Welding warning fire risk

20th October 1978, Page 24

20th October 1978

Page 24

Page 24, 20th October 1978 — Welding warning fire risk

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THE RISK of fire and toxic, fumes arising from welding and cutting operations during repairs to commercial vehicle bodies and cars insulated with cellular plastic, has prompted the Health and Safety Executive to make recommendations on the subject.

Polyurethane is said to burn at a very high temperature and produce not only carbon monoxide but also the more dangerous hydrogen cyanide and isocyantes.

It is therefore recommended that before flame-cutting foamed parts, as much of the foam as possible should be scraped away and removed. Where the foam is enclosed in a box section this may not be possible.

In these circumstances a hole should be drilled in the section before flame cutting starts to allow the product: of heated foam to escape. The hole should be in a positior which will direct the gases away from the operator.