Safe Work Procedure: Working Inside a Class 1 Division 2 Building

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the safety requirements and procedures for personnel working inside a Class 1 Division 2 hazardous location. This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be required to perform tasks within such environments. It covers the identification of potential hazards, the implementation of control measures, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools to minimize risks associated with flammable or explosive atmospheres [1].

This SWP is applicable in areas classified as Class 1 Division 2 according to the Canadian Electrical Code, where flammable gases, vapors, or liquids may be present under abnormal conditions [1].

This SWP should be used in conjunction with other relevant safety procedures, including but not limited to, confined space entry, hot work permits, and electrical safety procedures.

2. Definitions

Class 1 Division 2: An area where flammable gases, vapors, or liquids may be present under abnormal conditions, such as equipment failure or maintenance operations [1].

Hazardous Location: A work area where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, dusts, or fibers [1].

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): The lowest concentration of a flammable gas or vapor in air that will ignite [1].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks in a Class 1 Division 2 environment [2].
• Conduct regular inspections of the work area to identify potential hazards and ensure that control measures are in place and effective [3].
• Provide workers with the necessary PPE and ensure that it is properly used and maintained [4].
• Enforce all safety rules and procedures, and take corrective action when necessary [2].

3.2 Workers

• Participate in all required training programs and understand the hazards associated with working in a Class 1 Division 2 environment [2].
• Follow all safety rules and procedures, and use the provided PPE properly [2].
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately [3].
• Do not smoke, use open flames, or operate non-intrinsically safe equipment in a hazardous location [1].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of safety procedures for Class 1 Division 2 environments.
• Conduct regular audits of safety practices and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Investigate incidents and near misses, and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Flammable or explosive atmosphere	Fire, explosion, burns, injuries	Ensure atmosphere is below 20% of LEL, use intrinsically safe equipment, control ignition sources [1], provide adequate ventilation [5]
Electrical hazards	Electric shock, electrocution, burns	Use intrinsically safe electrical equipment, lockout/tagout procedures, qualified personnel for electrical work [6]
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries ranging from minor to severe	Maintain clear walkways, use proper footwear, ensure adequate lighting [5]
Contact with hazardous materials	Skin irritation, chemical burns, respiratory problems	Use appropriate PPE, follow safe handling procedures, ensure proper ventilation
Unguarded equipment	Physical injuries, entanglement	Ensure all equipment is properly guarded, conduct regular inspections

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times while working in a Class 1 Division 2 building to minimize the risk of injury [4].

• Flame-resistant clothing (FRC) - Protects against flash fires and arc flash. Ensure FRC is appropriate for the specific hazards present [4].
• Safety glasses or face shield - Protects eyes from chemical splashes, dust, and debris. Use safety glasses with side shields or a full face shield, depending on the task [4].
• Safety footwear - Protects feet from impact, punctures, and chemical spills. Use steel-toe or composite-toe boots that are chemical-resistant and slip-resistant [4].
• Gloves - Protects hands from chemical contact, cuts, and abrasions. Use gloves made of appropriate material for the specific chemicals being handled [4].
• Respiratory protection - Protects against inhalation of hazardous gases, vapors, or dusts. Use a properly fitted respirator if required by the hazard assessment [7].

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged or defective PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Only use equipment and tools that are approved for use in Class 1 Division 2 hazardous locations [1].

• Intrinsically safe multi-meter - Used for electrical testing and troubleshooting. Ensure the meter is certified for use in Class 1 Division 2 locations [6].
• Non-sparking tools - Used for mechanical tasks to prevent ignition of flammable substances. Use tools made of non-ferrous materials such as brass or aluminum [8].
• Intrinsically safe flashlight - Used for illumination in low-light areas. Ensure the flashlight is certified for use in Class 1 Division 2 locations [6].
• Gas detector - Used to monitor the atmosphere for flammable gases and vapors. Calibrate the gas detector regularly and ensure it is functioning properly [7].
• Intrinsically safe radio - Used for communication. Ensure the radio is certified for use in Class 1 Division 2 locations.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Remove damaged or defective equipment from service immediately. Maintain equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must complete the following training before working in a Class 1 Division 2 environment:

• Hazardous location awareness training
• Electrical safety training
• Confined space entry training (if applicable)
• Respiratory protection training (if applicable)
• First aid and CPR training

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting any work in a Class 1 Division 2 environment. The briefing should cover the following topics:

• Identification of potential hazards
• Review of safe work procedures
• Proper use of PPE
• Emergency procedures
• Communication protocols

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Before starting work, the following preparations must be completed:

• Obtain necessary permits, such as hot work permits or confined space entry permits.
• Isolate and de-energize equipment as necessary using lockout/tagout procedures.
• Ensure adequate ventilation to maintain a safe atmosphere [5].
• Monitor the atmosphere for flammable gases and vapors using a gas detector [7].
• Barricade the work area to prevent unauthorized entry [3].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment and Control

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the work area to identify potential hazards, including flammable atmospheres, electrical hazards, and confined spaces [3].

• Sub-step 1.1: Visually inspect the work area for any signs of potential hazards.
• Sub-step 1.2: Use a gas detector to monitor the atmosphere for flammable gases and vapors [7].
• Sub-step 1.3: Implement control measures to eliminate or minimize identified hazards [9].

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that the atmosphere is below 20% of the LEL before proceeding with any work [1].

Step 2: Equipment Preparation

Ensure that all equipment and tools are approved for use in Class 1 Division 2 hazardous locations and are in good working condition [6].

• Sub-step 2.1: Inspect all equipment and tools for damage or defects.
• Sub-step 2.2: Verify that all electrical equipment is intrinsically safe [6].
• Sub-step 2.3: Ensure that all equipment is properly grounded [9].

Safety considerations for this step: Do not use any equipment that is not certified for use in a Class 1 Division 2 environment [6].

Step 3: Performing the Task

Perform the assigned task following established safe work procedures and using the appropriate PPE [2].

• Sub-step 3.1: Continuously monitor the atmosphere for flammable gases and vapors [7].
• Sub-step 3.2: Use non-sparking tools for mechanical tasks [8].
• Sub-step 3.3: Avoid creating any sources of ignition, such as open flames or sparks [1].

Safety considerations for this step: If the atmosphere exceeds 20% of the LEL, stop work immediately and evacuate the area [1].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• No Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited in Class 1 Division 2 locations to prevent ignition of flammable substances [1].
• Control of Ignition Sources: Eliminate or control all potential sources of ignition, such as open flames, sparks, and static electricity [1].
• Intrinsically Safe Equipment: Use only intrinsically safe equipment and tools that are certified for use in hazardous locations [6].
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases and vapors [5].
• Atmospheric Monitoring: Continuously monitor the atmosphere for flammable gases and vapors using a calibrated gas detector [7].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

• Activate the emergency alarm system.
• Evacuate the area immediately.
• Account for all personnel.
• Provide first aid and medical assistance as needed.
• Contact emergency services.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Fire or Explosion: Activate the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and use fire extinguishers if safe to do so. Contact emergency services immediately.
• Gas Leak: Evacuate the area, shut off the gas supply if possible, and contact emergency services.
• Injury: Provide first aid, contact emergency services if needed, and report the incident to the supervisor.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Company Security]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Site Supervisor]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Health and Safety Department]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Occupational Health and Safety Code [10]
• Canadian Electrical Code
• Company Safety Manual

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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