ii SAFETY ii
FUMES AND GASES
can be dangerous.
4.a Welding may produce fumes and gases
hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these
fumes and gases. When welding, keep your
head out of fume. Use enough ventillation
and/or exhaust at the arc to keep fumes and
gases away from the breathing zone. When
welding with electrodes which require
special ventilation such as stainless or hard
facing (see instructions on container or
MSDS) or on lead or cadmium plated steel
and other metals or coatings which produce
highly toxic fumes, keep exposure as low as
possible and below Threshold Limit Values
(TLV) using local exhaust or mechanical
ventilation. In confined spaces or in some
circumstances, outdoors, a respirator may
be required. Additional precautions are also
required when welding on galvanized steel.
4.b Do not weld in locations near chlorinated
hydrocarbon vapors coming from degreasing,
cleaning or spraying operations. The heat and
rays or the arc can react with solvent vapors to
form phosgene, a highly toxic gas, and other
irritating products.
4.c Shielding gases used for arc welding can
displace air and cause injury or death. Always
use enough ventilation, especially in confined
areas, to insure breathing air is safe.
4.d Read and understand the manufacturer’s
instructions for this equipment and the
consumables to be used, including the material
safety data sheet (MSDS) and follow your
employer’s safety practices. MSDS forms are
available from your welding distributor or from
the manufacturer.
FOR ELECTRICALLY
powered equipment.
5.a Turn off input power using the disconnect
switch at the fuse box before working on the
equipment.
5.b Install equipment in accordance with the
national standard, all local standards and the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
5.c Earth (ground) the equipment in accordance
with the national standards and the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
WELDING SPARKS
can cause fire or
explosion.
6.a Remove fire hazards from the welding area. If this
is not possible, cover them to prevent the welding
sparks from starting a fire. Remember that welding
sparks and hot materials from welding can easily
go through small cracks and openings to adjacent
areas. Avoid welding near hydraulic lines. Have a
fire extinguisher readily available.
6.b When not welding, make certain no part of the
electrode circuit is touching the work or ground.
Accidental contact can cause overheating and
create a fire hazard.
6.c Do not heat, cut or weld tanks, drums or containers
until the proper steps have been taken to insure
that such procedures will not cause flammable or
toxic vapors from subtances inside. They can
cause an explosion even though they have been
“cleaned”.
6.d Sparks and spatter are thrown from the welding
arc. Wear oil free protective garments such as
leather gloves, heavy shirt, cuffless trouses, high
shoes and a cap over your hair.
CYLINDER may
explode if damaged.
7.a Use only compressed gas cylinders containing the
correct shielding gas for the process used and
properly operating regulators designed for the gas
and pressure used. All hoses, fittings, etc. should
be suitable for the application and maintained in
good condition.
7.b Always keep cylinders in an upright position
securely chained to an undercarriage or fixed
support.
7.c Cylinder should be located:
Away from areas where they may be struck or
subjected to physical damage.
A safe distance from arc welding or cutting
operations and any other source of heat,
sparks, or flame.
7.d Never allow the electrode, electrode holder or any
other electrically “hot” parts to touch a cylinder.
7.e Keep your head and face away from the cylinder
valve outlet when opening the cylinder valve.
7.f Valve protection caps should always be in place
and hand tight except when the cylinder is in use
or connected for use.
