Fires rarely occur where permanent cutting and welding production equipment is installed, as adequate safeguards are commonly part of the installation. However, the danger of fire is greatest when cutting or welding is performed during:
This is especially true when an outside contractor is asked to do the job, because the contractor may not be familiar with plant operations and hazards that may exist.
It has been estimated that approximately 6% of all industrial fires start where portable cutting and welding equipment was used without adequate safeguards. Neglecting to take necessary safeguards can result in serious fires. Cutting and welding operations are performed more safely when proper precautions are taken.
Knowing how cutting and welding fires occur is important in learning how to prevent them. Heat that can start a fire can come from:
Some materials will catch fire from these sources of heat more quickly than others. Flammable gases and liquids are examples of substances that can be easily ignited. Oily rags and combustible materials such as burlap, cardboard, straw and wastepaper catch fire easily and burn vigorously, once started.
Wooden flooring, scrap lumber, tarpaulins and similar materials will not catch fire as quickly as those mentioned above. However, special precautions are also necessary around these materials, as they may only smolder at first, then flare up at a later time.
Sparks may lodge in cracks in woodwork or drop through holes or other openings onto combustible materials within the walls or on floors below. Fires have occurred when sparks and molten metal from cutting operations fell through air ducts and ignited air filters.
Many people do not fully comprehend how far sparks can travel or how easily they get into unseen corners or cracks. Sometimes sparks can be thrown for distances up to 30 or 40 feet. Particles of iron or steel may retain enough heat to start a fire up to 15 seconds, or even longer under some conditions.
When possible, move the object to be cut or welded to a fire-safe location, such as a noncombustible or fire-resistive room or a building essentially free of flammable and combustible contents.
If the object to be cut or welded cannot be moved, all combustible material should be moved at least 35 feet away.
If the surrounding combustible materials cannot be moved, then they should be protected with flame-resistant covers or shielded with fire-resistant guards.
A fire watch with a proper fire extinguisher should stand by while cutting or welding is taking place. Where there is a possibility that sparks may fall to floors below, additional fire watchers may be needed.
If these basic precautions cannot be taken, then welding or cutting should not proceed. If basic precautions can be followed, the designated, responsible person should confirm that the following steps have been taken to ensure that the cutting or welding operation is performed safely.
While manufacturers of cutting and welding equipment have built-in safeguards to promote the safe and effective use of their equipment, not all accidents and damage can be controlled entirely. Protecting against cutting and welding hazards can only be accomplished by:
Make sure to follow these tips and precautions to help avoid any cutting and welding fires at your work sites.