4 PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

 

 

ORR # 2004-042

 

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH DIRECTOR’S OFFICE

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY STANDARDS

 

Filed with the Secretary of State on

These rules take effect 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State

 

(By authority conferred on the director of the department of labor and economic growth by sections 19 and 21 of 1974 PA 154,and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-2 and 2003-18, MCL 408.1019,

408.1021, 445.2001, and 445.2011)

 

R 408.40705, R 408.40707, R 408.40709, R 408.40711, R 408.40712, R 408.40713, R 408.40714,

R 408.40721, R 408.40722, R 408.40723, R 408.40729, R 408.40731, R 408.40744, R 408.40746,

R 408.40751, R 408.40761, and R 408.40762 of the Michigan Administrative Code are amended as follows:

 

PART 7. WELDING AND CUTTING GENERAL PROVISIONS

R 408.40705 Definitions; A to C.

Rule 705. (1) “AC” means alternating current.

(2)   “Arc welding” means a process for joining metals by melting with an electric arc with or without the use of pressure and with or without a filler material.

(3)   “Brazing” means a process of joining metals, without melting them, with a filler metal melting above 800 degrees Fahrenheit (427 degrees Celsius).

(4)    “Confined space” means a space that, because of its physical construction, could be subject to the accumulation of loose materials or explosive, toxic, or flammable contaminants or could have an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. All of the following are examples of confined spaces:

(a)   Storage tanks.

(b)   Process vessels.

(c)   Bins.

(d)   Boilers.

(e)   Ventilation ducts.

(f)  Sewers.

(g)   Underground utility vaults.

(h)   Tunnels after construction is completed.

(i)   Pipelines.

having a limited means of egress which is subject to accumulation of toxic or flammable contaminants  or has an oxygen deficient atmosphere.

 

 

(5)   “Cutting” means a process in which the severing or removing of metal is affected by the use of an arc or flame.

(6)   “Cylinders” means containers for storing compressed gases.

 

R 408.40707 Definitions; P to W.

Rule 707. (1) “Psig” means pounds per square inch as measured by a gauge.

(2)   “Soldering” means a process of joining metals, without melting them, using a filler metal melting at 800 degrees Fahrenheit (427 degrees Celsius) or below.

(3)   “Storage” means the storage of a filled or empty cylinder not in use.

(4)   “Welding” means the process of joining metals by melting them.

(5)   “Welding operations” means the cutting, welding, brazing, or soldering of materials.

(6)   “Welder” Weldor means a person performing welding operations.

 

R 408.40709 Adoption of standards by reference.

Rule 709. (1) The standards specified in this rule, except for the standards specified in subrule (2) of this rule, are adopted by reference.

(a)   The following standards are available from Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colorado, 80112, USA, telephone number: 1-800-854-7179 or via the internet at web-site: http://global.ihs.com; at a cost as of the time of adoption of these rules, as stated in this subrule:

(i)     American National Standard Institute Standard ANSI/AWS Z49.1, Safety in Welding and Cutting and Allied Processes, 1973 edition. Cost: $80.00.

(ii)    American National Standard Institute Standard ANSI/ASA B57.1, Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections, 1965 edition. Cost $25.00

(b)   The following standards are available from the National Fire Protection Association, Charles S Morgan Technical Library, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, Massachusetts, 02269- 9101, USA; telephone number: 617-984-7445; or via the internet at web-site: www.nfpa.org/library or e-mail at [e-mail]; at a cost as of the time of adoption of these rules, as stated in this subrule.

(i)     National Fire Protection Association NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, Article 630 Electric Welders, 1978 edition. Cost: $7.50.

(ii)       National Fire Protection Association NFPA 50 Standards for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites, 1974 edition. Cost: $7.50.

(iii)     National Fire Protection Association NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 1974 edition. Cost: $39.50.

(c)    Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Transportation, Part 186-199 stock number 869-048- 00199-9 is available from the U.S. Government Bookstore, Washington DC, 20402; telephone number: 888-293-6498; or via the internet at web-site: http://bookstore.gpo.gov; at a cost, as of the time of adoption of these rules, of $5.00.

