3
WARNING:
T
hese Safety Precautions are for your
protection. They summarize precautionary infor-
mation from the references listed in Additional
Safety Information paragraph. Before performing any installa-
tion or operating procedures, be sure to read and follow the
safety precautions listed below as well as all other manuals,
material safety data sheets, labels, etc. Failure to observe
Safety Precautions can result in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
—
Some welding, cutting, and gouging pro-
cesses are noisy and require ear protec-
tion. The arc, like the sun, emits ultravio-
let (UV) and other radiation and can injure
skin and eyes. Hot metal can cause burns. Training in the
proper use of the processes and equipment is essential to
prevent accidents. Therefore:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any work
area, even if welding helmets, face shields, and goggles are
also required.
2. Use a face shield fitted with the correct filter and cover
plates to protect your eyes, face, neck, and ears from
sparks and rays of the arc when operating or observing
operations. WARN bystanders not to watch the arc and not
to expose themselves to the rays of the electric arc or hot
metal.
3. Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeved
shirt, cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding
helmet or cap for hair protection, to protect against arc rays
and hot sparks or hot metal. A flameproof apron may also
be desirable as protection against radiated heat and sparks.
4. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trouser
cuffs, or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept
buttoned, and open pockets eliminated from the front of
clothing.
5. Protect other personnel from arc rays and hot sparks with a
suitable non-flammable partition or curtains.
6. Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or
grinding. Chipped slag may be hot and can fly far. Bystand-
ers should also wear goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS --
Heat from
flames and arcs can start fires. Hot slag
or sparks can also cause fires and explo-
sions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well away from the work
area or cover the materials with a protective non-flammable
covering. Combustible materials include wood, cloth, saw-
dust, liquid and gas fuels, solvents, paints and coatings,
paper, etc.
2. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices
in floors or wall openings and cause a hidden smoldering
fire or fires on the floor below. Make certain that such
openings are protected from hot sparks and metal.
3. Do not weld, cut or perform other hot work until the workpiece
has been completely cleaned so that there are no sub-
stances on the workpiece which might produce flammable
or toxic vapors. Do not do hot work on closed containers.
They may explode.
4. Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use,
such as a garden hose, water pail, sand bucket, or portable
fire extinguisher. Be sure you are trained in its use.
5. Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For example,
overloaded welding cable can overheat and create a fire
hazard.
6. After completing operations, inspect the work area to make
certain there are no hot sparks or hot metal which could
cause a later fire. Use fire watchers when necessary.
7. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B,
"Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes,"
available from the National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK — Contact can
cause severe injury or death. Do NOT use
AC output in damp areas, if movement is
confined, or if danger of falling exists. Put
on dry, hole-free gloves before turning on
the power. Also:
1. Be sure the power source frame (chassis) is connected to
the ground system of the input power.
2. Connect the workpiece to a good electrical ground.
3. Connect the work cable to the workpiece. A poor or missing
connection can expose the operator or others to a fatal
shock.
4. Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or damaged
cables.
5. Keep everything dry, including clothing, work area, cables,
torch/electrode holder and power source. Fix water leaks
immediately.
6. Make sure that you are well insulated, especially when
standing on metal or working in tight quarters or in a damp
area. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stand on a dry board or
insulating platform.
7. Turn off the power before removing your gloves.
8. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 (see listing below) for
specific grounding recommendations. Do not mistake the
work lead for a ground cable.
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS —
May be dangerous. Electric current flow-
ing through any conductor causes local-
ized Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF).
Welding and cutting current creates EMF
around welding cables and welding ma-
chines. Therefore:
1. Welders having pacemakers should consult their physician
before welding. EMF may interfere with some pacemakers.
2. Exposure to EMF may have other health effects which are
unknown.
3. Welders should use the following procedures to minimize
exposure to EMF:
A. Route the electrode and work cables together. Secure
them with tape when possible.
B. Never coil the torch or work cable around your body.
C. Do not place your body between the torch and work
cables. Route cables on the same side of your body.
D. Connect the work cable to the workpiece as close as
possible to the area being welded.
E. Keep welding power source and cables as far away from
your body as possible.
