Ohio Admin. Code 1301:7-7-35 - Welding and other hot work
(A)
Section 3501
General
(1)
3501.1 Scope. Welding, cutting, open torches and other hot
work operations and equipment shall comply with this rule.
(2)
3501.2 Permits.
Permits shall be required as set forth in rule
1301:7-7-01
of the Administrative Code.
(3)
3501.3 Restricted
areas. Hot work shall only be conducted in areas designed or authorized for
that purpose by the personnel responsible for a "Hot Work Program." Hot work
shall not be conducted in the following areas unless approval has been obtained
from the fire code official:
(a)
Areas where the sprinkler system is
impaired.
(b)
Areas where there exists the potential of an explosive
atmosphere, such as locations where flammable gases, liquids or vapors are
present.
(c)
Areas with readily ignitable materials, such as storage
of large quantities of bulk sulfur, baled paper, cotton, lint, dust or loose
combustible materials.
(d)
On board ships at dock or ships under construction or
repair.
(e)
At other locations as specified by the fire code
official.
(4)
3501.4 Cylinders and containers. Compressed gas
cylinders and fuel containers shall comply with this rule and rule
1301:7-7-53 of
the Administrative Code.
(5)
3501.5 Design and installation of oxygen-fuel gas
systems. An oxygen-fuel gas system with two or more manifolded cylinders of
oxygen shall be in accordance with NFPA 51 as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(B)
Section 3502
Definitions
(1)
3502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in
rule
1301:7-7-02 of the
Administrative Code.
(C)
Section 3503 General requirements
(1)
3503.1 General.
Hot work conditions and operations shall comply with this rule.
(2)
3503.2 Temporary
and fixed hot work areas. Temporary and fixed hot work areas shall comply with
this paragraph.
(3)
3503.3 Hot work program permit. Hot work permits,
issued by an approved responsible manager under a hot work program, shall be
available for review by the fire code official at the time the work is
conducted and for 48 hours after work is complete.
(4)
3503.4
Qualifications of operators. A permit for hot work operations shall not be
issued unless the individuals in charge of performing such operations are
capable of performing such operations safely. Demonstration of a working
knowledge of the provisions of this rule shall constitute acceptable evidence
of compliance with this requirement.
(5)
3503.5 Records.
The individual responsible for the hot work area shall maintain "prework check"
reports in accordance with paragraph (D)(3)(a)(3504.3.1) of this rule. Such
reports shall be maintained on the premises for not less than 48 hours after
work is complete.
(6)
3503.6 Signage. Visible hazard identification signs
shall be provided where required by rule
1301:7-7-50
of the Administrative Code. Where the hot work area is accessible to persons
other than the operator of the hot work equipment, conspicuous signs shall be
posted to warn others before they enter the hot work area. Such signs shall
display the following warning:
(D)
Section 3504 Fire safety requirements
(1)
3504.1 Protection
of combustibles. Protection of combustibles shall be in accordance with
paragraphs (D)(1)(a)(3504.1.1) to (D)(1)(i)(3504.1.9) of this rule.
(a)
3504.1.1
Combustibles. Hot work areas shall not contain combustibles or shall be
provided with appropriate shielding to prevent sparks, slag or heat from
igniting exposed combustibles.
(b)
3504.1.2
Openings. Openings or cracks in walls, floors, ducts or shafts within the hot
work area shall be tightly covered to prevent the passage of sparks to adjacent
combustible areas, or shielded by metal fire-resistant guards, or curtains
shall be provided to prevent passage of sparks or slag.
(c)
3504.1.3
Housekeeping. Floors shall be kept clean within the hot work
area.
(d)
3504.1.4 Conveyor systems. Conveyor systems that are
capable of carrying sparks to distant combustibles shall be shielded or shut
down.
(e)
3504.1.5 Partitions. Partitions segregating hot work
areas from other areas of the building shall be noncombustible. In fixed hot
work areas, the partitions shall be securely connected to the floor such that
no gap exists between the floor and the partition. Partitions shall prevent the
passage of sparks, slag, and heat from the hot work area.
(f)
3504.1.6 Floors.
Fixed hot work areas shall have floors with noncombustible
surfaces.
