NFPA Welding Processes

National Fire Protection Association, Standard for Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes, NFPA 51B, Quincy, MA, 1994... 

The OSHA PSM standard also refers to the NFPA Standard for Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes (51B, 1962). One of NFPA s principle concerns is to do with the isolation of hot work from flammable materials. The following steps must be followed ... 

For the safe use of acetylene welding and cutting equipment and to prevent fires, the user should comply with NFPA 5 IB, Standard for Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes [8]. Also, see CGA SB-4, Handling Acetylene Cylinders in Fire Situations [9]. 

NFPA 5 IB Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes... 

The Charlotte Criteria requires that a review of procedures be conducted and documented to require fire watches for maintenance and construction work using ignition sources. WSRC has conducted the review and has committed to revise and develop a new procedure to conform with NFPA 51B, "Standard for Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes" (Reference 9) requirements. Pending issuance of a procedure which conforms with NFPA 51B, this remains an open item. 

NFPA 51, Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. 

Open flames in process facilities usually occur due to welding, cutting, or other similar hot work operations, and the facility flare. NFPA 51 B provides guidance in the fire safety precautions for the conduction of cutting and welding operations. 

---