Any time a tool is used which gener

Any time a tool is used which generates sparks or involves the use of open flame in the plant or other areas which have been identified as hazardous, the following procedures shall be implemented:All machinery and dust-producting operations shall be shut down prior to clean-up and remain inoperative until a final inspection is made at the completion of the work.The area where open flame or spark-producting equipment is to be used shall be washed down prior to usage of equipment.All combustible material or materials which could be damaged from the operation shall either be removed from the work area or protected by covering with flame-proof material.At least one portable fire extinguisher shall be in the immediate area where open flame or spark- producting equipment is being used.The work area shall be tested for methane by a certified or qualified person immediately prior to beginning operations and every two hours while the permit is in effect.To insure that the previous five steps have been followed, your supervisor shall personally check the area and fill out and sign the Hot Work Permit form prior to work commencing.Upon completion of work involving cutting or welding, the area shall be wet down to insure all potential hot spots are eliminated.When all work has been completed, the following procedures shall be followed to release the permit:The area shall be inspected to make sure that all work is completed and that there are no fires.The time the work is completed shall be noted on the permit form.All excavation and trenching operations and work performed in such areas must conform with established standards and regulations.Trenches 5 feet or deeper must be shored or sloped as required by safety regulations.Spoil material must be placed 2 feet or more from the edge of the excavation.Precautions must be made to prevent such materials from falling into excavation.Where vehicles or equipment operate near excavations, the sides of the excavation must be shored and braced to withstand the additional loading caused by the equipment.Stop logs or other Barriers may be required.Each excavation must be inspected daily and after each rain, snow, freeze, etc. by a competent person.If evidence of cave-ins or slides is evident, all work in the excavation must cease until the necessary precautions have been taken to safeguard employees.Materials used for sheeting or shoring must meet the requirements of the safety regulations.Safe access must be provided in all excavations.Excavations 4 feet(1,2m)or more in depth must have ladders spaced so that employees lateral travel does not exceed 25 feet(7,5m).Ladders must extend 36 inches(90cm)above ground level.Walkways, bridges or ramps with standard guardrails must be provided where employees or equipment are permitted or required to cross over the excavation.In locations where oxygen deficiencies or concentrations of hazardous or explosive gases or dusts are possible, the atmosphere in the excavation must be tested by a qualified person prior to the start of work and at intervals as required.The intent of the Lockout/Tagout rules are to prevent the unexpected operation of equipment which has been intentionally shut down for repairs or goes down due to mechanical failure and subsequent repairs are started.Employees will be issued locks and tags which you must use to insure that systems and equipment which you are to work on cannot be accidently energized or set into motion without your permission.Any employee whose duties required him to expose himself or fellow workers to the hazards of industrial equipment, whatever their nature, must assure safety awareness of the hazards by taking appropriate steps to Lockout/Tagout energized systems prior to servicing or repairing equipment.You must Lockout/Tagout the job yourself.Never work under the protection of another employee's lock.In certain cases group locks and tags will be issued.In those cases the foreman or leadman will be responsible for safe start-up of the equipment.When an amployee is required to repair, adjust, clean or oil any piece of equipment or power driven machine - MAKE SURE THAT IT CANNOT BE ENERGIZED OR SET IN MOTION WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION.