NOTE: For the purposes of this section, grinding is defined as the use of handheld power grinders using grinding wheels or abrasive cutting discs on materials where sparks would be produced by the operation.

1. No modifications to any PPE shall be made outside the manufacturer’s specification unless approved by the manufacturer
2. Refer to NMP-MA-005-010 Welding Safety for additional information regarding welding safety.
3. Welding, cutting, and grinding shall be performed only by appropriately qualified personnel.
4. Outer garments worn while performing welding, cutting, and grinding shall be flame resistant, leather, or other materials providing equivalent protection from ignition. It is permissible while welding and cutting to wear fabric blends and synthetic clothing as undergarments, provided a flame-resistant outer garment completely covers the undergarment to prevent potential ignition.
5. It is acceptable to wear 100 percent natural fiber clothing for hot work provided employees performing the work can position themselves in a manner that the possibility of slag falling on clothing is minimal.
6. All combustible debris shall be removed prior to welding or cutting. When welding or cutting in an elevated position, precautions shall be taken to prevent sparks or hot metal from falling onto people or flammable material below.
7. When welding, cutting, or grinding is being performed over grating, the grating shall be covered by a fire-resistant material or the danger area below shall be barricaded.
8. All welding, cutting, and grinding equipment shall be inspected prior to use. If damaged or defective equipment is found, it shall be removed from service, repaired, or replaced.
9. Welding or cutting activities shall have a fire extinguisher readily available in that work area.
10. Welding, cutting, and grinding is prohibited in explosive atmospheres.
11.  Torches shall be lit using only devices designed for that purpose, such as strikers.
12. Welders and their helpers shall not carry matches or butane lighters when engaged in welding or cutting operations.
13. Forced air ventilation or respiratory equipment may be required while welding, cutting, or grinding in confined spaces or in areas with restricted airflow.
14. Welding screens or other devices shall be used to restrict welding flash whenever other personnel are exposed to the arc of the welding operation.
15. Safety glasses must be worn by welders when welding and when the welding hood is raised, and flying metal or other particles are present.
16. The frame or case of all electric welding machines must be properly grounded. Grounding connections shall be checked before welding.
17. Electrical shock hazards shall always be taken into consideration before welding. Do not stand in water or kneel directly on the ground unless precautions are in place to prevent electrical shock. Welding gloves shall always be kept as dry as possible.