Fire safety for grinding operations 1

[rayband]

Am looking for some kind of industry or military spec that defines the safety requirements for a metal grinding operation in a mixed (non-industrial) use space or environment. Removal of flamables is obvious but, for example, how far away must those flamables be when using a 4" grinding disk or wheel at 3500 rpm or less, etc. i.e., some specific physical design paramentrs please, not generalities.

Our local regs state only that "--- any equipment that produces a fire, flame, or spark at a temperature higher than 228 degrees F ---", then continues with items that are either general and obvious or applicable to temporary welding/cutting operations. There is nothing more that would give specific guidance to grinding operations.

If anyone, military or civilian, has knowledge of a spec or reg that addresses the fire safety issue specifically for grinding operations, please advise.

[Also posted on

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=152908.

]


RAYBAND
Rock Island Arsenal
AMSTA-RIA-SEM



RAYBAND
Rock Island Arsenal
AMSTA-RIA-SEM

 

[safetydan]

Unfortunately, your application falls between parameters for most standards which could apply. You technically don't fall under NFPA 51B, nor OSHA 1910.256, but either of those standards can be followed and would be more than enough protection for your applicaiton.

The rules state that you must clear the area of possible combustable materials for 35 feet (10.7 meters). I'm assuming your grinding process is temporary, if not you might want to consider a dedicated area for your grinding operations.

 

[rayband]

Thanks safetydan. We are aware of NFPA 51B but I have not seen nor can I find OSHA 1910.256, as my online resources don't seem to include OSHA specs. I'll keep looking, but if you have a link it would be appreciated.

RAYBAND
Rock Island Arsenal
AMSTA-RIA-SEM

 

[safetydan]

Sorry I made a typo. It's actually OSHA's 252 standard. Here is a link:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9853

Sorry for the confusion