Hot Work in Habitat – Developing a Method for Chemical Exposure Assessment

Abstract

This paper describes an approach for developing a protocol for chemical exposure assessment in habitats. The aim was to develop a method for the working environment toolkit to be applied in chemical risk management. In general, no hot work can be performed on pipelines and equipment when a plant is in operation (hot plant). This is due to safety reasons, i.e. explosion and fire prevention. Introducing a habitat, typically a tent with overpressure, can fulfill the safety requirements and enable that hot work can take place on a hot plant if this is performed inside the habitat. However, habitat has not been considered with respect to working environment and health risk. High concentration of chemical contaminants and noise, difficult access and work positions, may be unwanted effects introducing health risk. This paper is focusing on chemical contaminants in real habitats that have not earlier been reported in the literature. Measurements are fundamental for the chemical risk assessment of work in habitat. A protocol was drafted, selecting appropriate sampling methods, direct reading instruments, operating procedures and data collection protocols. Instruments were checked and calibrated and the robustness for field measurements was in particular investigated. A setup in a, for the purpose, designed climate chamber was made to simulate a habitat. The climate chamber enabled measurements, training of personnel, test of protocol and instruments in advance. Finally, the method will be used at real habitat measurements, to be performed at hot plant installations. The method will be revised based on the experiences achieved from real habitat measurements, and then recommended as best practice. The method for the chemical exposure assessment in habitat will enable us to determine risk, and to implement suitable control measures.