General Safety & Health Standards |
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Welding, Cutting
and Brazing
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part I
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WAC
296-24-680
Welding, cutting, and brazing.
296-24-68001
Definitions.
296-24-682
Installation and operation of oxygen fuel gas systems for welding and
cutting.
296-24-68201
General requirements.
296-24-68203
Cylinders and containers.
296-24-68205
Manifolding of cylinders.
296-24-68207
Service piping systems.
296-24-68209
Protective equipment, hose, and regulators.
296-24-68211
Acetylene generators.
296-24-68213
Calcium carbide storage.
296-24-68215
Public exhibitions and demonstrations.
296-24-685
Application, installation, and operation of arc welding and cutting equipment.
296-24-68501
General.
296-24-68503
Application of arc welding equipment.
296-24-68505
Installation of arc welding equipment.
296-24-68507
Operation and maintenance.
296-24-690
Installation and operation of resistance welding equipment.
296-24-69001
General.
296-24-69003
Spot and seam welding machines (nonportable).
296-24-69005
Portable welding machines.
296-24-69007
Flash welding equipment.
296-24-69009
Hazards and precautions.
296-24-69011
Maintenance.
296-24-695
Fire prevention and protection.
296-24-69501
Basic precautions.
296-24-69503
Special precautions.
296-24-69505
Welding or cutting containers.
296-24-69507
Confined spaces.
296-24-700
Protection of employees.
296-24-70001
General.
296-24-70003
Eye protection.
296-24-70005
Protective clothing.
296-24-70007
Work in confined spaces.
296-24-715
Health protection and ventilation.
296-24-71501
General.
296-24-71503
Ventilation for general welding and cutting.
296-24-71505
Local exhaust hoods and booths.
296-24-71507
Ventilation in confined spaces.
296-24-71509
Fluorine compounds.
296-24-71511
Zinc.
296-24-71513
Lead.
296-24-71515
Beryllium.
296-24-71517
Cadmium.
296-24-71519
Mercury.
296-24-71521
Cleaning compounds.
296-24-71523
Cutting of stainless steels.
296-24-71525
First-aid equipment.
296-24-720
Industrial applications.
296-24-72001
Transmission pipeline.
296-24-72003
Mechanical piping systems.
296-24-722
Welding, cutting, and heating in way of preservative coatings.
WAC
296-24-680 Welding, cutting, and brazing. You are required
to protect employees from exposure to hexavalent chromium during
the stainless steel welding process. See WAC
296-62-08003, Hexavalent chromium for specific criteria
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 06-16-106 (Order 06-13), § 296-24-680, filed 08/12/06, effective 09/01/06. Statutory Authority: Order 73-5, 296-24-680, filed 5/9/73 and
Order 73-4, 296-24-680, filed 5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-68001
Definitions.
(1) "Welder" and "welding operator" mean any operator of electric or
gas welding and cutting equipment.
(2) "Approved" means listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing
laboratory. Refer to WAC
296-24-58501(19) for definitions of listed and approved, and
federal regulation 29 CFR 1910.7 for nationally recognized testing
laboratory.
(3) All other welding terms are used in accordance with American Welding
Society-Terms and Definitions-A3.0-1969.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW.
88-23-054 (Order 88-25), 296-24-68001, filed 11/14/88; Order 73-5, 296-24-68001,
filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-68001, filed 5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-682 Installation
and operation of oxygen fuel gas systems for welding and cutting.
[Order 73-5, 296-24-682, filed 5/9/73
and Order 73-4, 296-24-682, filed 5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-68201
General requirements.
(1) Flammable mixture. Mixtures of fuel gases and air or oxygen may be
explosive and shall be guarded against. No device or attachment facilitating
or permitting mixtures of air or oxygen with flammable gases prior to
consumption, except at the burner or in a standard torch, shall be allowed
unless approved for the purpose.
(2) Maximum pressure. Under no condition shall acetylene be generated,
piped (except in approved cylinder manifolds) or utilized at a pressure
in excess of 15 p.s.i. gage pressure or 30 p.s.i. absolute pressure. (The
30 p.s.i. absolute pressure limit is intended to prevent unsafe use of
acetylene in pressurized chambers such as caissons, underground excavations
or tunnel construction.) This requirement does not apply to storage of
acetylene dissolved in a suitable solvent in cylinders manufactured and
maintained according to U.S. Department of Transportation requirements,
or to acetylene for chemical use. The use of liquid acetylene shall be
prohibited.
(3) Apparatus. Only approved apparatus such as torches, regulators or
pressure-reducing valves, acetylene generators, and manifolds shall be
used. Use of replacement tips will not nullify the "approved apparatus"
status of a torch, if such replacement tips are made to the same specifications
as the original tip of the torch at the time of approval by the nationally
recognized testing laboratory, or if the use of such tips in conjunction
with convertor/adaptors results in the same specifications as the original
tip at the time of approval by the nationally recognized testing laboratory.
(4) Personnel. Workers in charge of the oxygen or fuel-gas supply equipment,
including generators, and oxygen or fuel-gas distribution piping systems
shall be instructed and judged competent by their employers for this important
work before being left in charge. Rules and instructions covering the
operation and maintenance of oxygen or fuel-gas supply equipment including
generators, and oxygen or fuel-gas distribution piping systems shall be
readily available.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW.
94-15-096 (Order 94-07), 296-24-68201, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94;
89-11-035 (Order 89-03), 296-24-68201, filed 5/15/89, effective 6/30/89;
Order 73-5, 296-24-68201, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-68201, filed
5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-68203
Cylinders and containers.
(1) Approval and marking. All portable cylinders used for the storage
and shipment of compressed gases shall be constructed and maintained in
accordance with the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation,
49 CFR Parts 171-179.
(a) Compressed gas cylinders shall be legibly marked, for the purpose
of identifying the gas content, with either the chemical or the trade
name of the gas. Such marking shall be by means of stenciling, stamping,
or labeling, and shall not be readily removable. Whenever practical,
the marking shall be located on the shoulder of the cylinder.
Note: This method conforms to the American National
Standard Method for Marking Portable Compressed Gas Containers to Identify
the Material Contained, ANSI Z 48.1-1954.
(b) Compressed gas cylinders shall be equipped with connections complying
with the American National Standard Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet
and Inlet Connections, ANSI B 57.1-1965.
(c) All cylinders with a water weight capacity of over thirty pounds
shall be equipped with means of connecting a valve protection cap or
with a collar or recess to protect the valve.
(2) Storage of cylinders - general.