These standards are also available for inspection at, and purchase from, the Michigan department of labor and economic growth, MIOSHA Standards Section, 7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8143.

(2)   The following Michigan occupational safety and health standards are referenced in these rules. Up to 5 copies of these standards may be obtained at no charge from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, MIOSHA Standards Section, 7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing,        Michigan,        48909-8143        or        via        the        internet        at        web-site:

 

 

www.michigan.gov/mioshastandards. For quantities greater than 5, the cost, as of the time of adoption of these rules, is 4 cents per page

(a)   Construction Safety Standard Part 1 General Rules, R 408.40101 et seq.

(b)   Construction Safety Standard Part 6 Personal Protective Equipment, R 408.40601 et seq.

(c)   Construction Safety Standard Part 45 Fall Protection, R 408.44501 et seq.

(d)   General Industry Safety Standard Part 12 Welding and Cutting, R 408.11231 to R 408.11252.

 

R 408.40711 Employer and employee responsibilities.

Rule 711. (1) An employer shall do all of the following:

(a)      Assure  that  each  employee  has  received  safety  training  in  the  use  of  equipment  for  welding operations and instruction in the rules of this part before allowing the employee to use the equipment.

(b)      Provide protection to an employee against toxic or hazardous materials or deficient oxygen, as prescribed by the department of labor and economic growth. consumer and industry services.

(c)    Assure that employees wear personal protective equipment as required in R 408.40751.

(d)    Assure that an employee in charge of the operation of oxygen or fuel gas supply equipment or of oxygen or fuel gas systems is instructed and judged competent for this work by the employer before being left in charge. Rules and instructions covering the operation and maintenance of oxygen or fuel gas distribution piping systems shall be readily available.

(2)   An employee shall do all of the following:

(a)    Use welding and cutting equipment as trained and authorized.

(b)    Use the protective equipment required by the hazard and this part.

(c)    Not tamper with safety devices.

(d)    Report to the supervisor any faulty or defective equipment.

(3)   Welding operations shall not be permitted in the following situations:

(a)    In an area not authorized by the building or structure occupant.

(b)    In a sprinklered building while the sprinkler system is impaired, unless a fire watch is provided.

(c)     In the presence of a potentially explosive atmosphere, such as mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts with air.

 

R 408.40712 Requirements generally.

Rule 712. (1) A mixture of fuel gas with air or oxygen shall not be permitted except when consumed by a burner or torch.

(2)    Only apparatus designed for use with fuel gas or oxygen, such as a torch, regulator, pressure- reducing valve, acetylene generator, and manifold, shall be used for welding or cutting.

(3)   The total volume of acetylene used per hour shall not exceed 1/7 of the total volume of the acetylene supply in the system.

(4)   Fuel gas, oxygen, or compressed air shall not flow from a cylinder or manifold through a torch or other device equipped with a shutoff valve unless the pressure is reduced by a regulator attached to the cylinder or manifold.

(5)   An oxygen cylinder, fuel gas cylinder, cylinder valve, coupling regulator, hose, and apparatus shall be kept in good operating condition and shall be kept free from defects.

(6)   An oxygen cylinder, fuel gas cylinder, cylinder valve, coupling regulator, hose, and apparatus shall be kept free from oily or greasy substances and shall not be handled with oily hands or gloves. A jet of oxygen shall not be permitted to strike oily surfaces or greasy clothes and shall not be permitted to enter a fuel, oil, or other storage tank.

(7)   Oxygen shall only be used for welding or cutting.

 

 

(8)     Welders Weldors shall place welding cable, hose, and other equipment so that it is clear of passageways, ladders, and stairways, or shall assure that it is protected against damage and does not create a hazard to an employee.

(9)   After welding operations are completed, a sign or other means shall be used to provide a warning of the hot metal.

 

R 408.40713 Working in confined spaces.

Rule 713. (1) Before the start of a welding operation in a confined space, the atmosphere shall be tested and recorded. Ventilation shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the department of labor and economic growth. consumer and industry services.

