Atmospheric testing and monitoring for combustible gases and vapors should be done before work begins and at regular, predetermined intervals thereafter. Ventilation of the work site, either through local or general exhaust ventilation, should be adequate for the work performed. A person other than the operator should perform fire watch duties and remain at the work site for at least 30 minutes after hot work operations have ended. The potential for toxic fume emissions from the material being worked on or surface coatings should be considered, and appropriate steps should be taken to provide for respiratory protection. Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage and Handling Storage and handling of compressed gas cylinders are important parts of many cutting and welding operations.
Many regulators are similar in design and construction.
Check the regulator's model number and compare that with the cylinder's requirements. Hot Work Permits Hot work permits should be developed by departments where cutting or welding is performed. Hot work permits can help minimize the risk of fire during cutting and welding activities by serving as a checklist for operators and those performing fire watch duties. The person responsible for issuing permits should be qualified to examine the work site and ensure that appropriate protective steps, such as those listed in this section, have been taken. A hot work permit should be issued at the beginning of each shift for each specific operation.