SABIC Industrial Security & Environment SHEM-08.

07
Rev. No. 00
Tools Handling January 2007
Page 1 of 19

SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

MANAGEMENT (SHEM) STANDARD

SHEM-08.07
Tools Handling

Signature Date

Approved by General Manager SABIC IS&E

Reviewed by SABIC, it’s Affiliates & Subsidiaries

Developed by SABIC Industrial Security & Environment

This document is published by Industrial Security & Environment, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), PO Box 5101,
Riyadh 11422, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The information contained in this document is the confidential property of SABIC. It
cannot be disclosed, copied or used for any purpose without prior approval from SABIC. If you are not authorized to possess this
document, please destroy it immediately.
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CONTENTS

Section Description Page No.

1.0 PURPOSE 3

2.0 SCOPE 3

3.0
1.0 GLOSSARY, FORMULAE & DEFINITIONS 3

4.0
2.0 REQUIREMENTS 3

- HAND AND PORTABLE POWER TOOLS 3

- MACHINE GUARDING 12

- HIGH PRESSURE WATER JETTING (HPWJ) 16

- ABRASIVE BLASTING 18

5.0 REFERENCES 19

6.0 ATTACHMENTS 19
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1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this Sub-element is to define minimum requirements for use of hand and
portable power tools; working safely on or near conveyors and rotating machinery; high
pressure water jetting (HPWJ); and abrasive blasting operations.

2.0 SCOPE

This Sub-element applies to hand and portable powered / non-powered tools, conveyors and
rotating machinery, high pressure water jetting (HPWJ) and abrasive blasting operations
within the facilities of SABIC Divisions, Affiliates and Subsidiaries implementing SHEM
Standard.

3.0 GLOSSARY, FORMULAE & DEFINITIONS

Please click here to access the SHEM Glossary, Formulae & Definitions on the SABIC EHSS
Portal.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Each SABIC Division, Affiliate and Subsidiary shall develop and implement a
management system that accomplishes the requirements of this Sub-element in
accordance with SHEM-00.03: Management System Development & Improvement.
Any change to the management system shall follow the SABIC Division / Affiliate /
Subsidiary’s Document Change Procedure.

SABIC Industrial Security & Environment (IS&E) shall be consulted for any
clarification to this Sub-element in accordance with SHEM-00.05: SHEMS
Clarifications, Variance & Exemption.

4.2 Position(s) shall be assigned by the SABIC Divisions, Affiliates and Subsidiaries
management with the responsibility to ensure compliance of this Sub-element in
accordance with SHEM-00.01: Management Commitment, Accountability and
Responsibilities.

4.3 Roles and responsibilities of all other positions/functions that are responsible to
support implementation of this Sub-element shall be clearly identified, documented
and communicated.

4.4 Hand and Portable Power Tools

4.4.1 Correct tool shall be selected for the job intended. Faulty tools shall not
be used.

4.4.2 Tools should be stored in designated storage areas.

4.4.3 Tools, if small and light in weight, may be carried on a tool belt
provided they do not hamper easy movement. Heavier or more
cumbersome tools shall be placed in a bag or toolbox and hauled up by
hand line.
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4.4.4 Electrical operated tools shall be grounded with a grounding conductor

or shall be double insulated.

4.4.5 Electrical power tools operated within confined space should have
individual ground fault circuit interrupters.

4.4.6 Appropriate steps (i.e., barricading of hazardous area, posting danger

signs) shall be taken at ground level while working at high elevation to
prevent tools from falling onto personnel below.

4.4.7 Tools shall not be altered or repaired without authorization.

4.4.8 Tools shall be inspected and decontaminated (if required) prior to

shipment to outside vendors, company tool room, or any maintenance
shop for repairs.

4.4.9 Cutting tools should be sharp.

4.4.10 Chisels, screwdrivers and pointed tools should not be carried in pockets.
It should be carried in a toolbox or in the hand with points and cutting
edges away from the body.