(a) Cylinders shall be kept away from radiators and other sources of
heat.
(b) Inside of buildings, cylinders shall be stored in a well-protected,
well-ventilated, dry location, at least twenty feet from highly combustible
materials such as oil or excelsior. Cylinders should be stored in definitely
assigned places away from elevators, stairs, or gangways. Assigned storage
spaces shall be located where cylinders will not be knocked over or
damaged by passing or falling objects, or subject to tampering by unauthorized
persons. Cylinders shall not be kept in unventilated enclosures such
as lockers and cupboards.
(c) Empty cylinders shall have their valves closed.
(d) Valve protection caps, where cylinder is designed to accept a cap,
shall always be in place, hand-tight, except when cylinders are in use
or connected for use.
(3) Fuel-gas cylinder storage. Inside a building, cylinders, except those
in actual use or attached ready for use, shall be limited to a total gas
capacity of two thousand cubic feet or three hundred pounds of liquefied
petroleum gas.
(a) For storage in excess of two thousand cubic feet total
gas capacity of cylinders or three hundred pounds of liquefied
petroleum gas, a separate room or compartment conforming to
the requirements specified in WAC
296-24-68211 (6)(h) and (i) shall be provided, or cylinders
shall be kept outside or in a special building. Special buildings,
rooms or compartments shall have no open flame for heating or
lighting and shall be well ventilated. They may also be used
for storage of calcium carbide in quantities not to exceed six
hundred pounds, when contained in metal containers complying
with WAC
296-24-68213 (1)(a) and (b). Signs should be conspicuously
posted in such rooms reading, "Danger--No smoking, matches or
open lights," or other equivalent wording.
(b) Acetylene cylinders shall be stored valve end up.
(4) Oxygen storage.
(a) Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored near highly combustible material,
especially oil and grease; or near reserve stocks of carbide and acetylene
or other fuel-gas cylinders, or near any other substance likely to cause
or accelerate fire; or in an acetylene generator compartment.
(b) Oxygen cylinders stored in outside generator houses shall be separated
from the generator or carbide storage rooms by a noncombustible partition
having a fire-resistance rating of at least one hour. This partition
shall be without openings and shall be gastight.
(c) Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders
or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance
of twenty feet or by a noncombustible barrier at least five feet high
having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour. (Cylinders
"in-use," secured to a hand truck or structural member, with regulators,
hoses, and torch temporarily removed for security purposes overnight
or weekends, are not considered "in-storage.")
(d) Where a liquid oxygen system is to be used to supply gaseous oxygen
for welding or cutting and the system has a storage capacity of more
than thirteen thousand cubic feet of oxygen (measured at 14.7 psi(a)
and 70°F), connected in service or ready for service, or more than twenty-five
thousand cubic feet of oxygen (measured at 14.7 psi(a) and 70°F), including
unconnected reserves on hand at the site, it shall comply with the provisions
of the Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites, NFPA No.
566-1965.
(5) Operating procedures.
(a) Cylinders, cylinder valves, couplings, regulators, hose, and apparatus
shall be kept free from oily or greasy substances. Oxygen cylinders
or apparatus shall not be handled with oily hands or gloves. A jet of
oxygen must never be permitted to strike an oily surface, greasy clothes,
or enter a fuel oil or other storage tank.
(b) When transporting cylinders by a crane or derrick, a cradle, boat,
or suitable platform shall be used. Slings or electric magnets shall
not be used for this purpose. Valve-protection caps, where cylinder
is designed to accept a cap, shall always be in place.
(c) Cylinders shall not be dropped or struck or permitted to strike
each other violently.
(d) Valve-protection caps shall not be used for lifting cylinders from
one vertical position to another. Bars shall not be used under valves
or valve-protection caps to pry cylinders loose when frozen to the ground
or otherwise fixed; the use of warm (not boiling) water is recommended.
Valve-protection caps are designed to protect cylinder valves from damage.
(e) Unless cylinders are secured on a special truck, regulators shall
be removed and valve-protection caps, when provided for, shall be put
in place before cylinders are moved.
(f) Cylinders not having fixed hand wheels shall have keys, handles,
or nonadjustable wrenches on valve stems while these cylinders are in
service. In multiple cylinder installations only one key or handle is
required for each manifold.
(g) Cylinder valves shall be closed before moving cylinders.
(h) Cylinder valves shall be closed when work is finished.
(i) Valves of empty cylinders shall be closed.
(j) Cylinders shall be kept far enough away from the actual welding
or cutting operation so that sparks, hot slag, or flame will not reach
them, or fire-resistant shields shall be provided.
(k) Cylinders shall not be placed where they might become part of an
electric circuit. Contacts with third rails, trolley wires, etc., shall
be avoided. Cylinders shall be kept away from radiators, piping systems,
layout tables, etc., that may be used for grounding electric circuits
such as for arc welding machines. Any practice such as the tapping of
an electrode against a cylinder to strike an arc shall be prohibited.
(l) Cylinders shall never be used as rollers or supports, whether full
or empty.
(m) The numbers and markings stamped into cylinders shall not be tampered
with.
(n) No person, other than the gas supplier, shall attempt to mix gases
in a cylinder. No one, except the owner of the cylinder or the person
authorized by the owner, shall refill a cylinder.
(o) No one shall tamper with safety devices in cylinders or valves.
(p) Cylinders shall not be dropped or otherwise roughly handled.
(q) Unless connected to a manifold, oxygen from a cylinder shall not
be used without first attaching an oxygen regulator to the cylinder
valve. Before connecting the regulator to the cylinder valve, the valve
shall be opened slightly for an instant and then closed. (Always stand
to one side of the outlet when opening the cylinder valve.)
(r) A hammer or wrench shall not be used to open cylinder valves. If
valves cannot be opened by hand, the supplier shall be notified.
(s) Cylinder valves shall not be tampered with nor should any attempt
be made to repair them. If trouble is experienced, the supplier should
be sent a report promptly indicating the character of the trouble and
the cylinder's serial number. Supplier's instructions as to its disposition
shall be followed.
(t) Complete removal of the stem from a diaphragm-type cylinder valve
shall be avoided.
(u) Fuel-gas cylinders shall be placed with valve end up whenever they
are in use. Liquefied gases shall be stored and shipped with the valve
end up.
(v) Cylinders shall be handled carefully. Cylinders shall not be subjected
to rough handling, knocks, or falls which are liable to damage the cylinder,
valve or safety devices and cause leakage.
