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We're designing a fire suppression system for a garbage truck maintenance facility which will include a welding bay. NFPA 13 (2019) is being used. I am using OH2 for the maintenance bay but I'm not sure about the welding bay.
Is a welding bay appropriately designated as Extra Hazard Group 1? I can't find anything in NFPA 13 that speaks specifically to welding. Thanks! Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
11 Comments
Pete H
9/25/2025 06:19:44 am
I wouldn't argue against it and would say it's supported by NFPA 13's Annex having Die Casting and Metal Extruding in Extra Hazard Group 1. But you're right, it's not black and white in the code and can easily go to AHJ interpretation.
Glenn Berger
9/25/2025 08:15:52 am
There will be no clear answer here:
Mark Harris
9/25/2025 08:21:28 am
Could argue that the welding operations are part of the repair garage occupancy. But Glenn brings up interesting questions.
Dan Wilder
9/25/2025 09:00:55 am
I would be good with an OH2 designation as it covers Machine Shops & Metal Working, even Plastics Fabrications/blow molding. Are they doing any storage of parts, tires (new or used), flammable liquids not in cabinets (new/used oil barrels or mini-dumpster type units) in that same area or is that in adjacent areas?
Jesse
9/25/2025 09:30:40 am
I would consider it as OH2 and use 2019 NFPA 13 A.5.3.2 (14) to support it.
Franck
9/25/2025 10:24:56 am
Fully agree with the comments above, OH Gr 2 is sufficient.
Jose R Figueroa
9/26/2025 10:46:48 am
FM Data Sheet 10-3, titled “Hot Work Management,” provides recommendations for industrial welding bays, including guidelines for designated areas, fire prevention measures, and management programs to reduce fire and explosion risks during welding operations.
Jose R Figueroa
9/26/2025 11:17:42 am
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 covers safety regulations for welding, cutting, and brazing, including fire prevention measures similar to those in FM 10-3 and NFPA 51B. NFPA 51B, titled "Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work," details comparable fire prevention practices in Chapter 5 (NFPA Link)
Jack G
9/26/2025 04:00:00 pm
Because there is so much going on in a welding bay —- hot work— electric welding machines— stick welding/ cutting with torches— gas bottles— oxygen --
Jose Figueroa
9/26/2025 04:16:02 pm
👏👏👏👏🤠
Nick G
10/16/2025 02:11:23 pm
A "welding bay" is a very wide category. I have seen an AHJ accept entirely unsprinklered welding bay with only metal parts, and desks in a metal building. I have also seen welding bays for work on trucks with large tires and volumes of fuel and oil, welding bays with tool cribs and parts storage, welding bays with oversized parts washers using low-flashpoint solvents, and and all sorts of other hazards. I would let whatever else is happening in the bay drive the hazard category. Welding can happen anywhere in a facility. Ultimately, the welding only starts the fire, its the other stuff in the bay that determines how strong your sprinkler system will need to be. Leave a Reply. |
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