•Remove or make safe all combustible materials for a radius of 35 feet (10 meters) around the work area. Use a fire resistant material to cover or block all open door- ways, windows, cracks, and other openings.
•Enclose the work area with portable fire resistant screens. Protect combustible walls, ceilings, floors, etc., from sparks and heat with fire resistant covers.
•If working on a metal wall, ceiling, etc., prevent ignition of combustibles on the other side by moving the combustibles to a safe location. If relocation of combustibles is not possible, designate someone to serve as a fire watch, equipped with a fire extinguisher, during the welding process and for at least one half hour after the welding is completed.
•Do not weld or cut on materials having a combustible coating or combustible inter- nal structure, as in walls or ceilings, without an approved method for eliminating the hazard.
•Do not dispose of hot slag in containers holding combustible materials. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
•After welding or cutting, make a thorough examination for evidence of fire. Be aware that easily visible smoke or flame may not be present for some time after the fire has started. Do not weld or cut in atmospheres containing dangerously reactive or flammable gases, vapors, liquids, and dust. Provide adequate ventilation in work areas to prevent accumulation of flammable gases, vapors, and dust. Do not apply heat to a container that has held an unknown substance or a combustible material whose contents, when heated, can produce flammable or explosive vapors. Clean and purge containers before applying heat. Vent closed containers, including castings, before preheating, welding, or cutting.
9.Avoid overexposure to fumes and gases. Always keep your head out of the fumes. Do not breathe the fumes. Use enough ventilation or exhaust, or both, to keep fumes and gases from your breathing zone and general area.
•Where ventilation is questionable, have a qualified technician take an air sampling to determine the need for corrective measures. Use mechanical ventilation to improve air quality. If engineering controls are not feasible, use an approved respi- rator.
•Work in a confined area only if it is well ventilated, or while wearing an
•Follow OSHA guidelines for Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL’s) for various fumes and gases.
•Follow the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommen- dations for Threshold Limit Values (TLV’s) for fumes and gases.
•Have a recognized specialist in Industrial Hygiene or Environmental Services check the operation and air quality and make recommendations for the specific welding or cutting situation.
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