511 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 9-15

Sections

9-8. General Requirements.

Temporary Heating Devices

The USACE supervisor/KO or COR must approve all temporary heating devices.
Each heater must have a safety data plate with manufacturer's information, including clearance, ventilation requirements, fuel type, and handling instructions.
Install and maintain heaters according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring proper placement, safe clearance from combustibles, and appropriate fuel storage.

USACE Wildland Fire Control and Recovery

Develop a Wildland Fire Management Plan for all USACE facilities with potential fire exposure.
Organize and conduct wildland fire management teams and operations as per NFPA 1143, ensuring all team members are properly trained.
Provide and maintain necessary firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) as per NFPA standards.

Heating Devices and Melting Kettles

All kettle operators must be trained, and kettles must be placed on firm, level, non-combustible foundations, away from traffic and accidental tipping hazards.
Establish procedures for containing uncontrolled spills and maintain fire extinguishers within 25 feet of working kettles.
Ensure kettles are attended when in use, have effective lids, and are properly ventilated, especially in enclosed areas.

9-9. Figures and Tables.

See Figures/Tables Checklists/Forms

9-10. Checklists and Forms.

See Figures/Tables Checklists/Forms

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

9-7. Fire extinguishers used to contain uncontrolled spills should be located _____.

within easy reach of fire watchers

within 25 feet of working kettles

no farther than 50 feet from kettles

every 50 feet in hazardous working areas

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 9-8 (i.–k.).

9-8. General Requirements. (i.–k.).

i.  Temporary Heating Devices.  (9-8.i)

(1)  The USACE supervisor/KO or COR must approve all temporary heating devices.

(2)  Each heater must have a safety data plate permanently affixed by the manufacturer.  The plate must show requirements or recommendations for:

(a)  Clearance from combustible materials.

(b)  Ventilation (minimum air requirements for fuel combustion).

(d)  Lighting, extinguishing, and relighting.

(e)  Electrical power supply characteristics.

(f)  Location, moving, and handling.

(g)  Name and address of the manufacturer.

Note. If this information is not available on a data plate, provide it in writing at the jobsite.

(3)  Establish a standard operating procedure to assure the following:

(a)  Proper placement and servicing.

(b)  Safe clearance from combustible material.

(d)  Safe fuel storage and refueling.

(e)  Proper maintenance.

(f)  Ventilation and determination of gaseous contamination or oxygen deficiency.

(4)  Install and maintain heaters according to the manufacturer's instructions.

(5)  Do not use open-flame heating devices having exposed fuel below the flame.

(6)  Operate heaters in a horizontally level position, unless otherwise permitted by the manufacturer's specifications.

(7)  Mark heaters that are unsuitable for use on wood floors.  When such heaters are used, place them on suitable heat insulating material, such as 1 inch (2.5 cm) minimum thick concrete.  The insulating material must extend at least 2 feet (0.6 m) in all directions from the edges of the heater.

(8)  Locate heaters used near combustible tarpaulins, canvas, or similar coverings at least 10 feet (3 m) from such coverings.  Securely fasten the coverings to prevent them from igniting or upsetting the heater due to the wind.

(9)  Protect heaters from damage.

(10) Separate temporary heating devices from combustible materials by the minimum clearances shown in table 9-1.

(11)  Train personnel involved in fueling heaters according to paragraph 9-3.a.

(12)  Vent fuel combustion space heating devices used in any enclosed building, room, or structure with a flue pipe to the exterior of the structure.

(a)  Supply fresh air by natural or mechanical means in sufficient quantities to ensure the health and safety of workers.  Give particular attention to areas where heat and fumes may accumulate.

(b)  When heaters are used in confined spaces, take precautions to ensure proper combustion, maintenance of a safe and healthful atmosphere for workers, and limitation of temperature rise in the area.  Address these concerns on the confined space entry permit. (See chapter 34)

(c)  Locate vent pipes at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) from flammables and combustibles. Where vent pipes pass through combustible walls or roofs, properly insulate, and securely fasten and support them to prevent accidental displacement or separation.

