
5
Never dip the electrode in water for cooling.
Never simultaneously touch electrically “hot” parts of electrode holders connected to two
welders because voltage between the two can be the total of the open circuit voltage of both
welders.
When working above the floor level, use a safety belt to protect yourself from a fall should you
get an electric shock!
FUMES AND GASES CAN BE DANGEROUS.
Welding may produce fumes and gases hazardous to the human health. Avoid breathing these
fumes and gases. When welding, keep your head out of the fume. Use enough ventilation 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 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 the Threshold Limit Values 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.
Do not weld in locations near chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors coming from degreasing, cleaning
or spraying operations. The heat and rays of the arc can react with solvent vapors to form
phosgene, a highly toxic gas, and other irritating products.
Shielded 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.
Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for this equipment and the consumables
to be used, including the material safety data sheet and follow your employer’s safety practices.
ARC RAYS CAN BURN.
Use a shield with the proper filter and cover plates to protect your eyes from sparks and the rays
of the arc when welding or observing open arc welding.
Use suitable clothing made from durable flame-resistant material to protect your skin and that
of your coworkers from the arc rays.
Protect other nearby personnel with suitable, non-flammable screening and /or warn them not
to watch the arc nor expose themselves to the arc rays or to hot spatter or metal.
SELF-PROTECTION
Keep all equipment safety guards, covers and devices in position and in good repair. Keep hands,
hair, clothing and tools away from V-belts, gears, fans and all other moving parts when starting,
operating or repairing equipment.
Do not put your hands near the engine fan. Do not attempt to override the governor or idler by
pushing on the throttle control rods while the engine is running.