Section 325.52910. Ventilation for general welding and cutting.

(1) An employer shall ensure that mechanical ventilation is provided when welding or cutting is done on metals, not covered in R 325.52913 to R 325.52926, at any of the following:

(a)   In a space of less than 10,000 cubic feet (284 m(3)) per welder.

(b)   In a room having a ceiling height of less than 16 feet (5 m).

(c)   In confined spaces or where the welding space contains partitions, balconies, or other structural barriers to the extent that they significantly obstruct cross ventilation.

(2)  For specific materials, see the ventilation requirements of R 325.52913 to R 325.52926.

(3)   Minimum rate. The ventilation shall be at the minimum rate of 2,000 cubic feet (57 m(3)) per minute per welder, except where local exhaust hoods and booths under R 325.52911 or airline respirators approved by the national institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH) under C.F.R. Title 42, Part 84, as adopted by reference in R 325.52902, for such purposes are provided. Natural ventilation is considered sufficient for welding or cutting operations where the restrictions in subrule (1) of this rule are not present.

History: 2015 AACS.