(w) Before connecting a regulator to a cylinder valve, the valve shall
be opened slightly and closed immediately. The valve shall be opened
while standing to one side of the outlet; never in front of it. Fuel-gas
cylinder valves shall not be cracked near other welding work or near
sparks, flame, or other possible sources of ignition.
(x) Before a regulator is removed from a cylinder valve, the cylinder
valve shall be closed and the gas released from the regulator.
(y) Nothing shall be placed on top of an acetylene cylinder when in
use which may damage the safety device or interfere with the quick closing
of the valve.
(z) If cylinders are found to have leaky valves or fittings which cannot
be stopped by closing of the valve, the cylinders shall be taken outdoors
away from sources of ignition and slowly emptied.
(aa) A warning should be placed near cylinders having leaking fuse
plugs or other leaking safety devices not to approach them with a lighted
cigarette or other source of ignition. Such cylinders should be plainly
tagged; the supplier should be promptly notified and instructions provided
by the supplier shall be followed as to their return.
(bb) Safety devices shall not be tampered with.
(cc) Fuel-gas shall not be used from cylinders through torches or other
devices equipped with shutoff valves without reducing the pressure through
a suitable regulator attached to the cylinder valve or manifold.
(dd) The cylinder valve shall always be opened slowly.
(ee) An acetylene cylinder valve shall not be opened more than one
and one-half turns of the spindle, and preferably no more than three-fourths
of a turn.
(ff) Where a special wrench is required it shall be left in position
on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use so that the fuel-gas
flow can be quickly turned off in case of emergency. In the case of
manifolded or coupled cylinders at least one such wrench shall always
be available for immediate use.
(gg) When cylinders are transported by powered vehicle they shall be
secured in a vertical position.
(hh) A suitable cylinder truck, chain, or other steadying device shall
be used to prevent cylinders from being knocked over while in use.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW.
91-03-044 (Order 90-18), 296-24-68203, filed 1/10/91, effective 2/12/91;
88-11-021 (Order 88-04), 296-24-68203, filed 5/11/88; Order 73-5, 296-24-68203,
filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-68203, filed 5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-68205
Manifolding of cylinders.
(1) Fuel-gas manifolds.
(a) Manifolds shall be approved either separately for each component
part or as an assembled unit.
(b) Except as provided in (1)(c) of this section fuel-gas cylinders
connected to one manifold inside a building shall be limited to a total
capacity not exceeding 300 pounds of liquefied petroleum gas or 3,000
cubic feet of other fuel-gas. More than one such manifold with connected
cylinders may be located in the same room provided the manifolds are
at least 50 feet apart or separated by a noncombustible barrier at least
5 feet high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.
(c) Fuel-gas cylinders connected to one manifold having an aggregate
capacity exceeding 300 pounds of liquefied petroleum gas or
3,000 cubic feet of other fuel-gas shall be located outdoors,
or in a separate building or room constructed in accordance
with WAC
296-24-68211 (6)(h) and (i).
(d) Separate manifold buildings or rooms may also be used for the storage
of drums of calcium carbide and cylinders containing fuel gases
as provided in WAC
296-24-68203(3). Such buildings or rooms shall have no open
flames for heating or lighting and shall be well-ventilated.
(e) High-pressure fuel-gas manifolds shall be provided with approved
pressure regulating devices.
(2) High-pressure oxygen manifolds (for use with cylinders having a department
of transportation service pressure above 200 p.s.i.g.).
(a) Manifolds shall be approved either separately for each component
or as an assembled unit.
(b) Oxygen manifolds shall not be located in an acetylene generator
room. Oxygen manifolds shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or
combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance
of 20 feet or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high having
a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.
(c) Except as provided in WAC
296-24-68205 (2)(d) oxygen cylinders connected to one manifold
shall be limited to a total gas capacity of 6,000 cubic feet.
More than one such manifold with connected cylinders may be
located in the same room provided the manifolds are at least
50 feet apart or separated by a noncombustible barrier at least
5 feet high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half
hour.
(d) An oxygen manifold, to which cylinders having an aggregate capacity
of more than 6,000 cubic feet of oxygen are connected, should be located
outdoors or in a separate noncombustible building. Such a manifold,
if located inside a building having other occupancy, shall be located
in a separate room of noncombustible construction having a fire-resistance
rating of at least one-half hour or in an area with no combustible material
within 20 feet of the manifold.
(e) An oxygen manifold or oxygen bulk supply system which has storage
capacity of more than 13,000 cubic feet of oxygen (measured at 14.7
p.s.i.a. and 70°F), connected in service or ready for service, or more
than 25,000 cubic feet of oxygen (measured at 14.7 p.s.i.a. and 70°F),
including unconnected reserves on hand at the site, shall comply with
the provisions of the Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites,
NFPA No. 566-1965.
(f) High-pressure oxygen manifolds shall be provided with approved
pressure-regulating devices.
(3) Low-pressure oxygen manifolds (for use with cylinders having a department
of transportation service pressure not exceeding 200 p.s.i.g.).
(a) Manifolds shall be of substantial construction suitable for use
with oxygen at a pressure of 250 p.s.i.g. They shall have a minimum
bursting pressure of 1,000 p.s.i.g. and shall be protected by a safety
relief device which will relieve at a maximum pressure of 500 p.s.i.g.
Note: DOT-4L200 cylinders have safety devices
which relieve at a maximum pressure of 250 p.s.i.g. (or 235 p.s.i.g.
if vacuum insulation is used).
(b) Hose and hose connections subject to cylinder pressure shall comply
with WAC
296-24-68209(5). Hose shall have a minimum bursting pressure
of 1,000 p.s.i.g.
(c) The assembled manifold including leads shall be tested and proven
gas-tight at a pressure of 300 p.s.i.g. The fluid used for testing oxygen
manifolds shall be oil-free and not combustible.
(d) The location of manifolds shall comply with
WAC 296-24-68205 (2)(b), (c), (d) and (e).
(e) The following sign shall be conspicuously posted at each manifold:
Low-Pressure Manifold
Do Not Connect High-Pressure Cylinders
Maximum Pressure--250 P.S.I.G.
(4) Portable outlet headers.
(a) Portable outlet headers shall not be used indoors except for temporary
service where the conditions preclude a direct supply from outlets located
on the service piping system.
(b) Each outlet on the service piping from which oxygen or fuel-gas
is withdrawn to supply a portable outlet header shall be equipped with
a readily accessible shutoff valve.
(c) Hose and hose connections used for connecting the portable outlet
header to the service piping shall comply with WAC
296-24-68209(5).
(d) Master shutoff valves for both oxygen and fuel-gas shall be provided
at the entry end of the portable outlet header.
