Clarke Arc/Tig135, Operating & Maintenance Instructions

Page: 10 / 28

10
SAFE OPERATION OF ELECTRIC ARC (MIG, TIG)
WELDERS
Comply with precautions above and this section. Arc welding, properly done, is a safe process,
but a careless operator invites trouble. The equipment carries high currents at significant
voltages. The arc is very bright and hot. Sparks fly, fumes rise, ultraviolet and infrared energy
radiates, workpieces are hot. The wise operator avoids unnecessary risks and protects himself
and others from accidents.
Burn Protection
Comply with precautions above. The welding arc is intense and visibly bright. Its radiation can
damage eyes, penetrate lightweight clothing, reflect from light coloured surfaces, and burn the
skin and eyes. Skin burns resemble acute sunburn, those from gas - shielded arcs are more
severe and painful.
Protective Clothing
Wear long sleeved clothing (particularly for gas shielded arc) in addition to gloves, hat and shoes
as necessary and use additional protective clothing such as leather jacket or sleeves, flameproof
apron and fire-resistant leggings. Avoid outer garments of untreated cotton. For bare skin
protection wear dark substantial clothing. Button the collar to protect chest and neck and button
any pockets to prevent entry of sparks.
Eye & Head Protection
Protect the eyes from exposure to arc. NEVER look at an electric arc without protection. The
welding helmet or shield containing a filter plate shade No. 12 or denser must be used when
welding. Place over the face before striking an arc. Protect the filter plate with a clear cover plate.
A cracked or broken helmet or shield should NOT be worn; radiation can pass through to cause
burns. Cracked, broken, or loose filter plates must be replaced IMMEDIATELY. Replace a clear
cover plate when broken, pitted or spattered. WE SUGGEST you wear flash goggles with side
shields under the helmet, to give some protection to the eyes should the helmet not be lowered
over the face before an arc is struck. Looking at an arc momentarily with unprotected eyes
(particularly a high intensity gas-shielded arc) can cause a retinal burn that may leave a
permanent dark area in the field of vision. Before welding whilst wearing contact lenses, seek
advice from your optician.
Protection of Nearby Personnel
For production welding, a separate room or enclosed bay is best. In open areas, surround the
operation with low reflective, non- combustible screens or panels. Allow for free air circulation,
particularly at floor level. Provide face shields for anyone who will be looking directly at the weld.
Others working in the area should wear flash goggles. Before starting to weld, make sure that
screen or bay doors are closed.
Toxic Fume Prevention
Welding fumes must be vented to the outside air. Carbon monoxide can kill if inhaled in large
quantities.