4.4.11 Tools shall not be passed from one to another person by throwing.

4.4.12 Appropriate eye protection shall be worn while using tools.

4.4.13 Appropriate hearing protection shall be worn for work around tools that
produce noise levels at or above 85 dBA.

4.4.14 Hammers, axes, shovels, or similar tools with loose, split, or splintered
handles should not be used.

4.4.15 Lengths of pipe, etc. should not be used to increase torque.

4.4.16 Appropriate and approved tools necessary to perform the job activities
shall be provided to the personnel.

4.4.17 Power supply to electrical tools should be disconnected when not in use.

4.4.18 Power supply to electrical tools shall be disconnected/switched off before

servicing and while changing their accessories such as bits, blades,
cutters, etc.

4.4.19 Tools should be inspected for defects periodically, prior to issue, and
upon return of the tool. The following is a partial list of defects to look
for:

4.4.19.1 Mushroomed or burred heads on impact tools such as chisels,

hammers, driving bars, etc.

4.4.19.2 Loose, over or under sized handles.

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4.4.19.3 Open ended wrenches with jaws spread or distorted.

4.4.19.4 Cracked box end or socket wrenches.

4.4.19.5 Splintered or cracked handles.

4.4.19.6 Improper/missing/bent handles and control bars.

4.4.19.7 Defective extension or power cords such as chafed, kinked,

weather cracked, male or female plugs broken or not
installed properly, no ground wire, etc.

4.4.19.8 Defective or inoperable guarding mechanisms.

4.4.19.9 Evidence of abuse, which negates safe operation.

4.4.20 Tag shall be installed on tools or equipment to identify that their

continued use could result in personnel injury or property damage. The
tag shall be attached and signed to the defective tool. The tag shall
remain with tool or equipment removed from the area. Defect shall be
notified to the concerned department.

4.4.21 The use of tool or equipment that has been declared unsafe by the
attachment of the tag, shall not be permitted.

4.4.22 Tools shall be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s

specifications/guidelines.
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4.4.23 Hammers

4.4.23.1 Hammers shall have a securely wedged handle to the type of

head used.

4.4.23.2 The wooden handle shall not be loose, splintered or cracked.

4.4.23.3 Hammers shall have a smooth oil free handle, shaped to fit
the hand and of the specified size and length.

4.4.24 Screw Drivers

4.4.24.1 Screw drivers shall be so chosen that the blade thickness fits
the slot.

4.4.24.2 Screw drivers shall not be used as a punch, wedge, or chisel.

4.4.24.3 Screw drivers shall not be exposed to excessive heat.

4.4.24.4 Screw drivers shall not be used around electrical conductors.

Screw drivers used for electrical work shall be insulated.

4.4.25 Pliers and Cutters

4.4.25.1 Pliers and Cutters shall not be used as substitutes for

wrenches.

4.4.25.2 Pliers shall have insulated handles when used around

electrical conductors.

4.4.25.3 Cutters shall not be used near live energized circuits and
should only be used for the rated capacity specified by the
manufacturer.

4.4.25.4 Cutters shall not be used as nail pullers or pry bars.

4.4.26 Wrenches

4.4.26.1 Pipe extension shall not be used to increase the load

capacity.

4.4.26.2 The socket should be clean so as to seat fully on the nut or

bolt.

4.4.26.3 Adjustable wrenches should generally be used for light jobs

only.

4.4.26.4 Wrenches shall be pulled with the jaws facing the user, and
not pushed.

4.4.26.5 Pipe wrenches, both straight and chain tong, shall have sharp
jaws, and be kept clean.
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4.4.26.6 The adjusting nut of pipe wrenches should be inspected

frequently for signs of cracks. If cracked, the wrench should
be taken out of service.

4.4.26.7 Pipe wrenches should not be used on nuts, bolts, or valves

which may be crushed or bent out of shape.