(e) Portable outlet headers for fuel-gas service shall be provided
with an approved hydraulic back-pressure valve installed at the inlet
and preceding the service outlets, unless an approved pressure-reducing
regulator, an approved backflow check valve, or an approved hydraulic
back-pressure valve is installed at each outlet. Outlets provided on
headers for oxygen service may be fitted for use with pressure-reducing
regulators or for direct hose connection.
(f) Each service outlet on portable outlet headers shall be provided
with a valve assembly that includes a detachable outlet seal cap, chained
or otherwise attached to the body of the valve.
(g) Materials and fabrication procedures for portable outlet headers
shall comply with WAC
296-24-68207 (1), (2) and (5).
(h) Portable outlet headers shall be provided with frames which will
support the equipment securely in the correct operating position and
protect them from damage during handling and operation.
(5) Manifold operating procedures.
(a) Cylinder manifolds shall be installed under the supervision of
someone familiar with the proper practices with reference to their construction
and use.
(b) All component parts used in the methods of manifolding described
in (1)(a) through (e) of this section shall be approved as to materials,
design and construction either separately or as an assembled unit.
(c) All manifolds and parts used in methods of manifolding shall be
used only for the gas or gases for which they are approved.
(d) When acetylene cylinders are coupled, approved flash arresters
shall be installed between each cylinder and the coupler block. For
outdoor use only, and when the number of cylinders coupled does not
exceed three, one flash arrester installed between the coupler block
and regulator is acceptable.
(e) Each fuel-gas cylinder lead should be provided with a backflow
check valve.
(f) The aggregate capacity of fuel-gas cylinders connected to a portable
manifold inside a building shall not exceed 3,000 cubic feet of gas.
(g) Acetylene and liquefied fuel-gas cylinders shall be manifolded
in a vertical position.
(h) The pressure in the gas cylinders connected to and discharged simultaneously
through a common manifold shall be approximately equal.
[Order 73-5, 296-24-68205, filed 5/9/73
and Order 73-4, 296-24-68205, filed 5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-68207
Service piping systems.
(1) Materials and design.
(a) Piping and fittings shall comply with Section 2, Industrial Gas
and Air Piping Systems, of the American National Standard Code
for Pressure Piping, ANSI B 31.1-1967, insofar as it does not
conflict with WAC
296-24-68207 (1)(b) and (c).
(b) Pipe shall be at least Schedule 40 and fittings shall be at least
standard weight in sizes up to and including 6-inch nominal.
(c) Copper tubing shall be Types K or L in accordance with the Standard
Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube, ASTM B88-66a.
(d) Piping shall be steel, wrought iron, brass or copper pipe, or seamless
copper, brass or stainless steel tubing, except as provided
in WAC
296-24-68207 (1)(e), (f), (g), (h) and (i).
(e) Oxygen piping and fittings at pressures in excess of 700 p.s.i.g.,
shall be stainless steel or copper alloys.
(f) Hose connections and hose complying with WAC
296-24-68209(5) may be used to connect the outlet of a manifold
pressure regulator to piping providing the working pressure
of the piping is 250 p.s.i.g. or less and the length of the
hose does not exceed 5 feet. Hose shall have a minimum bursting
pressure of 1,000 p.s.i.g.
(g) When oxygen is supplied to a service piping system from a low-pressure
oxygen manifold without an intervening pressure regulating device, the
piping system shall have a minimum design pressure of 250 p.s.i.g. A
pressure regulating device shall be used at each station outlet when
the connected equipment is for use at pressures less than 250 p.s.i.g.
(h) Piping for acetylene or acetylenic compounds shall be steel or
wrought iron.
(i) Unalloyed copper shall not be used for acetylene or acetylenic
compounds except in listed equipment.
(2) Piping joints.
(a) Joints in steel or wrought iron piping shall be welded, threaded
or flanged. Fittings, such as ells, tees, couplings, and unions, may
be rolled, forged or cast steel, maleable iron or nodular iron. Gray
or white cast iron fittings are prohibited.
(b) Joints in brass or copper pipe shall be welded, brazed, threaded,
or flanged. If of the socket type, they shall be brazed with silver-brazing
alloy or similar high melting point (not less than 800°F) filler metal.
(c) Joints in seamless copper, brass, or stainless steel tubing shall
be approved gas tubing fittings or the joints shall be brazed. If of
the socket type, they shall be brazed with silver-brazing alloy or similar
high melting point (not less than 800°F) filler metal.
(3) Installation.
(a) Distribution lines shall be installed and maintained in a safe
operating condition.
(b) Piping located inside or outside of buildings may be placed above
or below ground. All piping shall be run as directly as practicable,
protected against physical damage, proper allowance being made for expansion
and contraction, jarring and vibration. Pipe laid underground in earth
shall be located below the frost line and protected against corrosion.
After assembly, piping shall be thoroughly blown out with air or nitrogen
to remove foreign materials. For oxygen piping, only oil-free air, oil-free
nitrogen, or oil-free carbon dioxide shall be used.
(c) Only piping which has been welded or brazed shall be installed
in tunnels, trenches or ducts. Shutoff valves shall be located outside
such conduits. Oxygen piping may be placed in the same tunnel, trench
or duct with fuel-gas pipelines, provided there is good natural or forced
ventilation.
(d) Low points in piping carrying moist gas shall be drained into drip
pots constructed so as to permit pumping or draining out the condensate
at necessary intervals. Drain valves shall be installed for this purpose
having outlets normally closed with screw caps or plugs. No open end
valves or petcocks shall be used, except that in drips located out of
doors, underground, and not readily accessible, valves may be used at
such points if they are equipped with means to secure them in the closed
position. Pipes leading to the surface of the ground shall be cased
or jacketed where necessary to prevent loosening or breaking.
(e) Gas cocks or valves shall be provided for all buildings at points
where they will be readily accessible for shutting off the gas supply
to these buildings in any emergency. Underground valve boxes or manholes
should be avoided wherever possible. There shall also be provided a
shutoff valve in the discharge line from the generator, gas holder,
manifold or other source of supply.
(f) Shutoff valves shall not be installed in safety relief lines in
such a manner that the safety relief device can be rendered ineffective.
(g) Fittings and lengths of pipe shall be examined internally before
assembly and, if necessary, freed from scale or dirt. Oxygen piping
and fittings shall be washed out with a suitable solution which will
effectively remove grease and dirt but will not react with oxygen.
Note: Hot water solutions of caustic soda or trisodium
phosphate are effective cleaning agents for this purpose.
