(a) Scope. The provisions in subsections (b)
to (h) inclusive of this section shall apply within the following described
hazardous locations:
(1) The area within a
radius of fifty feet (50') of the casing of all drilling wells.
(2) The area within a radius of twenty-five
feet (25') from the casing of all wells other than drilling wells, where there
is a probability of flammable liquid or gas being released to the atmosphere in
quantities to create a hazard to employees should it become ignited.
EXCEPTION: Internal combustion engines located within
this described hazardous area which are shut down at the time a hazardous
condition exists need not be equipped with nor use a water injection system or
other effective device to prevent the discharge of flames or sparks from the
exhaust pipe.
(3) Inside any
building where the conditions or operations are such that there is a
probability of flammable liquid or gas being released to the atmosphere in
quantity to create a hazard to employees should it become ignited.
(4) At any location where conditions or
operations are such that there is a probability of flammable liquid or gas
being released to the atmosphere in quantities to create a hazard to employees
should it become ignited.
(b) When an internal combustion engine is
being operated within the hazardous areas as described in paragraphs (1), (2),
(3), or (4) of subsection (a) of this section and there is a probability of
flammable liquid or gas being released to the atmosphere in quantities to
create a hazard to employees should it become ignited, the following
precautions shall be taken to prevent the discharge of flame or sparks from the
exhaust pipe:
(1) In area described in
paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this section, the exhaust system shall be
provided with a water injection system or other effective device.
(2) In areas described in paragraphs (2),
(3), or (4) of subsection (a) of this section, shutting down the engine will be
accepted in lieu of providing the exhaust system with a water injection system
or other effective device.
(c) Exhaust systems shall be maintained in
good operating condition.
(d)
Combustible material shall be prevented from contacting the hot surfaces of
internal combustion engines and their exhaust systems or insulation shall be
provided to prevent them from becoming ignited.
(e) Cylinder cocks of internal combustion
engines shall not be opened when a flame or spark may be discharged into the
atmosphere where there may be an accumulation of flammable gas.
(f) All electrical accessories of an internal
combustion engine, including magnetos, distributors, coils, batteries,
generators, starting motors, spark plugs, ignition cables and other
miscellaneous wiring and switches shall be installed and maintained in a manner
which will prevent arcing and sparking.
(g) Ignition systems, electrical accessories
and equipment shall not be manipulated in a manner to create an arc or spark in
open air where there may be an accumulation of flammable gas.
(h) Electrical storage batteries shall be
provided with suitable covers to prevent contact with the battery terminals.
EXCEPTION: The provisions of subsections (c) to (h)
inclusive of this section do not apply to engines used exclusively to propel
automotive vehicles.