4.4.26.8 A wrench should not be used as a hammer.

4.4.27 Knives

4.4.27.1 Knives should be used by cutting away from the body.

4.4.27.2 Knives should be carried in a sheath or holder to the side or

back of the body.

4.4.27.3 Knives should not be stored on benches or floors

haphazardly.

4.4.27.4 Knives should not be used where excessive pressure needs to

be applied to the cutting surface.

4.4.27.5 Knives shall not be thrown from one worker to another.

4.4.28 Files

4.4.28.1 Files without a handle should not be used.

4.4.28.2 Files should not be cleaned by striking against a vise or other

metal object.

4.4.28.3 Files should not be used as a hammer or as a pry.

4.4.29 Chisels

4.4.29.1 For the selection of Chisels, the material to be cut, the size
and shape of the material and the depth of the cut should be
considered.

4.4.29.2 Chisels should be made heavy enough not to buckle when

struck.

4.4.29.3 Chisels should be large enough for the job so that the blade
is used rather than the point or corner.

4.4.29.4 For regular use, a sponge rubber pad, forced down over the
chisel should be used to provide a protective cushion for the
hand.

4.4.29.5 Appropriate Protective Equipment shall be worn while using

chisel.
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4.4.29.6 Bulk chisels held by one man and struck by another shall
require the use of tongs or a chisel holder to guide the chisel
so that the workman is not injured.

4.4.29.7 Chisels with burred heads should not be used.

4.4.29.8 Chisels should be sharp enough for the job. Grind in easy
stages with no attempt to take off much metal at one time.
While grinding keep the tool as cool as possible with water or
other cooling medium.

4.4.29.9 The work to be chiseled shall always be secured in some

manner.

4.4.30 Hack Saws

4.4.30.1 Hack Saws should be adjusted in the frame to prevent

buckling and breaking, but shall not be so tight that it break
off the pins that support the blade.

4.4.30.2 Hack Saws blades shall be installed with the teeth pointing
forward. The blade chosen should be dependent on the type
of material being cut. (See Table below):

BLADE SELECTION

TEETH USED FOR CUTTING

PER INCH

14 Soft solid metal

18 Tool steel, iron pipe, hand metal and

general shop use

24 Drill rods, sheet metal and tubing

32 Thin sheet metal (less than 18 gauge) and

tubing

4.4.30.3 Pressure should be applied on the forward stroke only. The

saw should be lifted slightly and pulled back in the cut
lightly to protect the teeth. If the blade is twisted or too
much pressure is applied, the blade may break and cause
injury to the user.

4.4.31 Electric drills

4.4.31.1 Appropriate eye protection shall be worn during use of Electric

drills.

4.4.31.2 Electric Drills bits shall be carefully chosen for the work to
be done.
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4.4.31.3 Where the operator must guide the drill with his hand, the
drill shall be equipped with a sleeve that fits over the drill
bit. The sleeve protects the operator’s hands and also
serves as a limit stop if the drill should plunge through the
material.

4.4.31.4 Over sized bits shall not be ground down to fit small electric
drills, instead an adaptor shall be used that will fit the large
bit and provide extra power through a speed reduction gear.

4.4.31.5 When large, powerful drills are used, small pieces of work
shall be clamped or anchored to prevent whipping.

4.4.31.6 Electric drills shall be firmly gripped prior to activation.

4.4.31.7 Electric drills shall not be unattended with the power on and
the power source shall be disconnected prior to any
authorized repairs.

4.4.31.8 Appropriate eye protection shall be worn during use of

Electric drills.

4.4.31.9 The electric drill with damaged cords shall not be used.

4.4.31.10 Proper type of electrical plug shall be installed for the drill’s
voltage requirements.

4.4.31.11 The key for installing the Electric drill bits shall be removed
prior to operating the drill

4.4.31.12 The electric drill shall be unplugged before changing the bit.

4.4.31.13 All adjustments shall be made prior to operating the drill.

4.4.32 Grinding Wheels

4.4.32.1 Appropriate eye protection shall be worn during use of

Grinding Wheels.

