Rule 1100: Gas & Electic Welding & Cutting Operations

RULE 1100
GAS AND ELECTRIC WELDING AND CUTTING OPERATIONS

1100.01: General Provisions:

(1) Welding or cutting operations shall not be permitted in rooms or areas containing combustible materials or in proximity to explosives or flammable liquids, dusts, gases or vapors, until all fire and explosion hazards are eliminated.

(2) Welding or cutting operations on containers filled with explosives or flammable substance is prohibited. Welding closed containers that have held explosive or flammable substance shall only be undertaken after the containers have been thoroughly cleaned and found completely free of combustible gases or vapors or the containers are filled with inert gas or with water.

(3) Welding and cutting operations carried out or done in places where persons other than the welders work or pass shall be enclosed by means of suitable stationary or portable screens. Screens shall be opaque, of sturdy construction to withstand rough usage of a material which will not readily be set on fire by sparks or hot metal, at least 2 m. (6.5 ft.) high, and preferably painted with light flat paint.

(4) A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided at the place where welding and cutting operations are being undertaken.

(5) Authorization, before welding and cutting operations are allowed in large establishments, the area shall be inspected by the safetyman. He shall issue a written permit or authorization for welding and cutting, indicating therein the precautions to be followed to avoid fire or accidents.

1100.02: Personal Protective Equipment:

(1) All workers or persons directly engaged in welding or cutting operations shall be provided with the following personal protective equipment:

a. goggles, helmets or head shields fitted with suitable filter lenses and hand shields; and

b. suitable aprons.

(2) all persons directly assisting in welding or cutting operations shall be provided with gloves, goggles or other protective clothings, as may be necessary.

1100.03: Welding or Cutting in Confined Spaces:

The inhalation of any fumes, gases or dusts by persons welding or cutting in confined spaces shall be prevented by the provision of:

(1) Local exhaust and general ventilation system to keep fumes, gases or dusts within allowable concentrations or threshold limit values;

(2) Approved types of respiratory protective equipment.