PDFWAC 296-36-190

Fire prevention and firefighting.

(1) General. Every building and every flammable structure above ground and all places underground shall be within easy range of firefighting equipment, which shall at all times be maintained in proper working conditions and ready for use.
(2) Smoking. No person shall smoke or carry lighted smoking materials in compressed air. No matches, mechanical or chemical igniters will be permitted in the working chamber except those necessary for welding or flame cutting operations.
(3) Welding or flame cutting. While welding or flame cutting is being done in compressed air, a watchman with a fire hose or approved extinguisher shall stand by until such operation is completed. Acetylene shall not be used in compressed air at acetylene pressure exceeding 15 pounds per square inch gage, or 30 pounds per square inch absolute.
(4) Fire hose. Fire hose shall be at least 1-1/2 inches in nominal diameter; the water pressure shall at all times be adequate for efficient operation of the type of nozzle used; and the water supply shall be such as to insure an uninterrupted flow. Fire hose when not in use shall be so located or guarded to prevent injury thereto.
Every power house, compressor house and every building housing ventilating equipment shall be provided with at least one hose connection in the water line with the fire hose connected thereto. A fire hose shall be maintained within easy reach of structures of wood over or near shafts.
(5) Shafts and caissons. Every shaft and every caisson containing flammable material of any kind, either above or below ground, shall be provided with a water line and a fire hose connected thereto, so arranged that all points of the shaft or caisson are within easy reach of the hose stream.
(6) Tunnels. Every tunnel shall be provided with a water line extending into the working chamber and to within 100 feet of the working face. Such lines shall have hose outlets with 100 feet of fire hose properly attached and maintained as follows: One at the working face, one immediately inside of the bulkhead of the working chamber, and one immediately outside such bulkhead. In addition, hose outlets shall be provided at 200-foot intervals throughout the length of the tunnel and 100 feet of fire hose shall be attached to the outlet nearest to any location where flammable material is being kept or stored or where any flame is being used.
(7) Fire extinguishers. In addition to required fire hose protection, on every floor of every building used in connection with compressed air work, there shall be provided at least one extinguisher of adequate size approved for the class of hazard involved, except that extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride or methyl bromide shall not be used. Extinguishers shall be so located as to be readily available and protected from damage.
Note:
For additional requirements relating to portable fire extinguishers see WAC 296-800-300.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050. WSR 01-17-033, § 296-36-190, filed 8/8/01, effective 9/1/01; Rules (Part XVI), filed 12/28/62; § 7, filed 3/23/60.]