4.4.32.2 Grinding Wheels shall be examined before each use for

gouges, cracks, and general condition.

4.4.32.3 Grinding Wheels shall never be used at greater than their

rated speed. Before using the grinding wheel, on a portable
grinder, ensure that RPM of the grinder is less than the
maximum specified speed of the grinding wheel.

4.4.32.4 For portable grinding the maximum angular exposure of the

periphery and sides shall not exceed 180 degrees and the
top half of the wheel (the portion facing the operator) shall
always be enclosed.
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4.4.32.5 Guards shall be adjustable so that operators will be inclined

to make the correct adjustment rather than remove the
guard.

4.4.32.6 The wheel shall be kept away from water and oil which
might affect its balance.

4.4.32.7 Care shall be taken not to strike the sides of a wheel against
objects, or to drop the wheel.

4.4.32.8 The speed and weight, particularly with a larger one, make
it more difficult to handle than some other power tools.
Since part of the wheel is exposed, it is important that
personnel take much more care to hold and use the tool so
that the wheel does not touch the clothes or the body.

4.4.32.9 A running wheel shall not be kept on the floor unattended.

4.4.32.10 Appropriate eye protection shall be worn during use of

Grinding Wheels.

4.4.32.11 The tongue guard should be maintained within ¼ inch of the

grinding wheel.

4.4.32.12 Hand held grinder shall not be clamped in a vise.

4.4.33 Soldering Iron

4.4.33.1 Insulated and non-combustible holders should be used for

Soldering Iron.

4.4.33.2 Soldering Iron should not be left unattended when hot.

4.4.33.3 Soldering Iron should not be placed when hot on wooden

tables or on combustible materials.

4.4.33.4 Harmful quantities of fumes from lead soldering shall not be

allowed to accumulate. Even if lead fumes are not present in
harmful quantities, it is desirable to exhaust the nuisance
fumes and smoke.

4.4.33.5 Lead solder particles should not be allowed to accumulate on

the floor and on work tables.

4.4.33.6 The Soldering iron shall not be used as a screw driver or pry.

4.4.34 Pneumatic Impact Tools

4.4.34.1 Pneumatic Impact Tools shall be provided with an automatic

closing valve actuated by a trigger located inside the handle
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where it is reasonably safe from accidental operation. The

machine shall operate only when the trigger is depressed.

4.4.34.2 Pneumatic Impact Tools shall have a retaining device that

holds the tool in place so that it cannot fly off accidentally
from the barrel.

4.4.34.3 Pneumatic Impact Tools should be provided with heavy

rubber grips to reduce vibration and fatigue to the workmen.

4.4.34.4 Goggles or safety glasses with side shields meeting local

regulations or in the absence of local regulations meeting
ANSI Z.87.1a-1991 shall be worn for work on pneumatic
impact tools.

4.4.34.5 The airline to the tool shall not be charged without enough
men to handle the tool.

4.4.34.6 Water/moisture should be removed from the air before

connecting the air hose to the pneumatic tool.

4.4.34.7 Pneumatic impact tools shall be inspected visually before any

job is started.

4.4.35 Training shall be conducted on the safe use of tools for the concerned
personnel.

4.4.36 Personnel assigned to inspect, test, or repair hand or power tools shall
receive specialized training, authorization and/or certification as being
qualified to complete the work safely.

4.4.37 Personnel using explosive actuated tools shall be trained and certified
for the brand or type of device they will be using.

4.4.38 Personnel using and handling abrasive wheels and discs shall be trained
in identifying the types, handling, testing and mounting of these items.
Training should cover:

4.4.38.1 Receipt, identification, storage, and issuing of abrasive

wheels and discs.

4.4.38.2 Types of abrasive wheels and discs which will be available

for field use.

4.4.38.3 Wheel or disc characteristics, such as standard markings,

speed and revolutions per minute (RPM) ratings, special
handling, etc.