(13) When a heater is placed in operation, perform initial and periodic checks to make sure it is functioning properly.

(14) When heaters are used in enclosed or partially enclosed structures, monitor for carbon CO continuously.  If not feasible, state in the AHA and perform tests to monitor for the presence of CO within one hour of the start of each shift and at least every 4 hours thereafter.  If CO concentrations exceed 25 parts per million (ppm) (TLV) of air volume at worker breathing levels, extinguish the heater or provide additional ventilation to reduce the CO content to acceptable levels.

(15) Heaters must be equipped with an approved automatic device to shut off the flow of fuel if the flame is extinguished.  On liquid fuel heaters, barometric or gravity oil feed is not considered a primary safety control.

(16) Spark arresters must be provided on all smokestacks or burning devices having forced drafts or short stacks permitting live sparks or hot materials to escape.

(17)  Do not use solid fuel heaters in buildings or on scaffolds.

(18)  Gas Heaters.

(a)  Leak test all piping, tubing, and hoses using soap suds or other noncombustible detection means after assembly to prove free of leaks at normal operating pressure.

(b)  Protect hose and fittings from damage and deterioration.

(c)  Check all hoses and fittings to ensure that the type, capacity, and pressure ratings are as specified by the heater manufacturer.  Hoses must have a minimum working pressure of 250 psi (1723.7 kPa) gauge and a minimum bursting pressure of 1,250 psi (8618.4 kPa) gauge.

(d)  All hose connectors must withstand, without leakage, a test pressure of 125 psi (861.8 kPa) gauge for natural gas, and 500 psi (3,447 kPa) gauge for Liquefied Petroleum (LP)-Gas and withstand a pull test of 400 lbs. (181.4 kg) (see 29 CFR 1910.110).

(e)  Securely connect hose connectors to the heater by mechanical means.  Do not use "slip-end" connectors (that is, connections that allow the hose end to be held only by the friction of the hose material against the metal fitting of the unit) nor ring keepers (that is, tightened over the hose to provide an increased force holding the hose to the metal fitting).

(19) Natural Gas Heaters.  When using flexible gas supply lines, the length must be as short as practical and must not exceed 25 feet (7.6 m).

(20)  Portable LP-Gas Heaters (see chapter 14).

(a)  If LP-Gas is supplied to a heater by hose, the hose must not be less than 10 feet (3 m), or more than 25 feet (7.6 m), in length.

(b)  Equip heaters with an approved regulator in the supply line between the fuel cylinder and the heater unit.  Provide cylinder connectors with an excess flow valve to minimize the flow of gas in the event the fuel line ruptures.

(c)  Equip LP-Gas heaters having inputs above 50,000 British Thermal Unit (BTU)/hour with either a pilot, which will be lighted and proved before the main burner can be turned on, or an electronic ignition.  These provisions do not apply to portable heaters under 7,500 BTU/ hour when used with containers having a maximum water capacity of 2.5 lbs. (1.1 kg).

(d)  Do not use container valves, connectors, regulators, manifolds, piping, or tubing as structural support for LP-Gas heaters.

(e)  Locate heaters, other than integral heater-container units, at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from any LP-Gas container.  This requirement does not prohibit the use of heaters designed specifically for attachment to the LP-Gas container or to a supporting standard, provided they are designed and installed to prevent direct or radiant heat application from the heater into the containers.  Do not direct blower or radiant type heaters toward any LP-Gas container located within 20 feet (6.1 m).

(f)  If two or more heater-container units (of either the integral or non-integral type) are in the same area of an unpartitioned floor, separate the container or containers of each unit from the container or containers of any other unit by at least 20 feet (6.1 m).

(g)  When heaters are connected to containers for use in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the total water capacity of containers, manifolded together for connection to a heater(s), must not be greater than 735 lbs. (333.4 kg), nominal 300 lbs. (136.1 kg) LP-Gas capacity.  Separate such manifolds by at least 20 feet (6.1 m).

