Welding or cutting shall include gas, electric arc or flammable liquid welding or cutting or any combination thereof.
[Amended 12-5-1984 by L.L. No. 17-1984; 12-18-1996 by L.L. No. 14-1996; 12-20-2000 by L.L. No. 11-2000]
A permit shall be required of each company, corporation, copartnership or owner-operator performing welding or cutting operations. This permit shall not be required for each welding or cutting job location. The company, corporation, copartnership or owner-operator shall notify the Fire Inspector in advance where such work is taking place, except where such work is done in response to an emergency call that does not allow time for the Fire Inspector to be notified in advance of the work. Application for such permit shall be accompanied by an inspection and permit fee to be set annually by resolution of the City Council before adoption of the budget for the following year.
A. 
When welding or cutting operations are performed above or within 35 feet of combustible construction or material exposed to the operation, or within 35 feet of floor, ceiling or wall openings so exposed:
(1) 
Such combustible construction or material shall be protected by noncombustible shields or covers from possible sparks, hot metal or oxide.
(2) 
Such floor, ceiling or wall openings shall be protected by noncombustible shields or covers.
(3) 
A fire watcher shall be provided to watch for fires, make use of portable fire extinguishers or fire hose and perform similar fire prevention and protection duties. The fire watcher shall remain on the job at least 30 minutes after the welding or cutting operations have been completed to ensure that no fire exists.
B. 
One or more portable fire extinguishers of approved type and size shall be kept at the location where welding or cutting is to be done.
C. 
Welding or cutting shall not be done in or near rooms or locations where flammable gases, liquids or vapors, lint, dust or loose combustible stocks are present when sparks or hot metal from the welding or cutting operations may cause ignition or explosion of such materials.
D. 
Welding or cutting shall not be performed on containers and equipment which contain or have contained flammable liquids, gases or solids until these containers and equipment have been thoroughly cleaned or inerted or purged.