4.4.38.4 Wheel or disc types to be used on particular materials or

jobs.

4.4.38.5 Storage, handling, use and precautions for field or shop

applications.
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4.4.38.6 Wheel or disc mounting, this includes testing, balancing,

RPM matching, etc., for any equipment location.

4.4.38.7 Guards utilized for physical hazard protection must be

properly adjusted, utilized and maintained on any
equipment of this type.

4.4.39 All training and certifications shall be documented.

4.5 Machine Guarding

Machine Guarding shall be as per the applicable local standards / regulations

requirements. In the absence of any local standards / regulations, the
requirements shall be in accordance with the following:

4.5.1 Appropriate guards within one meter shall be installed on the conveyors
and machines that have moving part. The guard shall be provided in a
space from the floor or platform to a height of 2.1 meters.

4.5.2 Moving equipment shall be properly guarded if the moving equipment is

located less than 2.1 meters from the floor or working platform - if the
moving part is more than 2.1 meters above ground level or from the
nearest point of access, it may be considered “safe by position” and no
localized guarding is required. Care shall be taken in the event that
temporary access for maintenance is required.

4.5.3 Machine guards shall be designed so as to eliminate the hazard. They

shall not create hazard of their own and shall be sturdy enough to
withstand normal wear and impact of flying broken parts.

4.5.4 Fixed enclosure guards shall be installed. However, if fixed enclosure

cannot be installed then any of the following method may be used as a
guarding protection:

4.5.4.1 Presence Sensing Devices.

4.5.4.2 Interlocking guards.

4.5.4.3 Automatic guards.

4.5.4.4 Remote control, placement, feeding, and ejecting.

4.5.5 An interlocking barrier shall be considered when an enclosure guard is

not practicable. The interlocking barrier shall:

4.5.5.1 Shut off or disengage the power to prevent the starting of

the machine when the guard is open.

4.5.5.2 Guard the danger point before the machine can be

operated.

4.5.5.3 Keep the guard closed until the dangerous part is at rest, or
stop the machine when the guard is opened.
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4.5.6 Guards shall be affixed to the machine where possible and secured
elsewhere when attachment to the machine is not possible.

4.5.7 Appropriate lockout procedures and devices to prevent movement or

rotation of machines shall be used when guards are removed for repairs
or to adjust the machine.

4.5.8 Whenever possible, use guards provided by the manufacturer and

specify guards when buying new equipment. Make-shift guards may
give a false sense of security and make the machine more hazardous.

4.5.9 When access is required for maintenance, repair, etc., the equipment
shall be switched off and, where applicable, isolated from its power
source, locked-out/tagged-out, etc., prior to removal of the guards.

4.5.10 All drive belts, chain and sprocket drives, vee belts, shafts, guillotine
cutters, shears, power press, milling machines, power saws, jointers,
power tools, flywheels, cooling fans and any other rotating equipment
shall be guarded to prevent a person from making accidental contact
with the moving parts.

4.5.11 All guards shall be re-installed prior to the machine being re-energized.

4.5.12 Rings on fingers, bracelets or gloves shall not be worn when operating
lathes, drill, presses or machinery with rotating shafts.

4.5.13 Personnel with long – shoulder length hair shall wear a suitable cap or
hair net when operating lathes, drill, conveyors, presses or machinery
with rotating shafts.

4.5.14 Loose clothing and scarf shall not be worn while operating or working
near conveyors and rotary machine that are in operation.

4.5.15 Unless they are of such a size and weight as to render it unnecessary,
all work pieces shall be secured by a vise or clamp before drilling,
grinding, etc.

4.5.16 Risk assessment shall be carried out for all powered rotating equipment
to assess the need to provide an emergency stop mechanism. If
recommended by the risk assessment study then actuating button, bar
or lever shall be installed that they are easily accessible from the
normal work position. In certain conditions, dual activation by hand or
foot may be recommended.

