Ventilation Requirements
General Welding and Cutting
Be sure to provide adequate ventilation in all spaces in which welding is done to eliminate health hazards such as gases, fumes, and dust.
Basic Welding Ventilation
When welding or cutting on lead-bearing steels, lead-coated or cadmium-coated metals, or metal covered with paint containing lead or cadmium, you should wear an airline mask even if you are doing the work in the open air or in a well-ventilated space.
When welding or cutting is done on metals not covered in 1910.252(c)(5) through(c)(12), provide mechanical ventilation in:
- spaces of less than 10,000 cubic feet (284 m (3)) per welder;
- rooms having a ceiling height of less than 16 feet (5 m);
- confined spaces; or
- welding spaces that contains partitions, balconies, or other structural barriers that significantly obstruct cross ventilation.
Minimum rates: Ventilation must be at the minimum rate of 2,000 cubic feet (57 m (3)) per minute per welder. An exception to this requirement is when approved local exhaust hoods and booths or respirators are provided. Natural ventilation is sufficient for welding or cutting operations where the restrictions above are not present.
Local exhaust hoods and booths: Mechanical local exhaust ventilation may be either of the following:
- Hoods: The welder should place freely movable hoods as near as possible to the welded work. These hoods should have a rate of airflow of 100 linear feet (30 m) per minute in the zone of welding when the hood farthest from the point of welding.
- Fixed enclosures: A fixed enclosure with a top, and not less than two sides, which surround the welding or cutting operations and with a rate of airflow sufficient to maintain a velocity away from the welder of not less than 100 linear feet (30 m) per minute.
Screens: When welding in a space entirely screened on all sides, arrange the screens so no serious restriction of ventilation exists. Mount the screens so they are about 2 feet (0.61 m) above the floor unless performing the work at so low a level that the screen is extended nearer to the floor to protect nearby workers from the glare of welding.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-1. When must mechanical ventilation be provided while welding or cutting metals not covered in 1910.252(c)(5) through(c)(12)?
You forgot to answer the question!