FMMC 10-15 – TORCH AND WELDING SAFETY
Effective: May 30, 1995
Revised: August 10, 2012
Reviewed: December 2013
PURPOSE
To ensure that safety rules are followed in prevention of fires and/or false alarms during torch or welding details.
POLICY
PPD will exercise safety precautions during and after grinding, cutting, welding, brazing, or other open flame torch operations."Hot work," will be performed using the safest process.
1. When practical, hot work involving objects to be cut, soldered, brazed, welded, or heated shall be taken to the Welding Shop or a safe location. All combustible material will be removed from area before welding will occur.
2. If it is impractical to move the object and if it is not possible to remove all fire hazards, positive means shall be taken to confine the heat, sparks, and slag. A hot work permit shall be required, depending upon the situation to be determined by the supervisor. See below to access the form.
a. A suitable fire extinguisher shall be immediately available in the work area, and maintained ready for use.
b. A fire blanket shall be used to protect adjacent combustible materials and/or equipment from slag, sparks, and heat.
c. If the hot work/welding or open flame operation is such that normal fire prevention precautions are insufficient (such as welding on roofs of combustible material), another person will be assigned to guard against fire while the welding is being performed, i.e.; on roofs of combustible material or wood structures. After the welding on open flame operation is complete, at least 30 minutes will be spent to observe possible flare ups or other fire situation possibilities.
d. If a torch is used in floor tile work the torch will be shut off if not continuously in use. If working in occupied areas precautions must be taken to protect guests, students, faculty and staff.
3. When the heat from welding or cutting on walls, floors, or ceilings can penetrate to adjacent areas, the same precautions must be taken on the opposite side where the hot work is taking place.
4. If conditions exist where the fire alarm system might be activated, the fire alarm system point for that area will be bypassed or action head removed.
5. These standards must be followed by contractors and others who perform hotwork/welding operations.