scope:

This standard sets performance requirements for welding pads, welding blankets and welding curtains used as a means of preventing the ignition of combustibles during welding, cutting and other hot work operations.

The fire performance of a fire resistant cover depends on the type of welding function to which it will be subjected. In general, welding pads, welding blankets and welding curtains are evaluated on their ability to:

• prevent burn through of the material and provide adequate protection for adjacent combustibles from possible sources of ignition;

• limit temperature transmission through the material to a degree that will prevent ignition to underlying combustibles;

• resist melting, dripping or deformation so as to prevent sparks from spreading outside of confined and protected areas;

• maintain their flexibility, durability and structural integrity when charred areas are subjected to 90° bends;

• maintain their fire and temperature rise resistance properties when subjected to accelerated weathering tests intended to simulate exposure to light and water (ultra violet [uv] and condensation, respectively) conditions.

This standard is not intended to determine the suitability for all end use conditions of a product. Conditions under which welding pads, welding blankets and welding curtains are used vary widely. For example, these materials may be subjected to environments not anticipated by this standard. It is the responsibility of the end user to determine the suitability of the welding pad, welding blanket or welding curtain for the specific hot work operation.

This standard does not address the issue of toxicity or out-gassing of the materials when they aresubjected to molten or other fire conditions resulting from hot work operations.

The use of the materials evaluated to this standard does not take the place of or eliminate the need to observe other hot work precautions such as the issuance of hot work permits, fire watches or the need to practice other safety precautions recommended NFPA 51B, or whenever Hot Work precautions are required.

Purpose

This standard states test requirements for welding pads, welding blankets and welding curtains for use in hot work operations. These items are intended to be used as fire resistant covers that prevent the ignition of combustibles due to welding, cutting and other hot work operations.