(21)  Installation of Heating Equipment in Service or Lubrication Areas.

(a)  Install heating equipment in lubrication or service areas where there is no dispensing or transferring of flammable liquids so that the bottom of the heating unit is at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) above the floor ad is protected from damage.

(b)  Where flammable liquids are dispensed, install heating equipment of an approved type for garages at least 8 feet (2.4 m) above the floor.

(22)  Do not modify temporary heating devices, use proper purpose only, and follow manufacturer’s instruction to use.

j.  USACE Wildland Fire Control and Recovery.  (9-8.j)

(1)  A Wildland Fire Management Plan must be developed according to paragraph 9-7.b at all USACE facilities and project sites with potential exposure to wildland fire, whether prescribed or planned.

(2)  Organize and conduct wildland fire management teams and operations according to NFPA 1143.

(a)  Wildland fire management team personnel must be trained according to paragraph 9-3.d.

(b)  Wildland fire management teams must include at least two qualified individuals (see para 9-3.d).

(3)  Maintain firefighting equipment in working and ready condition.

(4)  Provide and maintain in working and ready condition PPE according to NFPA 1143 and NFPA 1977, to include fire-resistant clothing, safety hard hats, protective footwear (safety toe required for chainsaw operators and/or crush hazard), leather boots, goggles, and fire-resistant gloves.  (See chapter 5)

(5)  A physician must examine employees engaged in fire management activities as part of their medical surveillance.  The physician must certify that they are physically able to perform assigned fire management duties.  (See para 9-3.d)

(6)  Provide communication equipment to personnel as necessary for coordination, control, and emergency needs.

(7)  Prior to conducting a prescribed burn, a hazard evaluation and exposure assessment must be completed and recorded on the AHA to determine if adequate controls are in place. It is recommended that medical surveillance and exposure monitoring is conducted for volatile organic compounds, nitrogen dioxide, CO, and particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5).  (See para 9-6)

k.  Heating Devices and Melting Kettles.  (9-8.k)

(1)  All kettle operators must be trained according to paragraph 9-3.b.

(2)  Place heating devices and melting kettles on firm, level, non-combustible foundations, and whenever possible, place downwind from employees or occupied buildings. Protect against traffic, accidental tipping, or similar hazards.

(3)  Establish procedures to contain uncontrol spills of heated material which may be on fire. Place a fire-retardant tarp, or other effective means, under the kettle.

(4)  Maintain a minimum of two fire extinguishers rated not less than 2A:20B:C within 25 feet (7.6 m) of the working kettles.

(5)  Hot work permits are required on government installation unless otherwise indicated by the USACE supervisor/KO or COR (see para 9-8.g).

(6)  Provide and ensure use of a working thermometer.

(7)  Do not leave heating devices and melting kettles unattended when in use. When the kettle is heating material to the working temperature, the operator must be located on the same level as the kettle and be within eyesight, but no more than 25 feet (7.6 m) from the kettle.

(8)  Provide bituminous-material melting kettles with an effective tight-fitting lid or hood and a calibrated thermometer in operating condition.

(a)  The temperature must be maintained 25 degrees below the flash point of the bituminous material.

(b)  All melting kettles must be appropriately sized for the job.

(9)  Do not use or operate bituminous-material melting kettles inside or within 25 feet (7.6 m) of combustible materials, including propane tanks being stored or in use. The lid for the kettle must open away from the building.

(10)  Keep liquid propane container(s) used as a heat source at least 10 feet (3 m) away from the kettle. Place in an upright and secured position to prevent tip over.

(11) Locate kettles so that means of egress is not restricted.  Kettles must not be placed closer than 10 feet (3 m) of an egress path.

(12)  Ventilate enclosed areas where hot substances are heated or applied.

(13) All ladles, equipment, and material must be moisture-free before being used or placed in heated material.

(14) Do not use flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100ºF (37.8ºC) to thin the mixture or to clean equipment.

(15)  Include in the Fire Prevention Plan (see paras 9-7.a and 9-3.f).