Additional Fire Prevention Requirements

Suitable fire extinguishing equipment must be immediately available in the work area and must be maintained in a state of readiness for instant use.

When the hot work operation is such that normal fire prevention precautions are not sufficient, additional personnel must be assigned to guard against fire while the hot work is being performed and for a sufficient period of time after completion of the work to ensure that no possibility of fire persists. Such personnel must be instructed as to the specific fire hazards possible and how the firefighting equipment provided is to be used.

When welding, cutting, or heating is performed on walls, floors, and ceilings, since direct penetration of sparks or heat transfer may introduce a fire hazard to an adjacent area, the same precautions must be taken on the opposite side as are taken on the side on which the hot work is being performed.

For the elimination of possible fire in enclosed spaces as a result of gas escaping through leaking or improperly closed torch valves, the gas supply to torches must be positively shut off at some point outside the enclosed space whenever the torch is not in use or whenever the torch is left unattended for a substantial period of time, such as during the lunch period. Overnight and at the change of shifts, the torch and hose must be removed from the confined space. Open end fuel gas and oxygen hoses must be immediately removed from enclosed spaces when they are disconnected from the torch or other gas-consuming device.

Drums, pails, and other containers which contain or have previously contained flammable liquids must be kept closed, except when the contents are being removed or transferred. Empty containers must be moved to a safe area away from hot work operations or open flames.

Before heat is applied to a drum, container, or hollow structure, a vent or opening must be provided for the release of any built-up pressure during the application of heat.

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