California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 14 - Petroleum Safety Orders-Drilling and Production
Article 52 - Prime Movers
Section 6684 - Internal Combustion Engines, Exhausts, Ignition Systems and Electrical Accessories

Universal Citation: 8 CA Code of Regs 6684

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(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.

1. Amendment of section and new NOTE filed 5-8-95; operative 6-7-95 (Register 95, No. 19).

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. California may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.