R 408.11261 Fire precautions.

Rule 1261. (1) Cutting and welding shall be done in designated areas free of flammables or conditions favorable to fire or explosion. If it is not practical to perform the work in a designated area, a person shall be assigned responsibility for fire safety of the job and shall take the following action after inspecting the job site and designating precautions to be taken: (a) Move flammables a minimum of 35 feet (10.7 m) from the area, cover the flammables with a fire resistant covering, or schedule the work for a time when the flammables have been removed. (b) Cover cracks in the floor or walls that are within 35 feet (10.7 m) of the welding or cutting process if they could pass sparks to other areas. (c) Wet down wooden floors, except when laid over concrete, and provide a bucket or pan containing water or sand or cover with a fire resistant shield. Where the floor has been wet down, arc welding operators shall be protected from shock. (d) Have appropriate portable fire extinguishers on hand for use by trained employees. (e) If there is a possibility that a smoldering fire may have started, keep an observer at the scene of the work for at least 30 minutes after the welding or cutting has stopped. (2) An observer shall be assigned whenever welding or cutting is done in an area where a fire could start or 1 of the following conditions exists: (a) Appreciable combustible materials in the building construction or contents less than 35 feet (10.7 m) from the point of operation. (b) Appreciable combustible material more than 35 feet (10.7 m) away but easily ignited by a spark. (c) Wall or floor opening less than a 35 feet (10.7 m) radius from exposed combustible materials in adjacent areas including concealed spaces in walls and floors. (d) Combustible material adjacent to the opposite side of a metal partition, wall, ceiling, or roof which is likely to ignite by conduction or radiation. (3) Welding and cutting by gas utility firms on live mains is exempt from this rule when the main is filled under positive pressure with natural or manufactured gas and air movers are used to ventilate areas where fumes might accumulate. (4) Welding or cutting shall not be permitted in the following situations: (a) In an area not authorized by management. (b) In a sprinklered building while such protection is impaired unless a fire watch is provided. (c) In the presence of an explosive atmosphere such as mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts with air. (d) In an area nearer than 35 feet of storage of large quantities of exposed, readily ignitable materials such as bulk sulfur, baled paper, or cotton. (5) Conveyor and exhaust systems that might carry sparks to a distant combustible shall be protected or shut down.