The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend at least 35 ft (10.7 m) of distance between hot work and flammable vapors.
Any floor cracks or openings and wall or ceiling openings within 35 feet of the hot work need to be covered with flameproof shields or protected by a fire watch. Warning signs, barriers, and welding screens are required.
Combustible materials shall be piled with due regard to the stability of piles and in no case higher than 20 feet. Driveways between and around combustible storage piles shall be at least 15 feet wide and maintained free from accumulation of rubbish, equipment, or other articles or materials.
Did You Know? Sparks from flame-cutting, welding, and grinding can travel a long distance. Most permits require combustible materials to be removed from the area and testing for flammable gases to be performed within 35 ft (10.7 m).
Hot work shall not be performed in a confined space until a designated person has tested the atmosphere and determined that it is not hazardous. Fire protection. To the extent possible, hot work shall be performed in designated locations that are free of fire hazards.
Potential fuel sources include all materials which could be ignited, such as construction materials, insulation, roofing materials, ignitable (flammable and combustible) liquids, gases, paint, cleaning solvents, as well as simple combustibles in the area like rags, paper, wood, dust, cardboard, and furnishings.
The following states have standards for heat exposure: California. California's Heat Illness Prevention Standard requires employers to provide training, water, shade, and planning. A temperature of 80°F triggers the requirements.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend at least 35 ft (10.7 m) of distance between hot work and flammable vapors.
A minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) shall be maintained between gas or fuel-oil heat-producing appliances and combustible materials. A minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) shall be maintained between solid fuel-burning appliances and combustible materials.
Depending on the stove's output this can be anywhere between 300-600mm+. It should be noted that there is no 'legal' minimum distance to combustibles, only what's recommended by the manufacturer and the stove installer, but these guidelines are there to keep you and your home safe and they are worth adhering to.
The distance between any two flammable liquid storage tanks shall not be less than 3 feet (0.912 m).
The graphic above shows that flammable liquids have a flashpoint below 100 F (37.8 C). Combustible liquids have a flashpoint above 100 F. The NFPA and OSHA differ in how they classify flammable liquids. In 2015, OSHA adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and labeling of chemicals.
Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®
Originally developed at OSHA's request, NFPA 70E helps companies and employees avoid workplace injuries and fatalities due to shock, electrocution, arc flash, and arc blast, and assists in complying with OSHA 1910 Subpart S and OSHA 1926 Subpart K.
Flammable and combustible liquids and material should be kept 35 feet from the designated work area. 3. At least one 10lb dry chemical fire extinguisher should be within access of the 35-foot work area.
Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored near highly combustible material, especially oil and grease; or near reserve stocks of carbide and acetylene or other fuel-gas cylinders, or near any other substance likely to cause or accelerate fire; or in an acetylene generator compartment.
Fire extinguishers of proper size and type shall be located within 25 ft of the hot work area. Hot work equipment such as gas cylinders, hoses, leads, and torches shall be properly maintained, secured, stored, transported, and used at all times.
Where practicable, all combustibles shall be relocated at least 35 feet (10.7 m) from the work site. Where relocation is impracticable, combustibles shall be protected with flameproofed covers or otherwise shielded with metal or asbestos guards or curtains.
Choose an appropriate location
Avoid storing flammable liquids on high shelves or in direct sunlight. Store flammable liquids in a well ventilated area. Caution: Never use environmental rooms (also called cold/ warm rooms) to store flammable, combustible, or other hazardous materials.
While gypsum wallboard is considered by most building codes to be noncombustible, it does have a thick paper backing that is combustible. While a few other products are technically limited combustible (some paper-backed insulation materials), the term is generally intended to apply to gypsum wallboard.
Proper Use
Keep the space heater at least three feet from anything that can burn, such as furniture, fabrics and decorations. “More than half (53 percent) of all home heating fire deaths resulted from fires that began when heating equipment was too close to things that can burn,” reports the NFPA.
No combustible material shall be placed or stored within 10 feet of any building or structure.
Flying sparks are the main cause of fires and explosions in welding and cutting. Sparks can travel up to 35 feet from the work area.
Question: California regulations set the dosimeter threshold level at 80 dBA for hearing conservation and 90 dBA for compliance.
Under California law, employers are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment for their employees, which includes protecting them from extreme heat. Employers who fail to take necessary precautions may be liable if a worker suffers a heat-related illness or injury.
OSHA does not provide a specific temperature limit for hot surfaces but recommends that surfaces should not exceed 140°F to avoid burns.