4.5.17 Additional requirements for Lathe machines

4.5.17.1 All chucks and stocks shall be guarded when the lathe is in
motion.

4.5.17.2 If the work piece protrudes beyond the headstock, it should

be surrounded by barriers to prevent accidental contact.

4.5.17.3 Cutting chips shall be removed with a brush or a hook. Do

not use hand or compressed air.

4.5.17.4 The shaft of the Lathe machines shall not be stopped by

hand.
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4.5.17.5 Emergency stop button shall be free from obstruction and

operating correctly.

4.5.17.6 Machine shall be stopped before oiling or adjusting.

4.5.17.7 Lathe cutting head, rotating or not, shall be covered except

at contact points while stock is being cut.

4.5.17.8 Lathes used for turning long pieces of wood held only
between the two centers shall have long curved guards
extending over the tops of the lathes in order to prevent the
work pieces from being thrown out if they become loose.

4.5.18 Additional requirements for Wood Working Machinery

4.5.18.1 Hoods that enclose the portion of saw above the table and
above the material being cut shall be provided for Circular
saws. The hood shall be protecting the operator from flying
chips and broken saw teeth. The hood shall be designed so
that it automatically adjusts itself to the thickness of the
material being cut and remains in contact with the
materials.

4.5.18.2 Non-kickback fingers or dogs shall be required on both sides

of rip saws to oppose the thrust or the tendency of the saw
to throw material back toward the operator.

4.5.18.3 All portions of a band saw blade shall be guarded except the
working portion of the blade between the bottom of the
guide rolls and the table. Guards shall be required to
prevent the operator’s hands from contacting in-running
rolls at any point.

4.5.18.4 Jointers, shapers, and milling machines that are hand fed
shall have guards that prevent the operator’s hands from
coming in contact with the rotating heads or in-running feed
rolls and cover the unused portion of the head.

4.5.18.5 Special hand tools (push sticks, etc.) for placing or

removing material shall be such as to permit easy handling
of material without the operator placing a hand in the
danger zone. These tools cannot be used in lieu of required
guarding.

4.5.18.6 Drum or disk sanders shall have an exhaust hood or guard

enclosing the entire rotating part except that portion above
the table.

4.5.18.7 Belt sanders guards shall be such to prevent the operator’s

fingers and hands from contacting the nip points or the
unused run of the sanding belt.

4.5.19 Additional requirements for Power Press

4.5.19.1 “Point of operation” guards or devices shall be used on

every operation performed on a mechanical power press.
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4.5.19.2 A press barrier guard shall be attached to the press frame

and interlock with the press clutch so that the clutch cannot
be activated unless the guard is in place.

4.5.20 Additional requirements for Abrasive Wheels

4.5.20.1 Abrasive wheels shall be used only on machines with safety

guards except for the following:

a. Wheels used for internal work is within the work being

ground.

b. Mounted wheels used in portable operations 5.08 cm.

and smaller in diameter.

4.5.20.2 Abrasive wheel safety guards shall cover spindle end nut
and flange projections except:

a. Where the work covers the entire side of wheel.

b. Machines designed as portable saws.

4.5.20.3 Work rests should be provided to support work on machines

used for offhand grinding.

4.5.20.4 Grinding wheels, grinding discs, disc cutters and similar

devices are only mounted on the driving unit by properly
trained personnel. All personnel whose duties require them
to use such tools should attend a training on their use.

4.5.20.5 All such grinding and cutting tools shall be so guarded as to

expose only the minimum surface of the disc or wheel
necessary to carry out the work.

4.5.21 Additional requirements for Portable Power Tools

4.5.21.1 All portable power driven circular saws with blade diameter
of greater than 5.08 cm. shall have guards above and below
the base plate. Guards shall cover the blade to the depth of
the teeth. The lower guard shall remain in contact with the
work and when the saw is withdrawn from the work return
automatically and instantly to covering position.

