extensively in piping and mechanical work activities and requirements of the subsection must be understood.

Subpart J - Welding and Cutting

Since almost all piping and mechanical work operations involve welding and cutting operations, the requirements of this subpart are directly applicable to all work activities. Particular emphasis should be placed on the requirements for fire prevention.

Subpart K - Electrical

This provisions for electrical lockout in this subpart are important for work that is performed in the vicinity of energized electrical systems.

Subpart N - Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators, and Conveyors

This subpart provides specific requirements for the control of heavy lift rigging equipment at the construction site. The subpart addresses requirements for rigging hand signals, rigging equipment and hardware inspections, posting of crane load charts, and rigging work execution.

Subpart T - Demolition

This subpart defines safety regulations for the demolition of buildings and materials. Since many retrofit work operations involve demolition activities, these regulations would be directly applicable.

ROLE OF THE FIELD ENGINEER IN SAFETY

The Piping or Mechanical Field Engineer is a direct contributor to the safety of the work   operations at the construction site.  Since all safe work operations must begin with preplanning, the Field Engineer makes a direct contribution to safety by reviewing the planned work with safety in mind. The Field Engineer is typically responsible to develop a detailed work package for work planned by the Superintendent, verify the required materials are available and obtain the required permits to perform the work. 

The following specific types of questions might be asked by the   Field Engineer to ensure the work can be done safely:

• How will the materials get to the work location? Can preassembly be done to avoid performing work in tight or cramped quarters?
• Does the work require the use of hazardous materials? Are MSDS sheets available at the site for all materials that are required to be used?
• Have all the required permits (e.g. confined space entry permits) been obtained to allow the work to be performed? Are there any special requirements that supervision or the craft need to be aware of prior to starting the work?
• Have all special equipment tagging requirements been satisfied?
• Are all the required materials available on the site? Have the materials been inspected for damage or flaws that might cause injury during installation?
• Has a thorough review for potential underground obstructions such as existing utilities, energized electrical cables and process lines been performed prior to authorizing the work to proceed?
• Is the proposed work site free of potential fire hazards? Is the housekeeping adequate?
• Are trenches or excavations adequately sloped or shored? Is a special shoring design required due to the depth or location of the excavation or trench?
• Have required rigging plans been prepared and approved? Have the requirements of the approved rigging plan been reviewed with the craft who will perform the work?
• Is the scaffolding required to perform the work properly erected? Is a special scaffold design required to access the work location?