§ 109.573 - Riveting, welding, and burning operations.

§ 109.573 Riveting, welding, and burning operations.

Except as allowed by this section -

(a) The master or person in charge shall ensure that there is no riveting, welding, or burning -

(1) In a fuel tank;

(2) On the boundary of a fuel tank;

(3) On pipelines, heating coils, pumps, fittings, or other appurtenances connected to fuel tanks; or

(4) On the boundary of spaces adjacent to tanks carrying Grades A, B, or C flammable liquids in bulk.

(b) The operations prohibited in paragraph (a) of this section may be allowed if -

(1) An inspection conducted in accordance with the “Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels to be Repaired,” N.F.P.A. No. 306-1974, is made -

(i) In ports or navigable waters of the United States, its territories and possessions, by -

(A) A marine chemist certified by the National Fire Protection Association; or

(B) If a certified marine chemist is not available, a person designated by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection; or

(ii) In all other locations by -

(A) A marine chemist certified by the National Fire Protection Association;

(B) If a certified marine chemist is not available, a person designated by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection; or

(C) If the persons required in paragraphs (b)(1)(ii) (A) and (B) of this section are not available, the master or person in charge; or a welding supervisor designated, in writing, by the master or person in charge; and

(2) A certificate is issued by the person conducting the inspection stating -

(i) That he conducted the inspection in accordance with the standard in paragraph (b)(1) of this section;

(ii) The operations that may be conducted; and

(iii) A list of precautions to be followed during the operations;

(c) The master or person in charge shall ensure that the precautions in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section are followed.