4.5.21.2 Portable belt sanders shall have guards that effectively

prevent the hands and fingers of operator from coming in
contact with in-running nip points.

4.5.21.3 Portable abrasive wheels, buffers, and brushes shall be

guarded except when used for internal work. Maximum
guard opening is 180 degrees. The guard should be
positioned so it is between the operator and the wheel so
that pieces of an accidentally broken wheel will be deflected
away from the operator.

4.5.22 Additional requirements for Conveyors

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4.5.22.1 Conveyors within 2.1 meters of the floor or walkways shall

have crossovers at aisles or passageways.

4.5.22.2 Conveyors 2.1 meters or more above the floor that pass
over work areas, aisles, or thoroughfares shall have guards
to protect personnel from falling materials.

4.5.22.3 Open hoppers and chutes shall be guarded by standard

railings and toe boards or by some other comparable safety
device.

4.5.22.4 Emergency stop switches connected by a pull-rope shall be

provided on the sides of the conveyor belts so that the
conveyor can be stopped by the person whose clothes or
any part of the body gets entangled in the moving
conveyor.

4.5.22.5 The chucks and bits of Bench Drills shall be protected by a

telescopic guard, if not provided by the manufacture.

4.5.22.6 Personnel using machines shall be made aware of any

personal protective equipment required while using the
machine.

4.5.22.7 Personnel should be trained in lockout and deactivation

procedures to be used when guards are removed from
machines.

4.5.22.8 Personnel shall be trained to replace and secure all guards

before returning a machine to service.

4.5.22.9 Training is required for personnel who use or service

abrasive wheel devices.

4.6 High Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ)

4.6.1 Only trained personnel shall be allowed to operate the HPWJ machine.

4.6.2 Appropriate Work permit shall be obtained for carrying out High
Pressure Water Jetting.

4.6.3 The High Pressure Water Jetting work shall be done on buddy system,
i.e., operator and helper to assist at all times.

4.6.4 Appropriate Personnel Protective Equipment in accordance with

SHEM-08.08 : Personnel Protective Equipment shall be worn by all
personnel involved in HPWJ. The following additional Personal Protective
Equipment shall be worn by personnel involved in HPWJ operations:

4.6.4.1 Long / full waterproof coat made of leather / PVC or other

water resistance material.

4.6.4.2 Waterproof gloves made of leather / PVC or other water

resistance material of sufficient mechanical strength.
SABIC Industrial Security & Environment SHEM-08.07
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Tools Handling January 2007
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4.6.4.3 Gum boots or boots that shall protect against high-pressure

water jet at the front side, the inside and at the heel of the
foot.

4.6.4.4 Face shield for operating crew and workers within <6
meters radius.

4.6.5 The machine and working area shall be properly cordoned off /
barricaded and personnel not involved in the work shall not be allowed
to enter the area.

4.6.6 Appropriate protection shall be provided for the passerby.

4.6.7 High pressure hose shall not have kinks, cuts or chipping on outer
rubber. Hose shall have pressure rating engraved on its couplings. High
pressure hoses shall be pressure tested, once every year by a
competent authority. Records of all such test shall be kept.

4.6.8 Rubber hose and particularly its fittings shall be visually checked for any
damage, before every use.

4.6.9 Lance nozzle shall be designed to prevent release from mounting by

impact. Mounting for the lance to vessel shall be so designed that falling
scale is deflected from the mounting.

4.6.10 Lance shall not have any dents, nicks or twists and shall be inspected
visually before each use.

4.6.11 Only calibrated pressure gauge(s) shall be used.

4.6.12 All Safety (hand and foot operated) and other actuators and Safety
valves on high-pressure side shall be tested, once every year or after
each pop-up or repair, by a competent authority. Records of all such
test shall be kept.

4.6.13 The mode of pressure regulating knob, to increase or decrease the

pressure, shall be indicated by arrow heads.

