WHS - Operation Manual Welding Habitat System
WHS - Operation Manual Welding Habitat System
MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 PURPOSE 1
3.0 SCOPE 1
5.0 REFERENCE 2
7.0 PROCEDURE 4
8.0 APPENDIX 7
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This purpose is achieved by segregating the ignition source from the hazardous area.
Therefore, a safe working environment inside the pressurised habitat is build. WHS is
built with the flexibility and capability of installation in any location or environment.
In conclusion WHS provides perfect solution for hot work in hazardous areas.
2.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is for the preparation, installation and dismantling of
the Welding Habitat System (WHS) to be deployed on offshore production platforms
and within onshore petro-chemical terminals.
3.0 SCOPE
This procedure is applicable for the installation and operations of Welding Habitat
System in all offshore production platforms and within onshore petro-chemical
terminals projects in classified as hazardous area or as deemed required by Company.
Pressurized Habitats shall be used to facilitate CAT-1 hot work activities in Zone 1 &
2 areas only, and shall not be used in Zone 0 environments. Welding Habitat System
cover all type of hot work (welding, cutting, grinding, etc.) in purpose to reduce lower
as possible the risk of hazard of work at critical area such as spark, fire, gas leaking,
etc.
4.0 ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS
CAT-1 HOT WORK Work involved with positive ignition sources e.g. welding, flame
cutting, grinding, grit/sandblasting, etc.
CAT-2 HOT WORK Any work which may generate sparks or other sources of ignition
e.g. taking of photographs with flash, use of non-intrinsically safe
equipment, including the opening of junction boxes.
COMPANY Oil & Gas Operator for which Project has been executed.
WHS Welding Habitat System
CONTRACTOR Carimin Engineering Services Sdn Bhd
EPCIC Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and
Commissioning
HC Hydrocarbon
HSE Health, Safety & Environment
HSEMS Health Safety & Environment Management System
HSEO/E Health, Safety & Environment Officer / Engineer
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
PTW Permit To Work
JHA Job Hazard Analysis (may also be known as JSA – Job Safety
Analysis)
SCBA Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
AUTO SHUTDOWN An automatic shutdown system which will automatically cut/turn off
power supply of all electrical or air tools if one of the following
occurs; gas detection and emergency stop.
5.0 REFERENCE
I. IEC 60079-0
II. IEC 60079-13
III. IEC 60079-14
IV. IEC 60079-17
V. PTS 19.40.01
VI. CSP25
6.0 SCOPE
6.1 Engineer/Supervisor
HSE Officer shall be responsible for random inspection of WHS and to ensure
if all equipment PTW, JSA meet client’s requirement.
6.4 Scaffolder
6.5 Firewatcher
Qualified firewatcher by Main Contractor must standby at site when hot work
is performed. Firewatcher is responsible to ensure no fire within the
surrounding of the WHS location. Part of his role as well is to ensure no
combustible materials around the habitat site, to standby of fire extinguisher
near the work site, to ensure no sparks coming out of the habitat and to stop
the activity if he is leaving the location.
Authorized Gas Tester (AGT) from operation team is responsible to carry out
gas test before and periodically during the execution of work at WHS. Normal
gas tested are combustible gases (LEL) and Oxygen (O2).
7.0 PROCEDURE
Inspection and testing of the complete Pressurized Habitat system shall be conducted
prior to mobilization of equipment, to ensure complete and safe functionality of all
components inclusive of habitat accessories such as blowers, ducting and
instrumentation.
All panels shall be inspected carefully for wear and tear and signs of deterioration
prior to mobilization. Damaged or defective panels shall be deemed unfit for service.
7.1.1. Client, Main Contractor and Habitat Technician to conduct site assessment
of the area to determine the size and layout of WHS to be use.
7.1.2. Ensure that the correct PTW have been issued and WHS Technicians are
in the correct area for habitat installation.
7.1.3. The Engineer/ Supervisor will decide on the layout of the habitat ensuring
maximum containment:
➢ The panel arrangement to ensure that grinding sparks and/or welding
slag have no possibility to escape from the enclosure.
➢ He must ensure pressurization – the inflation method creates an
internal overpressure which acts as a barrier to prevent the ingress of
hydrocarbons.
➢ He must make sure that the main door and emergency door have clear
and access and the escape route is clear and free of any obstacles.
7.2.3. Blower
➢ ATEX rated Zone-1 explosion proof electric blowers; capable of
inflating the WHS and maintaining a positive pressure and sufficient
volume of air.
7.2.5. Suspend the roof panels first where possible and build the top down check
each panel as you go for wear and possible damage. Do not use panels that
show signs of excessive wear. Follow the root line.
7.2.6. Attach each panels working from top to bottom and side to side and
around any obstacles. Make sure the panels are not stretched or force
together as this will put excessive strain on the zippers.
7.2.7. Used support ropes or cable tie where possible and ensure they are tied off
at safe points, beam or support, not live pipes or equipment.
