
5
SECTION 4 – SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - READ BEFORE USING
4-1. Arc Welding Hazards
►The symbols shown below are used throughout this
manual to call attention to and identify possible
hazards. When you see the symbol, watch out, and
follow the related instructions to avoid the hazard.
The safety information given below is only a summary
of the more complete safety information found in the
Safety Standards listed in Section 1-4. Read and
follow all Safety Standards.
►Only qualified persons should install, operate,
maintain, and repair this unit.
►During operation, keep everybody, especially
children, away.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
Touching live electrical parts can
cause fatal shocks or severe burns.
The electrode and work circuit is
electrically live whenever the output is
on. The input power circuit and
machine internal circuits are also live
when power is on. In semiautomatic or automatic wire
welding, the wire, wire reel, drive roll housing, and all
metal parts touching the welding wire are electrically live.
Incorrectly installed or improperly grounded equipment is
a hazard.
_Do not touch live electrical parts.
_Wear dry, hole-free insulating gloves and body protection.
_Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry
insulating mats or covers big enough to prevent any
physical contact with the work or ground.
_Do not use AC output in damp areas, if movement is
confined, or if there is a danger of falling.
_Use AC output ONLY if required for the welding process.
_If AC output is required, use remote output control if
present on unit.
_Disconnect input power or stop engine before installing or
servicing this equipment. Lockout/tagout input power
according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (see Safety
Standards).
_Properly install and ground this equipment according to its
Owner’s Manual and national, state, and local codes.
_Always verify the supply ground – check and be sure that
input power cord ground wire is properly connected to
ground terminal in disconnect box or that cord plug is
connected to a properly grounded receptacle outlet.
_When making input connections, attach proper grounding
conduc-tor first – double-check connections.
_Frequently inspect input power cord for damage or bare
wiring –replace cord immediately if damaged – bare wiring
can kill.
_Turn off all equipment when not in use.
_Do not use worn, damaged, undersized, or poorly spliced
cables.
_Do not drape cables over your body.
_If earth grounding of the workpiece is required, ground it
directly with a separate cable.
_Do not touch electrode if you are in contact with the work,
ground, or another electrode from a different machine.
_Use only well-maintained equipment. Repair or replace
damaged parts at once. Maintain unit according to
manual.
_Wear a safety harness if working above floor level.
_Keep all panels and covers securely in place.
_Clamp work cable with good metal-to-metal contact to
workpiece or worktable as near the weld as practical.
_Insulate work clamp when not connected to workpiece to
prevent contact with any metal object.
_Do not connect more than one electrode or work cable to
any single weld output terminal.
SIGNIFICANT DC VOLTAGE exists after
removal of input power on inverters.
_Turn Off inverter, disconnect input power, and discharge
input capacitors according to instructions in Maintenance
Section before touching any parts.
FUMES AND GASES can be
hazardous.
Welding produces fumes and gases.
Breathing these fumes and gases can
be hazardous to your health.
_Keep your head out of the fumes.
Do not breathe the fumes.
_If inside, ventilate the area and/or use exhaust at the arc
to remove welding fumes and gases.
_If ventilation is poor, use an approved air-supplied
respirator.
_Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and the
manufacturer’s instructions for metals, consumables,
coatings, cleaners, and degreasers.
_Work in a confined space only if it is well ventilated, or
while wearing an air-supplied respirator. Always have a
trained watch-person nearby. Welding fumes and gases
can displace air and lower the oxygen level causing injury
or death. Be sure the breath-ing air is safe.
_Do not weld in locations near degreasing, cleaning, or
spraying op-erations. The heat and rays of the arc can
react with vapors to form highly toxic and irritating gases.
_Do not weld on coated metals, such as galvanized, lead,
or cadmium plated steel, unless the coating is removed
from the weld area, the area is well ventilated, and if
necessary, while wearing an air-supplied respirator. The
coatings and any metals containing these elements can
give off toxic fumes if welded.
ARC RAYS can burn eyes and
skin.
Arc rays from the welding process
produce intense visible and invisible
(ultraviolet and infrared) rays that can
burn eyes and skin. Sparks fly off from
the weld.
_Wear a welding helmet fitted with a proper shade of filter
to protect your face and eyes when welding or watching
(see ANSI Z49.1 and Z87.1 listed in Safety Standards).
_Wear approved safety glasses with side shields under
your helmet.
_Use protective screens or barriers to protect others from
flash and glare; warn others not to watch the arc.
_Wear protective clothing made from durable, flame-
resistant material (leather and wool) and foot protection.