(a)   The records shall be maintained at the jobsite as prescribed in Construction Safety Standard Part 1 General Rules, R 408.40101 et seq.

(2)    When working in a confined space, the torch valves and the gas supply valve and oxygen valve outside the confined space shall be shut off during the lunch period, overnight, or during any other prolonged period and the torch and hose shall be removed from the confined space. Open-end fuel gas and oxygen hoses shall be immediately removed from enclosed spaces when they are disconnected from the torch or other gas-consuming device.

(3)    When stick electrodes are used in a confined space and welding is suspended during the lunch period, overnight, or during any other prolonged period, the electrode shall be removed from the holder and the machine shall be shut off. The holders shall be placed or protected so that they cannot make electrical contact with employees or conducting objects.

(4)   A gas cylinder or a welding machine used for welding operations in a confined space shall be placed on the outside of the space where work is being performed.

(5)   If an employee must enter a confined space through a small opening to perform welding operations, another employee trained in rescue procedures and equipped with the means necessary to effect a rescue shall be stationed outside the confined space in position to watch the welder. weldor. When a safety harness and lifeline are used, they shall be provided for as prescribed in Construction Safety Standard Part 45 Fall Protection, being R 408.44501 et seq., and shall be attached to the welder’s weldor’s body so that his or her body cannot be jammed in a small exit opening.

 

R 408.40714 Warning tags and labels.

Rule 714. (1) A storage container of welding materials with filler metals or fusible granular materials shall carry a special label which shall read as follows:

 

CAUTION

Welding may produce fumes and gases hazardous to health.

Use adequate ventilation.

See American national standards institute standard ANSI/AWS Z49.1, 1973 edition, Safety in Welding and Cutting and Allied Processes.

 

(2)   A storage container of brazing filler metals containing cadmium in significant amounts shall carry a special label which shall read as follows:

 

WARNING

Contains cadmium–poisonous fumes may be formed on heating.

Do not breathe fumes.

 

 

Use only with adequate ventilation such as fume collectors, exhaust ventilators, or air-supplied respirators.

See American national standards institute standard ANSI/AWS Z49.1, 1973 edition, Safety in Welding and Cutting and Allied Processes.

If chest pain, cough, or fever develops after use, contact physician immediately.

 

(3)  A storage container of brazing or gas welding fluxes containing fluorides shall have a special label which shall read as follows:

 

CAUTION

Contains fluorides.

This flux, when heated, gives off fumes that may irritate the eye, nose, and throat.

Avoid fumes–use only in well-ventilated spaces.

Avoid contact of flux with eyes or skin.

Do not take internally.

 

CYLINDERS

 

R 408.40721 Cylinders manufacturing, labeling, periodic testing, and marking.

Rule 721. (1) A cylinder shall be manufactured, labeled, and periodically tested in accordance with the specifications of the federal department of transportation regulations requirements published in 49

C.F.R. Part 178, Subpart C, Specification for Cylinders, which are incorporated herein adopted by reference in R 408.40709. and are available for inspection at the Lansing office of the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services. These specifications are included in ATA hazardous materials, tariff 111D. which may be purchased at a cost of $14.50 from the American Trucking Association, Inc., Mr. Harkins, Issuing Officer 1616 P Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, or from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, 7150 Harris Drive, Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

(2) In lieu of the manufacturing specifications required in subrule (1) of this rule, a cylinder may be manufactured in accordance with specifications of the national fire protection association, which are incorporated herein by reference and are available for inspection at the Lansing office of the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services. These specifications are included in the national fire code, volume 2, gases 1970-71, which may be purchased at a cost of $5.00 each from the National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, or from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, 7150 Harris Drive, Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan  48909.

(3) All cylinders manufactured in accordance with the specifications of subrule (2) of this rule shall be labeled and periodically tested in accordance with the specifications required by subrule (1) of this rule.

(2)   (4) A cylinder shall be legibly marked with either the chemical or trade name. Marking shall be by stenciling, stamping, or labeling and shall not be tampered with or be readily removable. Whenever practical, the marking shall be located on the shoulder of the cylinder.