7.2.8. Install the doors and again check that the access and routes are clear.
Habitat Technician to ensure that the main door and emergency way in
proper condition for safety reason.
7.2.9. Attach the floor panels and close the panel joint to from a seal.
7.2.11. Habitat Technician to ensure the pressurized habitat shall not be installed
so as to encompass live process lines.
7.2.12. Decide where the input air will be taken from ensuring that the source is
clean and gas free at all times.
7.2.13. Place the input blower accordingly in a safe place and connect the spiral
duct to WHS.
7.2.14. Decide where the exhaust air fumes from inside the WHS will be dispersed
to safe position.
7.2.16. Connect the electrical blower and lamp cable to allocated power supply at
auto shutdown.
7.2.17. Allocate gas detector in front of inlet blower for gas detection.
7.2.18. Ensure the pressure gauge reading is zero or near zero and close the door.
7.2.19. Ensure fire fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers are on standby
around hot work area.
7.3.2. Beacon light will started blinking and gas detector start to initialize and
self-calibrate. At the same time Turn On sounder alarm switch to confirm
whether it is functioning or not. If OK, turn off the alarm switch.
7.3.3. If beacon light do not stop blinking, turn off main switch auto shutdown.
7.3.4. Check if the allocated gas detector initialization is done and LEL & H2S
Zero Gas Reading. Set point alarm will be 5% for LEL and 5ppm for H2S.
Detection of flammable and toxic gas at the air intake shall trigger visual
and audible alarm and shall activate automatic de-energization of all
habitat equipment if the reading same or above than set point alarm.
7.3.5. If gas detector finished initialize and beacon light stop blinking, then
proceed to next step.
7.3.10. Check the panels are all supported and all zippers are together and the seal
flap are closed.
7.3.11. Check the pressure reading on the pressure gauge; it should give a reading
of 25-50 Pascal or above. Detection of low pressure within the habitat
(below 25 Pa) shall trigger visual and audible alarm only.
7.3.12. Check the pressure reading on the pressure gauge; it should give a reading
of below than 40˚C. Detection of high temperature within the habitat
(above 40˚C) shall trigger visual and audible alarm only.
7.3.13. Continuous air flow shall be maintained throughout the duration of hot
work.
7.3.14. Checklist will be provided as reference for a safe start. Operation Team
with habitat crew will do joint inspection based on Habitat Checklist and
need to fill up the checklist. Work will not proceed if items in the checklist
are not met. Checklist attached. Do not operate the habitat without the
correct permits in a place.
7.3.15. AGT will do the gas test inside and surround habitat to make sure no
combustible and toxic gas.
7.3.16. Common Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for habitat attached as reference.
7.3.17. Firewatcher shall standby at the entrance of Habitat throughout the work
period. His duties shall be include sealing the doorway and advising
personnel inside Habitat that work may proceed as Habitat maintains a
positive pressure.
7.3.18. Firewatcher shall stop the work on indication that positive pressure is not
being maintained or any indication for presence of hydrocarbon on local
gas monitor.
7.3.19. Firewatcher shall be provided with portable radio to ensure
communication between personnel inside and outside of Habitat.
7.3.20. Two dedicated firewatchers shall be made available in every Habitat, one
inside and one outside.
7.4.1. Deenergize power sources to auto shutdown system. Switch off auto
shutdown and disconnect the electrical blower and lamp cable.
7.4.3. Remove the small square panels inside the welding habitat system.
7.4.4. Remove the floor panel and open the panel joint.
7.4.5. Uninstall the door and check the access and routes are clear.
7.4.6. Remove each panel working from top to bottom and side to side and
around any obstacles.
7.4.7. Untie the support ropes and cable tie attach at the scaffolding and remove
the roof panels.
Please refer Appendix III: Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) attached to this
document.
Appendix I Installation Checklist (Prior to Hot Work Commencement)
FACILITY
COLD WORK
PERMIT NO
HOT WORK
PERMIT NO
LOCATION
DATE
SHIFT TIME
Notes:
1. This checklist is to ensure that the habitat and hot work equipment are fit for its intended purpose.
2. A new checklist must be completed for each new habitat installation.
3. A copy of this checklist must be attached to the appropriate hot work permit.
No. Description Finding Comment
(Yes/No)
Has proper JHA and PTW been raised prior to commencement of work?
1 Are all hot work equipment and accessories such as welding machines,
cables, etc. of approved type to COMPANY?
Note: Sunflex type welding cables are not allowed.
Is the scaffold valid for use and tagged?
2 Is the scaffold of a suitable size and configuration to erect the habitat?
(Ensure that the scaffold accommodates proper entry, exit, escape and
airlock if required)
3 Has the area been cleared of potential trip hazards and obstructions
surrounding the access and emergency exits?
4 Have all signs and barriers been installed to prevent unauthorized
personnel from entering the work area?
5 Is there a separate access and exit point?
Are escape routes clearly marked and not obstructed?
If applicable, has MOC been approved for escape route obstruction and
has temporary escape route been identified, communicated to all
parties and indicated by proper signage?
