1. All contractors must be licensed and insured in the geographic area where they will conduct business. The work area must be
properly pre-pared before the welding process begins and weather conditions must be favorable. Procedures and equipment must
comply with all applicable code requirements including guidelines mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration ("OSHA").
2. The roofing contractor must ensure that all mechanics or applicators involved with the application of heat welded modified
bitumens are properly trained not only in application and equipment handling, but safety mea-sures. The contractor should verify
that all roofing applicators involved with open flame application maintain and carry a valid Certified Roofing Torch Applicator
("CERTA") card as evidence of proper training. Further, the general contractor, jobsite superintendents and the building owner or
its representative must also be knowledgeable and/or advised of the proper and necessary safety precautions applicable to heat
welded roofing products.
3. All mechanics or applicators must carry, review, understand and adhere to the safety information and guidelines contained in
"Torch Applied/Do’s and Dont’s" as published and supplied by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association ("ARMA") which
may be supplemented or amended, as well as the ARMA/NRCA "Guide to Torch Safety on Modified Bitumen" video tape. These
are available from ARMA at: ARMA, 4041 Powder Mill Road, Ste. 404, Calverton, Maryland 20705-3016(Ph. 301-348-2002). Do
not begin application procedure until you read and fully understand these safety procedures and installation practices.
4. Written notice must be given to the local fire department where required and any required or necessary permits must be
obtained. Even if not required, it is always recommended to give notice to the fire department particularly when using LP gas.
5. Supervisors must ensure that all roofing applicators wear adequate protective equipment including non-synthetic long-sleeved
shirts, boots, long pants with no cuffs, that extend over the top of the boot, heat-resistant gloves, safety glasses and a face shield
during application.
6. Never heat weld directly to, or near (e.g., the 35 foot rule) combustible materials or surfaces. Extra care must be taken to identify
all potentially combustible and flammable material and similar combustible and flammable aspects of a building’s use and
design. Be aware of insulation type, parapet walls, curbs, cants, wood, edge strips, expansion joints, electrical wires and conduits,
gas lines, chemicals, grease, oil, vapors, exhausts, spills or other materials that could ignite. Combustible materials present on a
roof must be moved and materials that are not moveable must be protected from the heat weld process and other fire hazards with
fire blankets or shields. Be sure to identify similar materials on adjoining buildings and exercise proper precautions. A fiber glass
base sheet should be installed to minimize the risk of fire. Always use combustion-resistant cant strips or other fire-resistant
materials.
7. Never heat weld near or into vents, openings or cracks around edges, corners, voids or other penetrations in the building or near
any rooftop equipment. Shut off fans and cover openings.
8. Never leave lighted torches unattended.
9. Use only equipment that is specifically designed for heat welded roofing applications and be sure the equipment is listed by a
nationally recognized independent testing laboratory. The equipment must be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and in accordance with all applicable codes and regulations. All mechanics must be properly trained and familiar with
all safety precautions in the use and handling of tanks, regulators and LP gas. Be familiar with National Fire Protection Association
("NFPA") 58 "Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquified Petroleum Gases" and appropriate publications of the
National Propane Gas Association, 1600 Eisenhower Lane, Ste. 100, Lisle, IL 60532 (Ph. 630-515-0600) and the National Fire
Protection Association, 11 Tracy Dr., Avon, MA 02322 (Ph. 800-344-3555). Do not work in areas where LP gas can accumulate.
Proper ventilation in accordance with OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ("NIOSH") is required.
Ensure that all equipment is in good working condition and inspected daily.
10. Maintain at least one fully charged 20 lb. (minimum) ABC-type dry chemical fire extinguisher for each roofing mechanic on the
project and have more available near the application area (e.g. within 50 feet [15.3 m]) based on jobsite conditions. Roofing
mechanics must have fire extinguisher use training at least annually per OSHA 29 CFR1910.157.
11. Follow fire protection and prevention procedures mandated or recommended by OSHA and/or the National Roofing
Contractors Association ("NRCA") and ensure compliance with all other federal, state and local regulations, including but not
limited to those listed in OSHA 29 CFR1962.1 150, 152.1, 153 and 191-110 as they apply to heat weld application.
12. A fire watch of sufficient length must be kept during and after all heat welding is completed. A fire watch is never shorter than 1
hour after all application has been completed for a given day. A fire watch may need to be longer depending on the size of the
roofing project and the design or configuration of the building. Special attention should be given to potential hot spots or
smoldering material, such as carts, wall flashings and around penetrations, roof top equipment and the roof perimeter. The person
performing the fire watch should use an infrared heat-sensing device to detect hot spots and smoldering materials. For more
information, contact the NFPA. Should fire result, take immediate appropriate action; notify the owner of fire response.
13. Remember, it is the contractor’s responsibility to observe all fire prevention and safety policies and practices during the
installation of the roof system as well as providing training to their personnel for proper roofing and safety practices as well as
responding to emergency situations at the job site. Always keep a first aid kit on the job site; individuals administering first aid
must be properly qualified per OSHA 29 CFR1910.151(b).
JOHNS MANVILLE INTERNATIONAL, INC. DOES NOT SUPERVISE BUILDING OWNERS, CONTRACTORS,
MECHANICS OR ANY OTHER PERSON IN THE APPLICATION OF HEAT WELDED APPLIED MODIFIED BITUMENS
AND ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIRE DAMAGE OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES.
