Subpart D - Section 1915.51

Section 1915.51 of Subpart D includes requirements for mechanical ventilation. For the hot worker's safety, it is important that the smoke and fumes from the hot work process are removed and replaced with clean and breathable air. If the hot worker is working in a confined space in which ventilation cannot be used, an air-line respirator must be provided, and an individual on the outside of the confined space must be assigned to maintain communication with each individual within the space.

Specific ventilation requirements apply in enclosed spaces when hot work will be performed on certain metals, such as zinc, lead, cadmium, chromium, or beryllium. In the open air, workers performing hot work on these metals must be protected by filter-type respirators. These rules apply to all employees exposed to the same atmosphere as the hot workers.

Section 1915.51 also provides information about personal protective equipment (PPE) required for arc welding and general welding, cutting, and heating, which will be covered later in the course. Section 1915.51 concludes by stating that cargoes and residues of toxic metallic ores must be removed from the area where hot work will be performed, or protected from the heat before any work is begun.

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