Clarke weld MIG 100EN, Operating & Maintenance Instructions

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3. ELECTRIC ARC (MIG, TIG) WELDING
Comply with precautions in 1 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, weldments are hot. The wise operator
avoids unnecessary risks and protects himself and others from accidents.
3A) BURN PROTECTION
Comply with precautions in 2. 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.
DON’T GET BURNED! COMPLY WITH PRECAUTIONS!
1) Protective clothing
Wear long sleeved clothing (particularly for gas shielded arc) in addition to such as
leather jacket or sleeves, flameproof apron, and fire-resistant leggings. Avoid outer
garments of untreated cotton.
Bare skin protection: Wear dark substantial clothing,
Button collar to protect chest and neck. Button pockets to prevent entry of sparks.
2) Eye and head protection
Protect eyes from exposure to arc. NEVER look at an electric arc without protection.
Welding helmet or shield containing a filter plate shade no. 12 or denser must be
used when welding. Place over face before striking arc. Protect filter plate with a
clear cover plate. 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 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.
3) 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 all persons
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.