(3)   (5) An unlabeled cylinder shall not be used.

(4)   (6) An empty cylinder shall be so marked at the time of depletion. R 408.40722 Storage.

 

 

Rule 722. (1) An oxygen cylinder shall be stored not less than 20 feet from fuel gas cylinders or any highly combustible material, such as, but not limited to, oil, grease, excelsior, flammable gas, or a source of ignition, or shall be separated from the material by a noncombustible wall not less than 5 feet (1.6 meters) high which has a fire resistance rating of 1 hour.

(2)   A cylinder shall be stored away from any source of heat in excess of 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

(3)   A cylinder, whether full or empty, in storage or during shipment, or with the regulator removed, shall have the valve closed and the cap connected in place if a cap is provided in the design, or shall be otherwise protected.

(4)   Storage shall be set up to insure ensure first in, first out usage.

(5)    A cylinder storage area shall be posted with the names of the individual gases stocked, and a warning shall be posted against tampering by an unauthorized employee. An assigned storage area shall be located where a cylinder will not be knocked over or struck by a passing or falling object.

(6)   Where different gases are stored, they shall be grouped by types. Groupings shall separate the fuel gases from the oxidizing gases as specified in subrule (1) of this rule.

(7)   A storage area for cylinders shall be well ventilated.

(8)   A cylinder shall not be stored in basements or pits.

(9)   All storage of fuel gas or oxygen within a building shall be in accordance with the specifications of National Fire Protection Association Standard NFPA 58, 1974 edition Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, which is incorporated herein adopted by reference in R 408.40709. and is available for  inspection at the Lansing office of the department of consumer and industry services. This standard may  be purchased at a cost of $4.00 from the National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, or from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services,  7150 Harris Drive, Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

(10)   Where a liquid or gaseous oxygen system is used to supply gaseous oxygen for welding and cutting and the system has a storage capacity of more than 20,000 cubic feet (560 cubic meters), measured at

14.7 psia and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, including unconnected reserves at the site, the system shall be as prescribed in National Fire Protection Association Standard NFPA standard 50, 1974 edition, Standards for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites, which is incorporated herein adopted by reference in R 408.40709. and which may be inspected at the Lansing office of the department of  consumer and industry services. This standard may be purchased at a cost of $3.00 from the National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, or from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, 7150 Harris Drive, Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan  48909.

 

R 408.40723 Cylinders generally.

Rule 723. (1) A chain, bracket, or other restraining device shall be used at all times to prevent cylinders from falling.

(2)   A cylinder shall stand valve end up at all times.

(3)   A cylinder shall not be dropped, dragged, rolled on its side, or struck violently.

(4)    When using a crane or hoisting device, a cylinder shall be lifted only by cradles or enclosed platforms. An electromagnet, hook, rope, or sling shall not be used.

(5)   A frozen or ice-clogged valve shall be thawed either by warm air or warm water and shall be dried before using. Boiling water or a flame shall not be used. Force shall not be applied to a valve or cap to loosen a cylinder frozen in place.

 

 

(6)   Gases shall not be mixed within a cylinder except by the supplier. Only the owner of the cylinder, if the owner is qualified, or a person trained, qualified, and authorized by the owner, shall refill a cylinder. The contents of a cylinder shall be used only for those purposes intended by the supplier.

(7)    A cylinder shall not be placed where it will become a part of the electrical circuit by accidental grounding or where it may be burned by an electric welding arc. A cylinder shall not be placed so that hot slag or flame can reach it unless the cylinder is protected by a fire-resistant shield. An electrode shall not be tapped against a cylinder to strike an arc.

(8)   A regulator, gauge, or hose shall not be interchangeable between fuel gas, oxidizing gas, or inert gas. Connections for compressed gas cylinders shall be as prescribed in American National Standard Institute Standard ANSI/ASA B57.1, 1965 edition, Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections, which is incorporated herein adopted by reference in R 408.40709. and which may be inspected at the Lansing office of the department of consumer and industry services. This standard may  be purchased at a cost of $7.00 from the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018, or from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, 7150 Harris Drive, Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

(9)    A cylinder valve shall be opened slightly for an instant and then closed before connecting to a regulator or manifold to clear the valve of dust and dirt. The employee opening the valve shall stand to one side of the outlet, not in front of it. This shall not be done near a source of ignition. Pressure to a regulator shall be introduced by slowly opening the cylinder valve. An acetylene cylinder valve shall only be opened enough to allow proper working pressure, but shall not be opened more than 1 1/2 turns of the spindle.