(h) Piping shall be thoroughly blown out after assembly to remove foreign
materials. For oxygen piping, oil-free air, oil-free nitrogen, or oil-free
carbon dioxide shall be used. For other piping, air or inert gas may
be used.
(i) When flammable gas lines or other parts of equipment are being
purged of air or gas, open lights or other sources of ignition shall
not be permitted near uncapped openings.
(j) No welding or cutting shall be performed on an acetylene or oxygen
pipeline, including the attachment of hangers or supports, until the
line has been purged. Only oil-free air, oil-free nitrogen, or oil-free
carbon dioxide shall be used to purge oxygen lines.
(4) Painting and signs.
(a) Underground pipe and tubing and outdoor ferrous pipe and tubing
shall be covered or painted with a suitable material for protection
against corrosion.
(b) Aboveground piping systems shall be marked in accordance with the
American National Standard Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems,
ANSI A 13.1-1956.
(c) Station outlets shall be marked to indicate the name of the gas.
(5) Testing.
(a) Piping systems shall be tested and proved gastight at 1 1/2 times
the maximum operating pressure, and shall be thoroughly purged of air
before being placed in service. The material used for testing oxygen
lines shall be oil free and noncombustible. Flames shall not be used
to detect leaks.
(b) When flammable gas lines or other parts of equipment are being
purged of air or gas, sources of ignition shall not be permitted near
uncapped openings.
[Order 73-5, 296-24-68207, filed 5/9/73
and Order 73-4, 296-24-68207, filed 5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-68209
Protective equipment, hose, and regulators.
(1) General. Equipment shall be installed and used only in the service
for which it is approved and as recommended by the manufacturer.
(2) Pressure relief devices. Service piping systems shall be protected
by pressure relief devices set to function at not more than the design
pressure of the systems and discharging upwards to a safe location.
(3) Piping protective equipment.
(a) The fuel-gas and oxygen piping systems, including portable outlet
headers shall incorporate the protective equipment shown in Figures
Q-1, Q-2, and Q-3.
When only a portion of a fuel-gas system is to be used with oxygen,
only that portion need comply with (3)(a) of this section.
(b) Approved protective equipment (designated PF in Figs. Q-1, Q-2,
and Q-3) shall be installed in fuel-gas piping to prevent:
(i) Backflow of oxygen into the fuel-gas supply system;
(ii) Passage of a flash back into the fuel-gas supply system; and
(iii) Excessive back pressure of oxygen in the fuel-gas supply system.
The three functions of the protective equipment may be combined in
one device or may be provided by separate devices.
GRAPHIC DESCRIPTORS: Fuel, gas, main, piping, oxygen, PF, branch piping,
VF, SF, VO, SO, hose, to torch or machine

LEGEND
PF--,2Protective equipment in fuel gas piping
VF--,2Fuel gas station outlet valve
VO--,2Oxygen station outlet valve
SF--,2Backflow prevention device(s) at fuel gas station outlet
SO--,2Backflow prevention device(s) at oxygen station outlet
(c) The protective equipment shall be located in the main supply line,
as in Figure Q-1 or at the head of each branch line, as in Figure Q-2
or at each location where fuel-gas is withdrawn, as in Figure Q-3. Where
branch lines are of 2-inch pipe size or larger or of substantial length,
protective equipment (designated as PF) shall be located as shown in
either Q-2 and Q-3.
(d) Backflow protection shall be provided by an approved device that
will prevent oxygen from flowing into the fuel-gas system or fuel from
flowing into the oxygen system (see SF, Figs. Q-1 and Q-2).
(e) Flash-back protection shall be provided by an approved device that
will prevent flame from passing into the fuel-gas system.
(f) Back-pressure protection shall be provided by an approved pressure-relief
device set at a pressure not greater than the pressure rating of the
backflow or the flashback protection device, whichever is lower. The
pressure-relief device shall be located on the downstream side of the
backflow and flashback protection devices. The vent from the pressure-relief
device shall be at least as large as the relief device inlet and shall
be installed without low points that may collect moisture. If low points
are unavoidable, drip pots with drains closed with screw plugs or caps
shall be installed at the low points. The vent terminus shall not endanger
personnel or property through gas discharge; shall be located away from
ignition sources; and shall terminate in a hood or bend.
(g) If pipeline protective equipment incorporates a liquid, the liquid
level shall be maintained, and a suitable anti-freeze may be used to
prevent freezing.
(h) Fuel gas for use with equipment not requiring oxygen shall be withdrawn
upstream of the piping protective devices.
(4) Station outlet protective equipment.
(a) A check valve pressure regulator, hydraulic seal, or combination
of these devices shall be provided at each station outlet, including
those on portable headers, to prevent backflow, as shown in Figures
Q-1, Q-2, and Q-3 and designated as SF and SO.
(b) When approved pipeline protective equipment (designated PF) is
located at the station outlet as in Figure Q-3, no additional check
valve, pressure regulator, or hydraulic seal is required.
(c) A shutoff valve (designated VF and VO) shall be installed at each
station outlet and shall be located on the upstream side of other station
outlet equipment.
(d) If the station outlet is equipped with a detachable regulator,
the outlet shall terminate in a union connection that complies with
the Regulator Connection Standards, 1958, Compressed Gas Association.
(e) If the station outlet is connected directly to a hose, the outlet
shall terminate in a union connection complying with the Standard Hose
Connection Specifications, 1957, Compressed Gas Association.
(f) Station outlets may terminate in pipe threads to which permanent
connections are to be made, such as to a machine.
(g) Station outlets shall be equipped with a detachable outlet seal
cap secured in place. This cap shall be used to seal the outlet except
when a hose, a regulator, or piping is attached.
(h) Where station outlets are equipped with approved backflow and flashback
protective devices, as many as four torches may be supplied from one
station outlet through rigid piping, provided each outlet from such
piping, is equipped with a shutoff valve and provided the fuel-gas capacity
of any one torch does not exceed 15 cubic feet per hour. This rule does
not apply to machines.
(5) Hose and hose connections.
(a) Hose for oxy-fuel gas service shall comply with the Specification
for Rubber Welding Hose, 1958, Compressed Gas Association and Rubber
Manufacturers Association.
(b) The generally recognized colors are red for acetylene and other
fuel-gas hose, green for oxygen hose, and black for inert-gas and air
hose.
(c) When parallel lengths of oxygen and acetylene hose are taped together
for convenience and to prevent tangling, not more than 4 inches out
of 12 inches shall be covered by tape.
