CONVERSA DE CAPACIDADE | EP. 05 - ESPAÇO CONFINADO, OPERAÇÃO COM METAL LÍQUIDO E TRABALHO A QUENTE

Summary

This episode of the 'Conversa de Capacidade com Segurança' podcast delves into crucial safety topics such as confined spaces, operations with liquid metal, and hot work with abrasives. Featuring experts from OBRS, the discussion covers best practices for maintaining safety in high-risk environments. Key points include the importance of permits for confined spaces, metal liquid operations, and safe handling of hot work tools. With valuable insights from industry professionals, this episode emphasizes the critical nature of discipline, training, and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all workers involved.

Takeaways

• 😀 Safety is a top priority in all operations, including confined space work, handling molten metal, and hot work with abrasives.
• 😀 Constrained spaces are strictly regulated under NR33 standards, requiring thorough risk assessment and work authorization through Pet (Work Entry and Authorization).
• 😀 All confined spaces, including ducts, reactors, and filter hoppers, are carefully identified and controlled within the gas treatment plant operations.
• 😀 Ensuring safety in confined spaces involves comprehensive training and clear instructions on how to evacuate or perform rescues in case of emergencies.
• 😀 Every task involving confined spaces requires a pre-assessed work permit (Pet), ensuring the team understands the risks and is adequately trained.
• 😀 In the gas treatment plant, nearly 90 confined space cleaning operations are performed in 2024 alone, following strict safety protocols.
• 😀 Operations involving molten metal require pre-heating of tools and equipment, and strict personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary to ensure safety.
• 😀 PPE for molten metal operations includes heat-resistant or aluminized protective gear, ensuring protection against burns and extreme heat.
• 😀 The company's SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) for molten metal operations include rigorous training and regular recertification to maintain safety standards.
• 😀 Hot work and abrasive tasks require specific safety measures such as ensuring proper tool functionality, identifying possible leaks, and using only certified ignition sources.
• 😀 It's essential for workers supporting hot work operations, such as holding or cutting pieces, to be equally protected from hazards like metal fumes and heat radiation.

Q & A

What are confined spaces, and how are they handled at the Gas Treatment Plant in the reductions?

Confined spaces are areas with restricted access, often associated with increased risk during operations. At the Gas Treatment Plant (PTG), all confined spaces are identified, characterized, and recorded in safety protocols, in accordance with NR33, which governs health and safety in confined spaces. These areas include places like the furnace bottom and exhaust ducts.

What is the role of the permit-to-work (PET) system for confined spaces?

The PET system is critical for ensuring that work in confined spaces is carried out safely. It requires that a detailed risk assessment is performed before entering the confined space. Only authorized and trained personnel are allowed to enter, and the permit ensures that risks are properly identified and addressed, including emergency evacuation procedures.

Can you give examples of specific confined spaces within the Gas Treatment Plant?

Examples of confined spaces at the Gas Treatment Plant include the furnace bottom, exhaust ducts, and other critical areas like the filter hoppers and reactors. These spaces are strictly regulated and only accessed with proper safety measures.

What is the main recommendation for safety in confined spaces?

The main recommendation is that no work should be conducted in confined spaces without a properly filled and evaluated PET. This ensures that risks are assessed, and all workers are adequately trained and equipped to respond to emergencies if necessary.

How often is training for confined space operations conducted at the Gas Treatment Plant?

Training for confined space operations is conducted during initial onboarding and then refreshed every two years. Additionally, if any procedures or protocols change, a new training session is scheduled to ensure all workers are updated on the latest safety measures.

What are the main safety precautions when working with molten metal?

When working with molten metal, it's crucial to preheat tools and equipment that will come into contact with the molten material. Workers must wear protective gear such as heat-resistant gloves and flame-retardant clothing to ensure safety.

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling molten metal?

The required PPE for molten metal operations includes heat-resistant gloves, aluminized or abrasion-resistant clothing, and flame-retardant gear. Additionally, workers must receive specific training to safely handle molten metal in high-risk environments.

What SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) governs molten metal operations at the plant?

The SOP that governs molten metal operations at the plant is SOP 050321. This procedure outlines all safety protocols for handling molten metal, including initial training and refresher courses every two years or when changes are made to the procedures.

What is the procedure for hot work and abrasive tasks, and why is it important?

Hot work and abrasive tasks are governed by SOP AB 05031. This procedure sets the minimum safety requirements for conducting tasks such as welding, cutting, and grinding, ensuring worker health and safety during high-risk activities involving heat and sparks.

What additional precautions must be taken when using abrasives like grinders and drills?

When using abrasives, workers must have valid training, evidenced by a badge or card, and ensure all equipment, like oxy-fuel cutting tools, is in good working condition. It's also critical to avoid improvising or using non-standard methods, such as lighting torches with lighters, which could lead to accidents.