Draper 71091, Instruction Manual, Page: 7 / 24

5. HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
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– The welding arc can cause serious burns. Avoid contact with skin.
– Sparks and molten metal are cast out during welding. Take precautions to prevent fire igniting
and wear protective clothing.
– Sparks and molten metal can pass through gaps. Be aware that fire can start out of sight.
Flammables in a locked cabinet may not be safe.
– Do not weld pressurised containers.
– Do not weld tanks, drums or other vessels until they have been correctly cleaned/prepared for
welding.
– Always have appropriate and fully maintained fire fighting equipment suitable for the materials
used and for use in electrical environments available in close proximity at all times.
– Keep clothing free from oil and grease.
– Wear hat, flame-proof apron, woollen clothing, gloves, long sleeve tops with closed neck,
trousers (without turn-ups) to cover non-slip boots.
– Protective head and shoulder coverings should be worn when overhead welding.
– Avoid taking any fuels with you e.g. cigarette lighters or matches.
– Hot spots and their immediate surroundings should be observed until their temperature
has dropped to normal.
Personal Protection:
– The body should be protected by suitable clothing.
– The use of neck protection may be necessary against reflected radiation.
– Wear safety glasses when chipping, wire brushing, grinding or when near cooling welds as metal
filings or slag can be thrown up. Fully enclosed goggles are advisable.
– Arc machines generate a magnetic field which is detrimental to pacemaker recipients.
Consult your doctor before going near welding equipment/operations.
– The UV and IR radiation generated by welding is highly damaging to the eye, causing burns.
This can also affect the skin. Protect the eyes and face.
– The face and eyes shall be protected by suitable welding shields equipped with appropriate
occural protection filters.
– Where environments are subject to pedestrians and traffic ensure a protective screen is
used to avoid accidental arc glare.
- Do not weld in the vicinity or children or animals and ensure no one is looking before
striking up.
– In the welding environment, damaging levels of noise can exist. Wear hearing protection if
the process dictates.
– Do not touch hot equipment or metal. Allow the weld time to cool, use the correct tool and
wear protective welding gauntlets.
– Wear flame retardant clothing (leather, wool, etc.).
– Take care when adjusting or maintaining the torch that it has had time to cool sufficiently
and is disconnected.
– The arc generates
• ultra-violet radiation (can damage skin and eyes);
• visible light (can dazzle eyes and impair vision);
• infra-red (heat) radiation (can damage skin and eyes);
– Such radiation can be direct or reflected from surfaces such as bright metals and light
coloured objects.