(d) Hose connections shall comply with the Standard Hose Connection
Specifications, 1957, Compressed Gas Association.
(e) Hose connections shall be clamped or otherwise securely fastened
in a manner that will withstand, without leakage, twice the pressure
to which they are normally subjected in service, but in no case less
than a pressure of 300 p.s.i. Oil-free air or an oil-free inert gas
shall be used for the test.
(f) Hose showing leaks, burns, worn places, or other defects rendering
it unfit for service shall be repaired or replaced.
(6) Pressure-reducing regulators.
(a) Pressure-reducing regulators shall be used only for the gas and
pressures for which they are intended. The regulator inlet connections
shall comply with Regulator Connection Standards, 1958, Compressed Gas
Association.
(b) When regulators or parts of regulators, including gages, need repair,
the work shall be performed by skilled mechanics who have been properly
instructed.
(c) Gages on oxygen regulators shall be marked "use no oil."
(d) Union nuts and connections on regulators shall be inspected before
use to detect faulty seats which may cause leakage of gas when the regulators
are attached to the cylinder valves. Damaged nuts or connections shall
be destroyed.
[Order 73-5, 296-24-68209, filed 5/9/73
and Order 73-4, 296-24-68209, filed 5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-68211
Acetylene generators.
(1) Approval and marking.
(a) Generators shall be of approved construction and shall be plainly
marked with the maximum rate of acetylene in cubic feet per hour for
which they are designed; the weight and size of carbide necessary for
a single charge; the manufacturer's name and address; and the name or
number of the type of generator.
(b) Carbide shall be of the size marked on the generator nameplate.
(2) Rating and pressure limitations.
(a) The total hourly output of a generator shall not exceed the rate
for which it is approved and marked. Unless specifically approved for
higher ratings, carbide-feed generators shall be rated at 1 cubic foot
per hour per pound of carbide required for a single complete charge.
(b) Relief valves shall be regularly operated to insure proper functioning.
Relief valves for generating chambers shall be set to open at a pressure
not in excess of 15 p.s.i.g. Relief valves for hydraulic back pressure
valves shall be set to open at a pressure not in excess of 20 p.s.i.g.
(c) Nonautomatic generators shall not be used for generating acetylene
at pressures exceeding 1 p.s.i.g., and all water overflows shall be visible.
(3) Location. The space around the generator shall be ample for free,
unobstructed operation and maintenance and shall permit ready adjustment
and charging.
(4) Stationary acetylene generators (automatic and nonautomatic).
(a) The foundation shall be so arranged that the generator will be
level and so that no excessive strain will be placed on the generator
or its connections. Acetylene generators shall be grounded.
(b) Generators shall be placed where water will not freeze. The use
of common salt (sodium chloride) or other corrosive chemicals
for protection against freezing is not permitted. (For heating
systems see WAC
296-24-68211 (6)(k).)
(c) Except when generators are prepared in accordance with
WAC 296-24-68211 (7)(i), sources of ignition shall be prohibited
in outside generator houses or inside generator rooms.
(d) Water shall not be supplied through a continuous connection to
the generator except when the generator is provided with an adequate
open overflow or automatic water shutoff which will effectively prevent
overfilling of the generator. Where a noncontinuous connection is used,
the supply line shall terminate at a point not less than 2 inches above
the regularly provided opening for filling so that the water can be
observed as it enters the generator.
(e) Unless otherwise specifically approved, generators shall not be
fitted with continuous drain connections leading to sewers, but shall
discharge through an open connection into a suitably vented outdoor
receptacle or residue pit which may have such connections. An open connection
for the sludge drawoff is desirable to enable the generator operator
to observe leakage of generating water from the drain valve or sludge
cock.
(f) Each generator shall be provided with a vent pipe of Schedule 40
galvanized iron or steel, except that outside of buildings, vent pipes
larger than 4 inches in diameter may be not less than 14 gage galvanized
tubing or sheet steel.
(g) The escape or relief pipe shall be rigidly installed without traps
and so that any condensation will drain back to the generator.
(h) The escape or relief pipe shall be carried full size to a suitable
point outside the building. It shall terminate in a hood or bend located
at least 12 feet above the ground, preferably above the roof, and as
far away as practicable from windows or other openings into buildings
and as far away as practicable from sources of ignition such as flues
or chimneys and tracks used by locomotives. Generating chamber relief
pipes shall not be inter-connected but shall be separately led to the
outside air. The hood or bend shall be so constructed that it will not
be obstructed by rain, snow, ice, insects, or birds. The outlet shall
be at least 3 feet from combustible construction.
(i) Gas holders shall be constructed on the gasometer principle, the
bell being suitably guided. The gas bell shall move freely without tendency
to bind and shall have a clearance of at least 2 inches from the shell.
(j) The gas holder may be located in the generator room, in
a separate room or out of doors. In order to prevent collapse
of the gas bell or infiltration of air due to a vacuum caused
by the compressor or booster pump or cooling of the gas, a compressor
or booster cutoff shall be provided at a point 12 inches or
more above the landing point of the bell. When the gas holder
is located indoors, the room shall be ventilated in accordance
with WAC
296-24-68211 (6)(j) and heated and lighted in accordance
with WAC
296-24-68211 (6)(k) and (1).
(k) When the gas holder is not located within a heated building, gas
holder seals shall be protected against freezing.
(l) Means shall be provided to stop the generator-feeding mechanism
before the gas holder reaches the upper limit of its travel.
(m) When the gas holder is connected to only one generator, the gas
capacity of the holder shall be not less than one-third of the hourly
rating of the generator.
(n) If acetylene is used from the gas holder without increase in pressure
at some points but with increase in pressure by a compressor or booster
pump at other points, approved piping protective devices shall be installed
in each supply line. The low-pressure protective device shall be located
between the gas holder and the shop piping, and the medium-pressure
protective device shall be located between the compressor or booster
pump and the shop piping (see Figure Q-4). Approved protective equipment
(designated PF) is used to prevent: Backflow of oxygen into the fuel-gas
supply system; passage of a flashback into the fuel-gas supply system;
and excessive back pressure of oxygen in the fuel-gas supply system.
The three functions of the protective equipment may be combined in one
device or may be provided by separate devices.
GRAPHIC DESCRIPTORS: Low pressure piping protective device, shop piping,
PF, acetylene holder, PF, acetylene compressor or booster pump, medium-pressure
piping protective device.

Figure Q-4
(o) The compressor or booster system shall be of an approved type.
(p) Wiring and electrical equipment in compressor or booster pump rooms
or enclosures shall conform to the provisions of chapter
296-24 WAC Part L for Class I, Division 2 locations.