(10)   Acetylene shall not be utilized or piped, except in cylinder manifolds, at a pressure in excess of 15 psig.

(11)   A cylinder to which a regulator is attached shall not be moved unless secured to a hand or powered truck designed or equipped for this purpose.

(12)   A cylinder valve shall be closed in any of the following situations:

(a)    When moving the cylinder.

(b)     When the work is finished or is left unattended during the lunch period, overnight, or any other prolonged period.

(c)    When the cylinder is empty.

(d) When the regulator is removed.

(13)   A cylinder without fixed handwheels shall have keys, handles, or nonadjustable wrenches on valve stems while in service. A multiple cylinder installation shall require only 1 key or handle for each manifold. A hammer shall not be used to open a cylinder valve or loosen a cap.

(14)   A cylinder, whether full or empty, shall not be used as a roller or support.

(15)   A damaged or a leaking cylinder, a cylinder with a valve stuck open, or a valve in need of repair shall be taken outdoors away from sources of ignition, tagged with a warning sign, and the manufacturer or distributor notified. Complete removal of the stem from the cylinder valve shall be avoided.

(16)   Nothing shall be placed on top of the cylinder.

 

R 408.40729 Manifolding.

Rule 729. Manifolding used for a welding operation shall be as prescribed in the general industry safety standards commission standard Part 12 Welding and Cutting, being R 408.11231 to R 408.11252 of the Michigan Administrative Code.

 

HOSES AND REGULATORS

 

 

R 408.40731 Hoses and connections.

Rule 731. (1) Hose and hose connections used for a welding operation shall be as prescribed in paragraph 3.5.6 of the American National Standard Institute Standard ANSI/AWS standard Z49.1, 1973 edition, Safety in Welding and Cutting and Allied Processes, which is incorporated herein adopted by reference in R 408.40709. and which may be inspected at the Lansing office of the department of consumer and industry services. This standard may be purchased at a cost of $5.00 from the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018, or from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, 7150 Harris Drive, Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

(2)    Parallel lengths of hose taped together shall have not more than 4 inches out of each 12 inches covered by tape.

(3)   Parallel hoses shall be color coded as follows:

(a)    Red–fuel gases. See subrule (4) of this rule.

(b)    Green–oxygen.

(c)    Black–inert gas or air.

(4)   The employer shall assure that only approved hose is used for LP gas.

(5)   A hose and its connections shall be inspected before each shift for burns, leaks, worn places, or other defects which could affect the safety of an employee. Suspected leaks shall be checked by use of a grease-free soap solution.

(6)   A defective hose shall not be used, but shall be repaired or replaced.

(7)   A hose that has been subject to a flashback or has been repaired or spliced shall be tested at twice the normal pressure, but not less than 300 psig.

(8)   A box used for the storage of gas hose shall be ventilated.

 

R 408.40744 Installation.

Rule 744. (1) The frame or case of a welding machine shall be grounded, unless the manufacturer does not recommend it.

(2)   The work on which the operator welds shall be grounded. A wire used to ground a workpiece shall be capable of carrying the full welding current. Connections of the ground shall be mechanically sound and strong. When a single ground return cable services more than 1 unit, the safe current-carrying capacity of the cable shall equal or exceed the total maximum output capacities of all units which it services.

(3)   A conduit containing an electrical conductor shall not be used for completing a work-lead circuit.

(4)    An arc welder shall meet the applicable requirements of article 630, Electric Welders of the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, NEC-70- 1978 edition,  electric welders, which is incorporated herein adopted by reference in R 408.40709. and which may be inspected at the Lansing office of the department of consumer and industry services. This code may be purchased at a cost of $6.25 from the National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, or from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services,  7150 Harris Drive, Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

(5)   A pipeline in service shall not be used as a permanent part of a work-lead circuit, but may be used during construction, extension, or repair if current is not carried through threaded joints, flanged bolted joints, or caulked joints and if special precautions are used to avoid sparking at the connection of the work-lead cable.

