Eastland County Commissioners added some welding safety requirements to their regular burn ban during their meeting this morning. The requirements are as follows:

Violations include the use of combustible materials, including outdoor welding; however, where welding must be performed in the field, the following mitigating efforts will be mandatory until the ban has expired:

• All areas where welding, cutting or grinding operations are being performed will be free of vegetation for at least 25 feet in all directions
• Surface around welding area will be wetted down.
• Wind speeds must be no more than 20 miles per hour while performing welding, cutting or grinding operations outside of barriers or enclosures.
• A dedicated fire watch person will attend each welder, cutter, grinder and any activity that causes a spark.
• A minimum of one pressurized water sprayer with adequate supply for each fire watch person is required.