(g)
3504.1.7 Precautions in hot work. Hot work shall not be
performed on containers or equipment that contain or have contained flammable
liquids, gases or solids until the containers and equipment have been
thoroughly cleaned, inerted or purged; except that "hot tapping" shall be
allowed on tanks and pipe lines where such work is to be conducted by approved
personnel. Hot work on flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks shall be
conducted in accordance with paragraph (J)(3510) of this rule.
(h)
3504.1.8
Sprinkler protection. Automatic sprinkler protection shall not be shut off
while hot work is performed. Where hot work is performed close to automatic
sprinklers, noncombustible barriers or damp cloth guards shall shield the
individual sprinkler heads and shall be removed when the work is completed. If
the work extends over several days, the shields shall be removed at the end of
each workday. The fire code official shall approve hot work where sprinkler
protection is impaired.
(i)
3504.1.9 Fire detection systems. Approved special
precautions shall be taken to avoid accidental operation of automatic fire
detection systems.
(2)
3504.2 Fire
watch. Fire watches shall be established and conducted in accordance with
paragraphs (D)(2)(a)(3504.2.1) to (D)(2)(f)(3504.2.6) of this rule.
(a)
3504.2.1 When
required. A fire watch shall be provided during hot work activities and shall
continue for not less than 30 minutes after the conclusion of the work. The
fire code official, or the responsible manager under a hot work program, is
authorized to extend the fire watch based on the hazards or work being
performed.
(b)
3504.2.2
Location. The fire watch shall include the entire hot work area. Hot work
conducted in areas with vertical or horizontal fire exposures that are not
observable by a single individual shall have additional personnel assigned to
fire watches to ensure that exposed areas are monitored.
(c)
3504.2.3 Duties.
Individuals designated to fire watch duty shall have fire- extinguishing
equipment readily available and shall be trained in the use of such equipment.
Individuals assigned to fire watch duty shall be responsible for extinguishing
spot fires and communicating an alarm.
(d)
3504.2.4 Fire
training. The individuals responsible for performing the hot work and
individuals responsible for providing the fire watch shall be trained in the
use of portable fire extinguishers.
(e)
3504.2.5 Fire
hoses. Where hoselines are required, they shall be connected, charged and ready
for operation.
(f)
3504.2.6 Fire extinguisher. Not less than one portable
fire extinguisher complying with paragraph (F)(906) of rule
1301:7-7-09
of the Administrative Code and with a minimum 2-A:20-B:C rating shall be
readily accessible within 30 feet (9144 mm) of the location where hot work is
performed.
(3)
3504.3 Area reviews. Before hot work is permitted and
not less than once per day while the permit is in effect, the area shall be
inspected by the individual responsible for authorizing hot work operations to
ensure that it is a fire safe area. Information shown on the permit shall be
verified prior to signing the permit in accordance with rule
1301:7-7-01
of the Administrative Code.
(a)
3504.3.1 Pre-hot-work check. A pre-hot-work check shall
be conducted prior to work to ensure that all equipment is safe and hazards are
recognized and protected. A report of the check shall be kept at the work site
during the work and available upon request. The pre-hot-work check shall
determine all of the following:
(i)
Hot work equipment to be used shall be in satisfactory
operating condition and in good repair.
(ii)
Hot work site is
clear of combustibles or combustibles are protected.
(iii)
Exposed
construction is of noncombustible materials or, if combustible, then
protected.
(iv)
Openings are protected.
(v)
Floors are kept
clean.
(vi)
No exposed combustibles are located on the opposite
side of partitions, walls, ceilings or floors.
(vii)
Fire watches,
where required, are assigned.
(viii)
Approved
actions have been taken to prevent accidental activation of suppression and
detection equipment in accordance with paragraphs (D)(1)(h)(3504.1.8) and
(D)(1)(i)(3504.1.9) of this rule.
(ix)
Fire
extinguishers and fire hoses (where provided) are operable and available.
(E)
Section 3505 Gas welding and cutting
(1)
3505.1 General.
Devices or attachments mixing air or oxygen with combustible gases prior to
consumption, except at the burner or in a standard torch or blow pipe, shall
not be allowed unless approved.
