3604.3 Hot work operations.
FC § 3604.3
Hot work operations and other use of open flames shall comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 35 and this section. All flammable liquid, combustible liquid or flammable gas, except the fuel in stationary storage tanks of vessels, shall be removed from the vessel before any hot work is performed on the vessel. In addition, before hot work is performed batteries and battery terminals shall be protected against accidental shorting or sparking, or the batteries shall be removed. If hot work is to be conducted on a vessel's stationary fuel tank or fuel piping, both the tank and the piping shall first be emptied and purged. All areas of the vessel, including the bilge, shall be ventilated to eliminate any flammable and combustible vapors before any hot work is commenced.













