5
Noise:
Ear muffs should be worn to protect the ear from sparks and molten metals and to prevent hearing loss from
the arc welding machine noise. When the noise in the working environment reaches a level that is disturbing
and causing headaches, an auditory problem may occur. In this case, your ear muffs should be worn
immediately. Hearing loss may not be noticed until the test is performed and it may be too late for treatment.
Importance and Cleanliness of the Work Environment:
The order and cleanliness of the working environment are as important as servicing the welding machine. In
fact, the degree of damage can be multiplied by the number of people in the environment. Although any
warnings on the machine have been read and the necessary precautions have been taken, any of the people in
the vicinity may be caught in the work area, causing a risk of electric shock, hot metal contact, or falling.
All equipment, cables, hoses and gas cylinders must be kept away from moving
environments such as doors, corridors and staircases. Efforts should be made
to keep the environment tidy and the work environment should be cleaned
when welding is finished. In this way, besides working safety, working
efficiency will increase. In addition, other workers in the vicinity of the welding
zone may be intrusively pushed into the welding bath, so a protective screen
must be pulled around during welding.
GAS TUBE CAN EXPLODE: Use only compressed gas cylinders containing
protective gas produced for welding. Make sure that the regulators suitable
for the gas and cylinder pressure used are correctly installed in the cylinder.
The tubes must be kept in an upright position and secured to a fixed place with the
safety chain. Never move the tubes without closing the protective caps. Make sure
that electrodes, electrode pliers, earth pliers and any parts under tension do not
come into contact with the gas cylinder. Store tubes away from the so-called risky
areas that produce heat and sparks.
WELDED MATERIAL CAN BURN: A high amount of heat may be released during welding. Hot surfaces and
materials can cause severe burns. Gloves must be worn when touching and handling such materials.
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN CAUSE DEATH: The risk of electric shock is the most serious
risk that the welding operator can often encounter. Contact with electrically live
parts can result in injury, death or electric shock and sudden reflex fall. Do not touch
the electrode, the ground connection, or the live workpiece connected to the
machine while the machine is in operation. Insulate yourself against the electrode,
the ground connection or the workpiece. Do not touch the metal ends of the plug
immediately after unplugging the machine, as there may be a risk of electric shock.
The risk of electric shock associated with the welding machine is divided into two categories:
• Primary voltage shock (example 230 - 460 V)
• Secondary voltage shock (example 20 - 100 V DC)
Primary electric shock is very dangerous as it is much higher than the welding voltage. You may experience a
primary electric shock when the power to the machine is on, your body is in contact with the ground, or you
touch a live spot in the machine. Note that turning off the ON-OFF switch on the machine alone may not be a
sufficient solution. For complete safety, the ON-OFF switch must be disconnected and the cable must be
disconnected from the connection point after the fuse has been switched off. Never remove the side covers of
the machine and have it checked and repaired by an authorized technician in case of malfunction. Be sure to
ground the machine and the workpiece. Do not use uninsulated cables and pliers, replace them with new ones.
Never immerse the electrode in water to cool. Do not touch the electrode cables connected to two separate
welding machines, as the voltage may be the sum of the open circuit voltage of the two machines. Always wear
a seat belt to prevent falling from electric shock when working high above the ground.