(2)
3505.2 Cylinder
and container storage, handling and use. Storage, handling and use of
compressed gas cylinders, containers and tanks shall be in accordance with this
paragraph and rule
1301:7-7-53 of
the Administrative Code.
(a)
3505.2.1 Cylinders connected for use. The storage or
use of a single cylinder of oxygen and a single cylinder of fuel gas located on
a cart shall be allowed without requiring the cylinders to be separated in
accordance with paragraph (C)(9)(h)(5003.9.8) or (C)(10)(c)(vi)(5003.10.3.6) of
rule
1301:7-7-50
of the Administrative Code when the cylinders are connected to regulators,
ready for service, equipped with apparatus designed for cutting or welding and
all of the following:
1.
Carts shall be kept away from the cutting or welding
operation in accordance with paragraph (E)(5)( 3505.5 ) of this rule or
fire-resistant shields shall be provided.
2.
Cylinders shall be
secured to the cart to resist movement.
3.
Carts shall be in
accordance with paragraph (C)(10)(c)( 500310.3 ) of rule
1301:7-7-50
of the Administrative Code.
4.
Cylinder valves
not having fixed hand wheels shall have keys, handles or nonadjustable wrenches
on valve stems while the cylinders are in service.
5.
Cylinder valve
outlet connections shall conform to the requirements of CGA V-1 as listed in
rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
6.
Cylinder valves
shall be closed when work is finished.
7.
Cylinder valves
shall be closed before moving the cart.
(i)
3505.2.1.1
Individual cart separation. Individual carts shall be separated from each other
in accordance with paragraph (C)(9)(h)(5003.9.8) of rule
1301:7-7-50
of the Administrative Code.
(3)
3505.3
Precautions. Cylinders, valves, regulators, hose and other apparatus and
fittings for oxygen shall be kept free from oil or grease. Oxygen cylinders,
apparatus and fittings shall not be handled with oily hands, oily gloves, or
greasy tools or equipment.
(4)
3505.4 Acetylene
gas. Acetylene gas shall not be piped except in approved cylinder manifolds and
cylinder manifold connections, or utilized at a pressure exceeding 15 pounds
per square inch gauge (psig) (103 kPa) unless dissolved in a suitable solvent
in cylinders manufactured in accordance with DOTn 49 CFR Part 178 as listed in
rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code. Acetylene gas shall not be brought in contact with
unalloyed copper, except in a blowpipe or torch.
(5)
3505.5 Remote
locations. Oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders and acetylene generators shall be
located away from the hot work area to prevent such cylinders or generators
from being heated by radiation from heated materials, sparks or slag, or
misdirection of the torch flame.
(6)
3505.6 Cylinders
shutoff The torch valve shall be closed and the gas supply to the torch
completely shut off when gas welding or cutting operations are discontinued for
a period of 1 hour or more.
(7)
3505.7 Prohibited
operation. Welding or cutting work shall not be held or supported on compressed
gas cylinders or containers.
(8)
3505.8 Tests.
Tests for leaks in piping systems and equipment shall be made with soapy water.
The use of flames shall be prohibited for leak testing.
(F)
Section 3506 Electric arc hot work
(1)
3506.1 General.
The frame or case of electric hot work machines, except internal-
combustion-engine-driven machines, shall be grounded. Ground connections shall
be mechanically strong and electrically adequate for the required
current.
(2)
3506.2 Return circuits. Welding current return circuits
from the work to the machine shall have proper electrical contact at joints.
The electrical contact shall be periodically inspected.
(3)
3506.3
Disconnecting. Electrodes shall be removed from the holders when electric arc
welding or cutting is discontinued for any period of 1 hour or more. The
holders shall be located to prevent accidental contact and the machines shall
be disconnected from the power source.
(4)
3506.4 Emergency
disconnect. A switch or circuit breaker shall be provided so that fixed
electric welders and control equipment can be disconnected from the supply
circuit. The disconnect shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70 as listed
in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(5)
3506.5 Damaged
cable. Damaged cable shall be removed from service until properly repaired or
replaced.