(6)   Chains, wire ropes, cranes, hoists, and elevators used for carrying loads shall not be used to carry a welding current.

 

 

(7)   A welding cable shall be protected against damage, entanglement, or contact with power supply or high-tension wires.

(8)    A welding machine that is not provided with a controller or disconnect switch as an integral part shall have a controller or disconnect switch with overload protection provided. A disconnect switch with overload protection or overload disconnect protection, or equivalent, shall be provided for each outlet used by a portable welding machine, unless the machine is equipped with a disconnect switch and overload protection.

(9)    The rated current-carrying capacity of the supply conductors for individual machines shall not be less than the rated primary current for the welding machine. The rated current-carrying capacity of the conductors for a group of welding machines may be less than the sum of the rated primary current of the welding machines supplied. The conductor rating shall be determined in each case according to the machine loading based on the use to be made of each welding machine and the allowance permissible if all the machines supplied by the conductor will not be in use at the same time.

(10)    Where a welding machine is working sufficiently close to another machine so that a welding operator is likely to touch the exposed parts of more than 1 electrode holder simultaneously, the machine shall be connected so as to minimize shock hazard as follows:

(a)    DC machine shall be connected with the same polarity.

(b)      AC machine shall be connected to the same phase of the supply circuit and with the same instantaneous polarity.

(11)   A current-carrying part passing through the portion of the holder that the employee grips by hand and the outer surface of the jaws of the holder  shall be insulated  against  the  maximum voltage encountered to ground.

 

R 408.40746 Operation.

Rule 746. (1) Engine fuel, cooling water, or shielding gas shall not be allowed to leak.

(2)   A welding machine shall be disconnected when being moved and shall be turned off when not in use.

(3)    Electrodes shall be retracted or removed when not in use. Electrode holders not in use shall be placed so that they cannot make electrical contact with an employee, fuel, gas tanks, or conducting objects.

(4)   A welder weldor shall not let live electrodes or holders touch his bare skin or damp clothing. When arc welding is performed in wet conditions or under a condition of high humidity, the welder weldor shall be protected against electric shock.

(5)   Electrode holders shall not be cooled by immersion in water.

(6)   Welding shall not be permitted where fumes of chlorinated hydrocarbons are present or will reach or be drawn into the atmosphere surrounding the welding operation.

(7)   Before starting an arc welding operation, the welder weldor shall do all of the following:

(a)    Make sure the work lead is secured to the work.

(b)    Make sure the magnetic work clamps are free of spatter on the contact surfaces.

(c)    Spread out the welding cable, if necessary, to prevent overheating and damage.

(d)    Make sure grounding connections are secured to a good ground.

(e)    Make sure the required switching equipment for shutting down the machine has been provided.

(8)   A welder weldor shall not curl or loop welding cable around his body.

(9)   An employee working in the vicinity of arc welding operations and exposed to the direct rays of the arc shall be shielded by a noncombustible or flameproof screen provided by the employer, at no expense to the employee.

 

 

(10)     When a welding machine used indoors is powered by an internal combustion engine, the atmosphere indoors to which an employee is exposed shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the department of labor and economic growth. consumer and industry services.

 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

 

R 408.40751 Personal protective equipment.

Rule 751. (1) Face and eye protection shall be worn by a welder weldor when performing welding operations and by other employees exposed to a risk of injury from spatter or flash, or both. The protective devices shall be provided for as prescribed in construction safety standard Rules 617, 623, and 624 of Part 6 Personal Protective Equipment, being R 408.40617, R 408.40623, and R 408.40624 of  the Michigan Administrative Code.

(2)   Welding gloves shall be provided for by the employer, at no expense to the employee, and shall be worn to protect the hands and wrists.

