The OSHA Welding Ventilation Requirements

Welding can produce dangerous exhaust.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is a division of the United States Department of Labor. OSHA oversees regulations related to safety in the workplace. Welding can be a dangerous occupation. One of the dangers of welding is the high volume of gases and fumes it produces. OSHA has regulations in place regarding the steps that need to be taken to ensure welding areas are properly ventilated. The requirements vary based on the type of workplace. Special requirements can also apply for specific types of work areas.

General Industry

All hollow spaces or cavities should be vented to allow air and gases to escape before welding is begun. Mechanical ventilation should be required when welding takes place in a space less than 10,000 cubic feet per welder, or in a room with a ceiling height of less than 16 feet. The mechanical ventilation should be at a minimum rate of 2,000 cubic feet per minute per welder.

Movable hoods should be placed as close to the welder as is practical. The hood should provide an air flow rate that is sufficient to maintain a velocity in the hood direction of 100 linear feet per minute. Oxygen should not be used for ventilation.
In situations where it is impossible to provide adequate ventilation, all workers should wear OSHA-approved airline respirators or hose masks.

Shipyard Equipment

Mechanical ventilation should consist of local exhaust systems or general mechanical ventilation. General mechanical ventilation should product the number of air changes necessary to maintain fumes and welding smoke within safe limits.
Contaminated exhaust should be distinguished away from the source of the intake air.

In confined spaces where ventilation cannot be obtained, the employees within the confined space should be protected by air line respirators and an employee should on the outside of the confined space who can keep in communication with the workers in case of an emergency.

Construction

Mechanical ventilation should consist of local exhaust systems or general mechanical ventilation. Local exhaust ventilation should include portable hoods that are placed as close to the welder as is practical for him to work. Exhaust that is discharged should be placed into the open air or away from the intake air source. Oxygen should not be used for ventilation purposes.

When workers can't provide adequate ventilation without blocking access to the area, all workers in the area should protect themselves with OSHA-approved air line respirators, and an employee outside the area should be designated to keep in contact with the workers to help in case of emergency.

References

• OSHA: Safety and Health Topics: Welding, Cutting, and Brazing