N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 3505: Section FC 3505: Gas Welding and Cutting

3505.1 General.

Devices or attachments mixing air or oxygen with flammable gases prior to consumption, except at the burner or in a standard torch or blow pipe, shall not be allowed unless approved.

3505.2 Container storage, handling and use.

Storage, handling and use of compressed gas containers shall be in accordance with this section and FC Chapter 53.

3505.2.1 Containers connected for use.

A single container of oxygen and a single container of flammable gas may be installed on a cart without the separation of containers required by FC 5804.1.3 provided that the containers are connected to regulators, equipped with apparatus designed for cutting, welding or other hot work operation, and are otherwise ready for use, and are stored, handled and used in compliance with the following requirements:

1. Carts shall be designed and used in accordance with FC 5003.10.3.

2. Container valves shall have a fixed hand wheel, or other approved means by which the flow of gas may be immediately shut down during hot work operations.

3. Container valves shall be closed at the end of each workday and whenever work is discontinued or the cart moved.

4. Container valve outlet connections shall conform to the requirements of CGA V-1.

5. Separation of the cart from the hot work operation shall be maintained in accordance with FC 3505.5, or fire-resistant shields shall be provided.

6. A separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be maintained between such carts.

3505.3 Precautions.

Oxygen containers and oxygen container valves, regulators, hose and other apparatus and fittings shall be kept free of oil or grease. Oxygen containers, apparatus and fittings shall not be handled with oily hands, oily gloves, or greasy tools or equipment.

3505.4 Acetylene gas.

Acetylene gas shall not be piped except in approved container manifolds and container manifold connections, or piped or utilized at a pressure exceeding 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103 kPa). Acetylene gas stored in containers shall be dissolved in a suitable solvent. Acetylene gas shall not be brought in contact with unalloyed copper, except in a torch.

3505.5 Remote locations.

Oxygen and fuel gas containers shall be located at a distance from the hot work area sufficient to protect such containers from heat, sparks, slag, or misdirection of the torch flame.

3505.6 Container shutoff.

The torch valve shall be closed and the gas supply to the torch completely shut off when hot work operations are discontinued for a period of 1 hour or more.

3505.6.1 Emergency shutoff.

Oxygen and fuel gas container valves shall be accessible to the torch operator or fire guard for immediate shutoff of the gas supply in the event of an emergency.

3505.7 Prohibited operations.

It shall be unlawful to conduct the following hot work operations:

1. Welding or cutting operations supported by or resting on compressed gas containers.

2. Torch-applied roof system operations on roofs constructed of combustible materials.

3. Use of an acetylene generator for hot work operations.

3505.8 Tests.

It shall be unlawful to test piping equipment or systems for leaks using a flame. Tests for suspected leaks in piping equipment and systems shall be made using soapy water.