6 If applicable, has the airlock been installed properly to provide a double
door entry and exit arrangement?
7 Is the habitat large enough to ensure that the panels will not be
damaged by hot work activities?
(Hot work activities should be no closer than 50 cm to the panel. Should
there be no alternative, a sheet metal screen may be used to prevent
damage to the panels)
8 Are any combustible materials inside the habitat, such as scaffold
boards or ropes properly protected with welding blankets and welding
curtains prevent welding slag damage?
9 Is the air supply taken from a designated safe area?
Is the inlet ducting securely attached?
(Consider changes in wind direction)
10 Is the outlet duct at the safe distance from any likely sources of
flammable gases or liquids?
Is the outlet ducting securely attached?
11 Are the air supply and outlet ducts at least 5 meters apart?
12 Are the pressure indications installed correctly and are visible?
Has the temperature gauge been installed properly and is clearly visible?
13 Do all instruments have valid calibration certificates not more than 6
months old?
14 Are all electrical equipment connected securely using proper glanding
and termination? (For pneumatic fans, the whip check and clips shall be
in place before pressurizing)
15 Are all electrical equipment and accessories certified as suitable for use
under the prevailing hazardous area classification?
16 Have all the panel connectors been covered using flame retardant
Velcro?
17 Have all penetrations (piping, structural and adjacent plate faces) been
properly sealed using sticky Velcro, clamps, cambuckles or other means?
18 Is the required overpressure (25 Pa) obtained and maintained?
Is there adequate ventilation rate within the habitat?
19 Have any pinholes less than 10mm diameter been covered using flame-
retardant tape?
(To ensure there is not any potential opening in between habitat panel
due to nature of installed area).
20 Is the entry tag placed on the outer door of the habitat?
(The entry tag holder shall display RED sign when habitat is not fit for
use and display GREEN sign which is dated when fit for use)
21 Are the following hot work precautions in place? (Firewatchers, hoses,
firewater pumps, extinguishers, etc.)
Are this equipment fully functional and calibrated properly?
22 Is the electrical protection against overload, short circuit and earth fault
appropriate to the apparatus? Is it sufficiently sensitive?
Is the connection to potential equalization system (bonding connections
and earthing conductors) undamaged and secure?
23 Does the firewatcher have a good view of any areas where slag or
spatter may fall?
Is there a requirement for additional firewatchers outside and
underneath the habitat?
Does the habitat window allow for external monitoring?
24 Is the habitat lighting sufficient and functioning properly?
Is the lighting suitable for the prevalent hazardous area classification?
25 Have all manual or automatic shutdown devices been calibrated, tested,
and verified as working properly?
Are visual beacons clearly visible and are audible alarms clearly heard
within the habitat?
26 Is there an adequate number of spares available on site?
Is the Habitat Technician properly equipped and repair kit is available so
as to ensure smooth operation?
27 Is the Habitat Technician fully competent and does the technician
possess the required certification e.g. PTW applicant, Firewatcher &
other in-house training?
Name
HABITAT
Signature
TECHNICIAN
Date/Time
Name
COMPANY SITE
REPRESENTATIVE Signature
(CSR)
Date/Time
Name
Date/Time
Appendix II Removal Checklist (After Completion of Activity)
FACILITY
COLD WORK
PERMIT NO
HOT WORK
PERMIT NO
LOCATION
DATE
SHIFT TIME
Notes:
1. This checklist is to ensure that the work area has been reinstated properly.
No. Description Finding Comment
(Yes/No)
Have all hot work equipment and accessories such as welding machines,
1 cables, etc. been disconnected/shut down?
Have all habitat equipment & accessories e.g. inlet blower, ducting,
2 instruments, lighting and panels been dismantled?
3 Have all temporary cables been removed from the site?
4 Have all scaffolding equipment been removed from the site?
5 Have all temporary signage been removed from the site?
6 Has housekeeping been performed, and is the work site clear of any
debris and or obstructions?
7 If any MOC has been raised for escape route obstruction, has the MOC
been closed accordingly?
HABITAT Name
TECHNICIAN /
Signature
MAIN
CONTRACTOR Date/Time
Name
COMPANY SITE
REPRESENTATIVE Signature
(CSR)
Date/Time
Name
Date/Time
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS (JHA) WORKSHEET
REVIEWED BY APPROVED BY
NAME NAME
DESIGNATION WORK LEADER DESIGNATION PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR /MAITENANCE SUPERVISOR /BASE SUPERVISOR/FUNCTIONAL
SUPERVISOR
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
DATE DATE
Name (S) Designation Signature Signature Signature Signature Signature Signature Signature Name (S) Designation Signature Signature Signature Signature Signature Signature Signature
Autoshutdown System
Sounder Bypass
Switch
Main Supply
Switch
*Put Plug into Socket. Make sure enter the plug with
correct shape with socket
(2)
(3)
(4)
Completed
Cover Zip
*Close or seal the panel joint inside habitat using panel’s seal flap.
Cover Panel Joint Corner
(1)
(2)
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3