(q) Compressors and booster pump equipment shall be located in well-ventilated
areas away from open flames, electrical or mechanical sparks, or other
ignition sources.
(r) Compressor or booster pumps shall be provided with pressure relief
valves which will relieve pressure exceeding 15 p.s.i.g. to
a safe outdoor location as provided in WAC
296-24-68211 (2)(b), or by returning the gas to the inlet
side or to the gas supply source.
(s) Compressor or booster pump discharge outlets shall be provided
with approved protective equipment. (See WAC
296-24-68211 (4)(e).)
(5) Portable acetylene generators.
(a) All portable generators shall be of a type approved for portable
use.
(b) Portable generators shall not be used within 10 feet of combustible
material other than the floor.
(c) Portable generators shall not be used in rooms of total volume
less than 35 times the total gas-generating capacity per charge of all
generators in the room. Generators shall not be used in rooms having
a ceiling height of less than 10 feet. (To obtain the gas-generating
capacity in cubic feet per charge, multiply the pounds of carbide per
charge by 4.5.)
(d) Portable generators shall be protected against freezing. The use
of salt or other corrosive chemical to prevent freezing is prohibited.
(e) Portable generators shall be cleaned and recharged and the air
mixture blown off outside buildings.
(f) When charged with carbide, portable generators shall not be moved
by crane or derrick.
(g) When not in use, portable generators shall not be stored in rooms
in which open flames are used unless the generators contain no carbide
and have been thoroughly purged of acetylene. Storage rooms shall be
well ventilated.
(h) When portable acetylene generators are to be transported and operated
on vehicles, they shall be securely anchored to the vehicles. If transported
by truck, the motor shall be turned off during charging, cleaning, and
generating periods.
(i) Portable generators shall be located at a safe distance from the
welding position so that they will not be exposed to sparks, slag, or
misdirection of the torch flame or overheating from hot materials or
processes.
(6) Outside generator houses and inside generator rooms for stationary
acetylene generators.
(a) No opening in any outside generator house shall be located within
5 feet of any opening in another building.
(b) Walls, floors and roofs of outside generator houses shall be of
noncombustible construction.
(c) When a part of the generator house is to be used for the storage
or manifolding of oxygen cylinders, the space to be so occupied
shall be separated from the generator carbide storage section
by partition walls continuous from floor to roof or ceiling,
of the type of construction stated in WAC
296-24-68211 (6)(h). Such separation walls shall be without
openings and shall be joined to the floor, other walls and ceiling
or roof in a manner to effect a permanent gas-tight joint.
(d) Exit doors shall be located so as to be readily accessible in case
of emergency.
(e) Explosion venting for outside generator houses and inside generator
rooms shall be provided in exterior walls or roofs. The venting areas
shall be equal to not less than 1 square foot per 50 cubic feet of room
volume and may consist of any one or any combination of the following:
Walls of light, noncombustible material preferably single-thickness,
single-strength glass; lightly fastened hatch covers; lightly fastened
swinging doors in exterior walls opening outward; lightly fastened walls
or roof designed to relieve at a maximum pressure of 25 pounds per square
foot.
(f) The installation of acetylene generators within buildings shall
be restricted to buildings not exceeding one story in height: Provided,
however, That this will not be construed as prohibiting such installations
on the roof or top floor of a building exceeding such height.
(g) Generators installed inside buildings shall be enclosed in a separate
room of ample size.
(h) The walls, partitions, floors, and ceilings of inside generator
rooms shall be of noncombustible construction having a fire-resistance
rating of at least 1 hour. The walls or partitions shall be continuous
from floor to ceiling and shall be securely anchored. At least one wall
of the room shall be an exterior wall.
(i) Openings from an inside generator room to other parts of the building
shall be protected by a swinging type, self-closing fire door for a
Class B opening and having a rating of at least 1 hour. Windows in partitions
shall be wired glass and approved metal frames with fixed sash. Installation
shall be in accordance with the Standard for the Installation of Fire
Doors and Windows, NFPA 80-1970.
(j) Inside generator rooms or outside generator houses shall be well
ventilated with vents located at floor and ceiling levels.
(k) Heating shall be by steam, hot water, enclosed electrically heated
elements or other indirect means. Heating by flames or fires shall be
prohibited in outside generator houses or inside generator rooms, or
in any enclosure communicating with them.
(l) Generator houses or rooms shall have natural light during daylight
hours. Where artificial lighting is necessary it shall be restricted
to electric lamps installed in a fixed position. Unless specifically
approved for use in atmospheres containing acetylene, such lamps shall
be provided with enclosures of glass or other noncombustible material
so designed and constructed as to prevent gas vapors from reaching the
lamp or socket and to resist breakage. Rigid conduit with threaded connections
shall be used.
(m) Lamps installed outside of wired-glass panels set in gas-tight
frames in the exterior walls or roof of the generator house or room
are acceptable.
(n) Electric switches, telephones, and all other electrical apparatus
which may cause a spark, unless specifically approved for use
inside acetylene generator rooms, shall be located outside the
generator house or in a room or space separated from the generator
room by a gas-tight partition, except that where the generator
system is designed so that no carbide fill opening or other
part of the generator is open to the generator house or room
during the operation of the generator, and so that residue is
carried in closed piping from the residue discharge valve to
a point outside the generator house or room, electrical equipment
in the generator house or room shall conform to the provisions
of the chapter
296-24 WAC Part L for Class I, Division 2 locations.
(7) Maintenance and operation.
(a) Unauthorized persons shall not be permitted in outside generator
houses or inside generator rooms.
(b) Operating instructions shall be posted in a conspicuous place near
the generator or kept in a suitable place available for ready reference.
(c) When recharging generators the order of operations specified in
the instructions supplied by the manufacturer shall be followed.
(d) In the case of batch-type generators, when the charge of carbide
is exhausted and before additional carbide is added, the generating
chamber shall always be flushed out with water, renewing the water supply
in accordance with the instruction card furnished by the manufacturer.
(e) The water-carbide residue mixture drained from the generator shall
not be discharged into sewer pipes or stored in areas near open flames.
Clear water from residue settling pits may be discharged into sewer
pipes.
(f) The carbide added each time the generator is recharged shall be
sufficient to refill the space provided for carbide without ramming
the charge. Steel or other ferrous tools shall not be used in distributing
the charge.
(g) Generator water chambers shall be kept filled to proper level at
all times except while draining during the recharging operation.
