Tenant welding in the basement?!

[Julie Kern]

So, our contractor had to do some work at one of our rental properties over the weekend.  He told us today that the tenant, who is a welder, has been welding in the unfinished basement.

I'm wondering what the risks are - I'm thinking this is a potential fire hazard?

Anyone have any thoughts?  What would you do?

[Derek Daun]

I wouldn't consider welding a huge fire hazard if done correctly. There are a lot more activities, that if done unsafely, could be more of a fire hazard. (Like cooking for example, or smoking cigarettes on the porch). It's very unlikely that welding sparks would be any risk to the house itself, as long as there isn't combustible material around. I might be somewhat concerned about ventilation for his sake though.

If it's acetylene welding or plasma cutting, then I might be a little uncomfortable with tanks of gas in the basement. But what it really comes down to is whether you think he is a safe person or not.

If it was me, I would talk to him to verify he's being safe, and maybe inspect the area to make there aren't any red flags.