Keep combustible items at least 10 meters (about 35 feet) away from the welding area, and use fire-resistant shields to protect equipment or surfaces that cannot be moved. It is equally important to have a designated fire watch present during and after welding to monitor for delayed. In this guide, you'll learn how to calculate a safe distance, why regulations like OSHA's 35-foot rule exist, and what steps you can take to protect both yourself and your workspace. Before you strike your next arc, are you sure you're standing far enough back? When people think of welding hazards. Arc welding and cutting. Welding equipment shall be chosen for safe application to the work to be done as specified in paragraph (b) of this section. The US Army have carried out trials which propose distances of between 3 and 20 metres for an exposure time of 10 minutes for MMA (SMA), MAG. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlined specific requirements for welding, cutting, and brazing in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q. Different standards specify these distances to ensure weld strength, safety, and quality.
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