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WELDING
Introduction
Welding and other “Hot Work” operations are performed at Arizona State University (ASU) by faculty, staff, students, and vendors for research, construction, support services and special events. Hot Work relates to brazing, cutting, grinding, heat treating, thawing pipe, soldering, torches and welding, etc… which can generate enough heat in the work area that may cause a hazardous or fire condition to themselves, occupants and to the surrounding property or building components. Employees, contractors and students who weld or perform other Hot Work operations are subject to hazards associated with this activity. The appropriate safe Hot Work practices and procedures must be followed as delineated in international, federal, state and local regulations and standards to protect the worker, the public and property.
Applicable ASU Policy
- EHS 102 - Confined Space Entry
- Capital Programs Management Group Building Permit & Inspection Process
Applicable ASU Guideline
Applicable Regulations
- ANSI/ASC Z49.1:2005
- ANSI/AWS F4.1-94
- International Fire Code (2003 edition)
- NFPA 51 & 51B (latest edition)
- Uniform Fire Code – Article 49 (97 edition)
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q
Summary of Requirements
Hot work operators and their supervisors must assure that the following fire protection, personal protection, and prevention procedures are applied to all welding and hot work operations:
- Proper safety precautions/measures are taken to prevent fire danger and hazardous fumes/vapor exposure by conducting an inspection of the area to ensure it is free of debris and exposures to combustible, flammable, and hazardous materials. Work area/hazard zone shall be identified and appropriately separated, labeled and safety measures taken to protect exposure or injury/damage to employees, the public and ASU assets/property.
- Remove all sources of ignition (combustible and flammable materials) from the work area/hazard zone. Shield all fire hazards that cannot be removed to prevent sparks, slag or heat from igniting the fire hazards.
- Proper ventilation to protect employees and occupants from fume/vapor exposures must be assured prior to performing any welding or hot work operations (the operation's supervisor must inspect and assure area is safe prior to commencing any hot work operation).
- Openings or cracks in walls, floors, ducts or shafts must be tightly covered to prevent passage of sparks, slag or fumes/vapors.
- A minimum of a compliant 2A:20BC rated fire extinguisher must be readily available (contractors must provide their own compliant/operational fire extinguisher/s).
- Emergency disconnects must be provided to ARC welding equipment via a switch or circuit breaker (the emergency disconnect must be labeled “Emergency Disconnect” and must be visible).
- Specific procedures must be established to prevent and control contamination (dust, gases) from entering adjoining non-work areas. In addition, monitoring and control of the work atmosphere may be required to prevent exposures of workers to hazardous atmospheres, inadequate ventilation or the byproducts associated with hot work operations. (example: local exhaust ventilation)
- Special concerns must be given to welding on exotic metals such as; Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Nickel and Zinc. Consult with ASU EH&S for more information regarding these materials.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times to protect the eyes, face and body against burns and non-ionizing radiation. (UV and IR light)
- Electrical hazards exist with various welding equipment, eliminate all liquid sources, frayed or damaged cords and insulation and Do Not Leave Unattended Equipment Energized .
- Provide a trained fire watch during welding and hot work operations (fire watch must be present during and at least 30 minutes after the conclusion of the operation). The fire watch must have appropriate fire extinguishing equipment readily available and must be trained in use and capabilities of such equipment. The fire watch must be aware of the operation hazards, work area, safety precautions, emergency reporting procedures and existing fire protection systems in the facility to help assist in evacuation and notification.
Training
Fire code and OSHA requires that each employee designated to operate welding equipment be properly trained and qualified to use it. Supervisors must assure all personnel are trained through an apprenticeship program, by the equipment representative, or other government or private certified trainer program.
Reporting
All “hot work” conducted in ASU buildings require the operators to be knowledgeable with the appropriate policies, regulations and compliance guidelines and understand the safety precautions and use of equipment. Any questionable conditions, incidents and unsafe practices must be reported to Environmental Health & Safety ( EH&S ).
Recordkeeping
The employer records Welding and Hot Work training for each individual operator. EH&S training coordinators maintains all training conducted by EH&S. The employer of Non-university employees, such as contractors, trains and maintains their records
Updated 11/21/06
Mailing Address: PO Box 873804, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3804
Contact Email: EHS@asu.edu
Phone: (480) 965-1823
FAX: (480) 965-0736
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