(G)
Section 3507 Calcium carbide systems
(1)
3507.1 Calcium
carbide storage. Storage and handling of calcium carbide shall comply with rule
1301:7-7-50 of the Administrative Code and Chapter 9 of NFPA 51 as listed in
rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(H)
Section 3508
Acetylene generators
(1)
3508.1 Use of acetylene generators. The use of
acetylene generators shall comply with this paragraph and Chapter 6 of NFPA 51A
as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(2)
3508.2 Portable
generators. The minimum volume of rooms containing portable generators shall be
35 times the total gas-generating capacity per charge of all generators in the
room. The gas-generating capacity in cubic feet per charge shall be assumed to
be 4.5 times the weight of carbide per charge in pounds. The minimum ceiling
height of rooms containing generators shall be 10 feet (3048 mm). An acetylene
generator shall not be moved by derrick, crane or hoist while
charged.
(3)
3508.3 Protection against freezing. Generators shall be
located where water will not freeze. Common salt such as sodium chloride or
other corrosive chemicals shall not be utilized for protection against
freezing.
(I)
Section 3509 Piping manifolds and hose systems for fuel
gases and oxygen
(1)
3509.1 General. The use of piping manifolds and hose
systems shall be in accordance with paragraphs (I)(2)( 3509.2 ) to (I)(7)(
3509.7 ) of this rule, rule 1301:7-7-53 of the Administrative Code and Chapter
5 of NFPA 51 as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(2)
3509.2
Protection. Piping shall be protected against physical damage.
(3)
3509.3 Signage.
Signage shall be provided for piping and hose systems as follows:
(a)
Above-ground
piping systems shall be marked in accordance with ASME A 13.1 as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(b)
Station outlets
shall be marked to indicate their intended usage.
(c)
Signs shall be
posted, indicating clearly the location and identity of section shutoff
valves.
(4)
3509.4 Manifolding of cylinders. Oxygen manifolds shall
not be located in an acetylene generator room. Oxygen manifolds shall be
located at least 20 feet (6096 mm) away from combustible material such as oil
or grease, and gas cylinders containing flammable gases, unless the gas
cylinders are separated by a fire partition.
(5)
3509.5
Identification of manifolds. Signs shall be posted for oxygen manifolds with
service pressures not exceeding 200 psig (1379 kPa). Such signs shall include
the words:
(6)
3509.6
Clamps. Hose connections shall be clamped or otherwise securely
fastened.
(7)
3509.7 Inspection. Hoses shall be inspected frequently
for leaks, burns, wear, loose connections or other defects rendering the hose
unfit for service.
(J)
Section 3510 Hot
work on flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks
(1)
3510.1 General.
Hot work performed on the interior or exterior of tanks that hold or have held
flammable or combustible liquids shall be in accordance with paragraph (J)(2)(
3510.2 ) of this rule and chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 of NFPA 326 as listed in
rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(2)
3510.2
Prevention. The following steps shall be taken to minimize hazards where hot
work must be performed on a flammable or combustible liquid storage
container:
(a)
Use alternative methods to avoid hot work where
possible.
(b)
Analyze the hazards prior to performing hot work,
identify the potential hazards and the methods of hazard
control.
(c)
Hot work shall conform to the requirements of the code
or standard to which the container was originally fabricated.
(d)
Test the
immediate and surrounding work area with a combustible gas detector and provide
for a means of continuing monitoring while conducting the hot
work.
(e)
Qualified employees and contractors performing hot work
shall use an industry-approved hot work permit system to control the
work.
(f)
Personnel shall be properly trained on hot work
policies and procedures regarding equipment, safety, hazard controls and
job-specific requirements.
(g)
On-site safety
supervision shall be present where hot work is in progress to protect the
personnel conducting the hot work and provide additional overview of
site-specific hazards.
Replaces: 1301:7-7-26.
Notes
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3737.83, 3737.82, 3737.22
Rule Amplifies: 3737.22, 3737.83, 3737.82
Prior Effective Dates: 07/01/1979, 06/01/1985, 06/15/1992, 07/01/1993, 09/01/1995, 03/30/1998, 09/01/2005, 07/01/2007, 11/01/2011
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