(3)   When necessary, such as when performing overhead arc welding, sleeves shall be provided for by the employer, at no expense to the employee, and shall be worn to protect the arms when arc welding.

(4)   Leather shoes or other appropriate apparel that cover the ankle shall be worn. The employee shall provide leather shoes or other appropriate apparel unless specifically otherwise provided for in a collective bargaining agreement or other employer-employee agreement.

(5)   Other protective devices, such as, but not limited to, body protection, chaps, and curtains shall be provided for by the employer, at no expense to the employee, and shall be used when an employee is exposed to a risk of injury by flash burn, sparks, and foreign bodies.

 

GENERAL FIRE RULES

 

R 408.40761 Fire precautions.

Rule 761. (1) Welding operations shall not be performed within 50 feet of explosives, stored cylinders, or stored fuel. Combustible and flammable materials located within 35 feet of a welding operation shall either be removed or covered with fire-resistant material.

(2)   Cracks or openings through which sparks could pass in the floor or wall that are within 35 feet of a welding operation shall be covered with a fire-resistant material.

(3)    A wood floor within 10 feet of a welding operation shall be protected by either wetting down, covering with sand, or covering with a fire-resistant material.

(4)   A minimum of 1 2A-10BC portable fire extinguisher shall be immediately available to the work area during welding operations.

(5)   Conveyor and exhaust systems within 35 feet of a welding operation that might carry sparks or hot slag shall be protected or shut down.

(6)   An employer shall designate a person as responsible for fire safety during a welding operation where a fire could start or where 1 of the following conditions exists:

(a)     Appreciable combustible and flammable materials are more than 35 feet from a welding operation but are easily ignited.

(b)      Combustible and flammable material is adjacent to the opposite side of a metal partition, wall, ceiling, or roof that is likely to ignite by conduction or radiation.

(c)     If there is a possibility that a smoldering fire may have started, the person shall remain at the scene of the work for not less than 30 minutes after the welding operation has stopped. Such personnel shall

 

 

be instructed as  to the  specific anticipated fire hazards  and how the firefighting equipment provided is to be used.

(7)    The connection, by welding, of branches to a pipeline carrying a flammable substance shall be performed in accordance with the regulations of the department of transportation, 49 C.F.R. Part 192, Minimum Federal Safety Standards for Gas Pipelines, which are adopted by reference in R 408.40709. Publication Welding Or Hot Tapping On Equipment Containing Flammables, API standard  PSD No. 2201-1963, which is incorporated herein by reference and is available for inspection at the Lansing office of the department of consumer and industry services. This standard may be obtained at  no charge from the American Petroleum Institute, 2101 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, or  from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, 7150 Harris Drive, Box 30643,  Lansing, Michigan 48909.

(8)    Before welding, cutting, or heating is commenced on any surface covered by a preservative coating whose flammability is not known, a test shall be made by a competent person to determine its flammability. Preservative coatings shall be considered to be highly flammable when scrapings burn with extreme rapidity.

(9)    Precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition of highly flammable hardened preservative coatings. When coatings are determined to be highly flammable, they shall be stripped from the area to be heated to prevent ignition.

 

R 408.40762 Welding drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers.

Rule 762. (1) Welding operations shall not be performed on drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers until they have been cleaned of all flammable, combustible, or toxic materials or fumes.

(2)   All pipelines or other connections to drums, barrels, or tanks shall be disconnected or blanked before performing welding operations.

(3)   Hollow spaces or cavities shall be vented and either filled with water or purged with an inert gas before preheating, cutting, or welding.

(4)   An opening shall be maintained during welding and cutting to vent gases or vapors.

(5)   Welding on natural gas pipelines shall be as prescribed by the regulations of the Ddepartment of  Ttransportation, office of pipeline safety, 49 C.F.R. Part 192, Minimum Federal Safety Standards for Gas Pipelines, which are incorporated herein adopted by reference in R 408.40709. and which may be inspected at the Lansing office of the department of consumer and industry services. This regulation may be purchased at a cost of $6.50 by ordering Parts 100- 199 from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C. 20402, or from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, 7150 Harris Drive, Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan 48909.