10 FIRES
AND EXPLOSIONS -- Heat from flames and arcs can start fires.
Hot slag or sparks can also cause fires
and explosions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well
away from the work area or cover the materials with a protective
non-flammable covering. Combustible materials include
wood, cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels, solvents,
paints and coatings, paper, etc. 2. Hot
sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in floors or wall openings
and cause a hidden smoldering fire or fires
on the floor below. Make certain that such openings are protected from hot sparks
and metal.“ 3. Do
not weld, cut or perform other hot work until the workpiece has been completely
cleaned so that there are no substances
on the workpiece which might produce flammable or toxic vapors. Do not do hot
work on closed containers. They may explode.
4. Have fire extinguishing equipment
handy for instant use, such as a garden hose, water pail, sand bucket,
or portable fire extinguisher. Be sure you are trained
in its use. 5. Do not
use equipment beyond its ratings. For example, overloaded welding cable can overheat
and create a fire hazard.
6. After completing operations, inspect
the work area to make certain there are no hot sparks or hot metal
which could cause a later fire. Use fire watchers when
necessary. 7. For additional
information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B, "Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and
Welding Processes", available from the
National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA
02269.
