Ventilation in Confined Space
Lifelines: If a welder must enter a confined space through a manhole or other small opening, you must provide a way to quickly remove the welder in an emergency.
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- Attach safety belts and lifelines to the welder so his body cannot be jammed in a small exit opening.
- Place an attendant with a pre-planned rescue procedure outside to observe the welder at all times and be capable of putting rescue operations into effect.
Electrode Removal: When suspending arc welding for any substantial period, such as during lunch or overnight, remove all electrodes from the holders and the holders should be carefully located so accidental contact cannot occur and the machine disconnected from the power source.
Gas Cylinder Shutoffs: In order to eliminate the possibility of gas escaping through leaks of improperly closed valves:
- close the torch valves;
- completely shut off the fuel-gas and oxygen supply to the torch at some point outside the confined area; and
- remove the torch and hose from the confined space when it is practicable.
Warning Signs: After completing the welding, the worker must mark the hot metal or provide some other means of warning other workers.
Torch Valves: It is important to eliminate the possibility of gas escaping through leaks or improperly closed valves. If the torch will be unused for a long time (ie: overnight), close the torch valves. Shut-off the gas supply to the torch at some point outside the confined area. When necessary, remove the torch and hose from the confined space.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-3. If you must enter a confined space through a manhole or other small opening, you must _____.
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