4.6.14 A failsafe (deadman) emergency dump control shall be provided for:

4.6.14.1 Electrical malfunction.

4.6.14.2 Operator or observer inattentiveness.

4.6.14.3 Dump control being unattended.

4.6.15 Appropriate precautions shall be taken before starting the machine. It is

recommended to ensure the following before switching on the motor:

4.6.15.1 The automatic pressure relief valve is depressed into load

position.

4.6.15.2 The valve is not pressed by the operator.

4.6.15.3 The trigger of spray pistol is not pulled.

4.6.15.4 The suction filter is not choked.

SABIC Industrial Security & Environment SHEM-08.07
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Tools Handling January 2007
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4.6.15.5 The water supply valve is open.

4.6.16 When HPWJ cleaning of heat exchanger tubes, a colored tape marker
should be fixed on the HP hose 1 meter from the nozzle tip, in order to
alert the operator to release pressure before completely withdrawing the
hose from the tube on return path.

4.7 Abrasive Blasting

4.7.1 Selection of the Abrasive material shall be done as per the applicable
local standards / regulations requirements. In the absence of any local
standards / regulations, the Royal Commission Environmental
Regulations, guidelines on Air Pollution source standard Table 2B, shall
be followed. The guideline requires that <5 % Silica shall be in
abrasives used for out door blasting.

4.7.2 MSDS shall be obtained for the abrasive material and all precautions
given in the MSDS shall be complied with.

4.7.3 The abrasive blast operator shall be equipped with a special purpose,
supplied-air hood, with strong apron, and leather gauntlet gloves.
Heavy quality overalls are recommended for body covering.

4.7.4 Dust filter masks shall not be used where silica sand is used as abrasive
blasting material or where toxic material is blasted.

4.7.5 Blast cleaning enclosures shall be exhaust ventilated in such a way that
a continuous inward flow of air is maintained.

4.7.6 Where abrasive blasting is done in the open, such as on plant steel
work, the work area and all it’s approaches shall be cordoned off to
prevent personnel without protective equipment from coming into range
of flying abrasive particles and clouds of dust.

4.7.7 Warning signs shall be posted near the area where abrasive blasting is
in progress.

4.7.8 Other personnel working near (or attending) the abrasive blaster shall
wear approved respirators and goggles offering a tight seal around the
face.

4.7.9 If the work location is unavoidably near concentrations of other

personnel, then an "off-shift" time should be chosen.

4.7.10 Blasters in full protective equipment are greatly hampered on the job.
To protect against falls in cleaning steel work at high level, Blasters
must be provided with safe and sound platforms, trestles, and scaffolds
with toe boards and guards rails, from which to work. Safety harness
should be used, and, if men are working over water, the wearing of life
jackets is mandatory.

4.7.11 Abrasive blasting shall not be performed from a ladder.

4.7.12 During the actual job of abrasive blasting, the operator shall have
complete control of the hose nozzle, which shall be fitted with a self -
closing valve (deadman valve). In this way the blaster has complete
 SABIC Industrial Security & Environment SHEM-08.07
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Tools Handling January 2007
Page 19 of 19

control of the nozzle on hand. If he drops the nozzle, the self-closing

valve will automatically shut off the compressed air supply.

4.7.13 Abrasive blasting may develop severe sparking at the nozzle through
static electricity. Accordingly, the nozzles of all grit blasting guns shall
be grounded to prevent the possible ignition of any flammable vapors
that may be present.

4.7.14 Grounding shall be done through a conductor attached to the nozzle tip,
to the ground and to the work being blasted.

4.7.15 Appropriate work Permit shall be obtained to carry out the abrasive
blasting activities.

4.8 Verification

The position(s) that are assigned the responsibility to ensure compliance to this
Sub-element shall conduct Self-Assessment in accordance with SHEM-00.06:
Compliance Audit & Evaluation.

5.0 REFERENCES

5.1 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.211.

5.2 Royal Commission Environmental Regulations.

6.0 ATTACHMENTS

None.