Safety Update: New 30-Minute “Cooldown” Requirement for Welding
Hi everyone,
To keep our shop safe and remain compliant with fire safety standards (OSHA/NFPA 51B), we are implementing a new protocol for the metal shop: A mandatory 30-minute Fire Watch/Cooldown period after every welding session.
This is specific to the welding area today, but would apply to anything that turns on a torch (i.e. plasma cutter).
OSHA 1910.252(a)(2)(iii) Fire watchers shall be required whenever welding or cutting is performed in locations where other than a minor fire might develop, or any of the following conditions exist:
Appreciable combustible material, in building construction or contents, closer than 35 feet (10.7 m) to the point of operation.
Appreciable combustibles are more than 35 feet (10.7 m) away but are easily ignited by sparks.
Wall or floor openings within a 35-foot (10.7 m) radius expose combustible material in adjacent areas including concealed spaces in walls or floors.
Combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side of metal partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs and are likely to be ignited by conduction or radiation.
What does this mean for you?
Whenever you finish welding, you must remain in the immediate vicinity of the welding area for at least 30 minutes before leaving the building or moving to a different part of the shop where you can’t see the welding zone.
Why are we doing this?
Most shop fires don’t start while the arc is struck—they start 15 to 30 minutes later.
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The “Slow Smolder”: A stray spark or “berry” can land in a crack, on a piece of debris, or near the base of a curtain and smolder invisibly for twenty minutes before erupting into an actual flame.
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The 35-Foot Rule: Fire codes generally require a fire watch if there are any combustibles within 35 feet. While we do our best to keep the area clear, small bits of sawdust, rags, or trash can easily find their way into that radius.
“But we have welding curtains—isn’t that a designated area?”
We have a great setup, but because our area is “partially designated” (meaning it’s not a fully enclosed masonry room separated from all other shop activities), the risk of a spark traveling or heat transferring to a nearby surface still exists. The curtains are excellent for eye protection and containing the majority of sparks, but they aren’t a substitute for human eyes monitoring the area after the work is done.
Making the most of your 30 minutes
We know everyone is busy, but this 30-minute window is the perfect time to:
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Clean and Prep: Wipe down your work surfaces and sweep up your metal shavings.
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Organize: Put away your clamps, grinders, and consumables.
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Check for “Hot Spots”: Feel the table and nearby surfaces for unusual heat. Cool off your practice pieces before tossing them in the bucket.
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Socialize: Chat with other members! Just stay in the “line of sight” of where you were working.
When does this apply?
Effective immediately. If you are the last person welding for the day, please ensure you’ve factored this 30-minute window into your schedule before the shop closes or before you head out.
Let’s keep the shop standing so we can keep building cool stuff. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Shop Leads!
How can we avoid this?
If we build out the welding area to be more enclosed with fire-rated walls and guarantee there are no combustibles within the limits (or by the thought “where a spark could fly”), then we can much more safely walk away from the station when we’re finished.
It’s worth mentioning that nothing happened with the welding area that has prompted this. This policy update is preemptive to ensure a safe environment.
Stay safe and happy welding!