Nace CP 1, Course Manual

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Safety 4:8
CP 1–Cathodic Protection Technician Course Manual
©
NACE International, 2000
12/01/04
precautions are given in the NACE International slide show entitled “Some
Safety Considerations During Construction Near Power Lines."
Excavations
CP personnel are often need to enter excavations. There are regulations on
the back sloping requirements for different soil conditions in every
jurisdiction otherwise shoring is required. A ready means of exiting the
excavation must be in place (ladders). Backfill and materials must be kept
back a meter or more from the edge of the excavation if not secured. Water
is to be kept from entering the excavation.
A safety person is to be on the surface while the worker is in the excavation
and must remain there until the work comes out. No worker is required to
work in conditions unsafe and can refuse to enter. Be aware that a person
need not be completely buried to suffocate or have the heart receive a fatal
shock.
Hazardous Material
During your work, you may encounter hazardous materials such as those
listed below. Do not handle these materials unless you have the proper
training or certification. These materials include the following:
•
Solvents
•
Acids used for cleaning metals
•
Caustics used in polarization cells
•
Chemicals used in reference electrodes.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available for every chemical and
many pieces of equipment. These sheets provide information about the
hazards associated with chemicals, dust, corrosion products, etc., and
Always measure the AC voltage-to-ground voltage first before the DC
structure-to-electrolyte potential or before touching the structure when
in the vicinity of a power line.