(h) Whenever repairs are to be made or the generator is to be charged
or carbide is to be removed, the water chamber shall be filled to the
proper level.
(i) Previous to making repairs involving welding, soldering, or other
hot work or other operations which produce a source of ignition, the
carbide charge and feed mechanism shall be completely removed. All acetylene
shall be expelled by completely flooding the generator shell with water
and the generator shall be disconnected from the piping system. The
generator shall be kept filled with water, if possible, or positioned
to hold as much water as possible.
(j) Hot repairs shall not be made in a room where there are other generators
unless all the generators and piping have been purged of acetylene.
Hot repairs should preferably be made out of doors.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW.
91-24-017 (Order 91-07), 296-24-68211, filed 11/22/91, effective 12/24/91;
Order 73-5, 296-24-68211, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-68211, filed
5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-68213
Calcium carbide storage.
(1) Packaging.
(a) Calcium carbide shall be contained in metal packages of sufficient
strength to prevent rupture. The packages shall be provided with a screw
top or equivalent. These packages shall be constructed water- and air-tight.
Solder shall not be used in such a manner that the package will fail
if exposed to fire.
(b) Packages containing calcium carbide shall be conspicuously marked
"calcium carbide-dangerous if not kept dry" or with equivalent warning.
(c) Caution: Metal tools, even the so-called spark resistant type may
cause ignition of an acetylene and air mixture when opening carbide
containers.
(d) Sprinkler systems shall not be installed in carbide storage rooms.
(2) Storage indoors.
(a) Calcium carbide in quantities not to exceed 600 pounds may be stored
indoors in dry, waterproof, and well-ventilated locations.
(b) Calcium carbide not exceeding 600 pounds may be stored indoors
in the same room with fuel-gas cylinders.
(c) Packages of calcium carbide, except for one of each size, shall
be kept sealed. The seals shall not be broken when there is carbide
in excess of 1 pound in any other unsealed package of the same size
of carbide in the room.
(d) Calcium carbide exceeding 600 pounds but not exceeding 5,000 pounds
shall be stored:
(i) In accordance with (2)(e) of this section.
(ii) In an inside generator room or outside generator house; or
(iii) In a separate room in a one-story building which may
contain other occupancies, but without cellar or basement
beneath the carbide storage section. Such rooms shall be constructed
in accordith WAC
296-24-68211 (6)(j). These rooms shall be used for no
other purpose.ance with WAC
296-24-68211 (6)(h) and (i) and ventilated in accordance
w
(e) Calcium carbide in excess of 5,000 pounds shall be stored in one-story
buildings without cellar or basement and used for no other purpose,
or in outside generator houses. The location of such storage buildings
shall be away from congested mercantile and manufacturing districts.
If the storage building is of noncombustible construction, it may adjoin
other one-story buildings if separated therefrom by unpierced firewalls;
if it is detached less than 10 feet from such building or buildings,
there shall be no opening in any of the mutually exposing sides of such
buildings within 10 feet. If the storage building is of combustible
construction, it shall be at least 20 feet from any other one- or two-story
building, and at least 30 feet from any other building exceeding two
stories.
(3) Storage outdoors.
(a) Calcium carbide in unopened metal containers may be stored outdoors.
(b) Carbide containers to be stored outdoors shall be examined to make
sure that they are airtight and watertight. Periodic reexaminations
shall be made for rusting or other damage to a container that might
affect its water or air tightness.
(c) The bottom tier of each row shall be placed on wooden planking
or equivalent so that the containers will not come in contact with the
ground or ground water.
(d) Storage areas shall be at least 10 feet from lines of adjoining
property that may be built upon.
(e) Containers of carbide which have been in storage the longest shall
be used first.
[Order 73-5, 296-24-68213, filed 5/9/73
and Order 73-4, 296-24-68213, filed 5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-68215
Public exhibitions and demonstrations.
(1) Installation requirements. Installation and operation of welding,
cutting, and related equipment shall be done by, or under the supervision
of, a competent operator to insure the personal protection of viewers
and demonstrators as well as the protection from fire, of materials in
and around the site and the building itself.
(2) Procedures.
(a) Cylinders containing compressed gases for use at the site shall
not be charged in excess of one-half their maximum permissible content.
(Cylinders of nonliquefied gases and acetylene shall be charged to not
more than one-half their maximum permissible charged pressure in p.s.i.g.
Cylinders of liquefied gases shall be charged to not more than one-half
the maximum permissible capacity in pounds.)
(b) Cylinders located at the site shall be connected for use except
that enough additional cylinders may be stored at the site to furnish
approximately 1 day's consumption of each gas used. Other cylinders
shall be stored, in an approved storage area, preferably outdoors, but
this storage area shall not be located near a building exit.
(c) Cylinders in excess of 40 pounds total weight being transported
to or from the site shall be carried on a hand or motorized truck.
(d) The site shall be constructed, equipped, and operated in such a
manner that the demonstration will be carried out so as to minimize
the possibility of injury to viewers.
(e) Sites involving the use of compressed gases shall be located so
as not to interfere with the egress of people during an emergency.
(f) The fire department shall be notified in advance of such use of
the site.
(g) Each site shall be provided with a portable fire extinguisher of
appropriate size and type and with a pail of water.
Note: For additional requirements relating
to portable fire extinguishers see WAC
296-800-300.
(h) The public and combustible materials at the site shall be protected
from flames, sparks, and molten metal.
(i) Hoses shall be located and protected so that they will not be physically
damaged.
(j) Cylinder valves shall be closed when equipment is unattended.
(k) Where caps are provided for valve protection, such caps shall be
in place except when the cylinders are in service or connected ready
for service.
(l) Cylinders shall be located or secured so that they cannot be knocked
over.
[Order 73-5, 296-24-68215, filed 5/9/73
and Order 73-4, 296-24-68215, filed 5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-685 Application,
installation, and operation of arc welding and cutting equipment.
[Order 73-5, 296-24-685, filed 5/9/73
and Order 73-4, 296-24-685, filed 5/7/73.]
WAC 296-24-68501
General.
(1) Equipment selection. Welding equipment shall be chosen for safe application
to the work to be done as specified in WAC
296-24-68503.
(2) Installation. Welding equipment shall be installed safely as specified
by WAC
296-24-68505.
(3) Instruction. Workers designated to operate arc welding equipment
shall have been properly instructed and qualified to operate such
equipment as specified in WAC
296-24-68507.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW.
94-15-096 (Order 94-07), 296-24-68501, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94;
Order 73-5, 296-24-68501, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-68501, filed
5/7/73.]
296-24
Part I Continued
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