ESAB Miniarc 150, Instruction Manual, Page: 5 / 48

WARNING:
T
hese Safety Precautions are for your
protection. They summarize precautionary infor-
mation from the references listed in Additional
Safety Information section. Before performing any
installation or operating procedures, be sure to read and follow
the safety precautions listed below as well as all other manuals,
material safety data sheets, labels, etc. Failure to observe Safety
Precautions can result in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
--
Some welding, cutting,
and gouging processes are noisy and re-
quire ear protection. The arc, like the sun,
emits ultraviolet (UV) and other radiation
and can injure skin and eyes. Hot metal
can cause burns. Training in the proper
use of the processes and equipment is essential to prevent
accidents. Therefore:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any work area,
even if welding helmets, face shields, and goggles are also
required.
2. Use a face shield fitted with the correct filter and cover plates
to protect your eyes, face, neck, and ears from sparks and rays
of the arc when operating or observing operations. Warn by-
standers not to watch the arc and not to expose themselves
to the rays of the electric-arc or hot metal.
3. Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve
shirt, cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding
helmet or cap for hair protection, to protect against arc rays
and hot sparks or hot metal. A flameproof apron may also be
desirable as protection against radiated heat and sparks.
. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trouser
cuffs, or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned,
and open pockets eliminated from the front of clothing
. Protect other personnel from arc rays and hot sparks with a
suitable non-flammable partition or curtains.
6. Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or grind-
ing. Chipped slag may be hot and can fly far. Bystanders should
also wear goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS -- Heat from flames and arcs can
start fires. Hot slag or sparks can also cause fires and explo-
sions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials
well away from the work area or cover the
materials with a protective non-flammable
covering. Combustible materials include wood,
cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels, solvents,
paints and coatings, paper, etc.
2. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in
floors or wall openings and cause a hidden smoldering fire
or fires on the floor below. Make certain that such openings
are protected from hot sparks and metal.“
3. Do not weld, cut or perform other hot work until the workpiece
has been completely cleaned so that there are no substances
on the workpiece which might produce flammable or toxic
vapors. Do not do hot work on closed containers. They may
explode.
. Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use,
such as a garden hose, water pail, sand bucket, or portable
fire extinguisher. Be sure you are trained in its use.
. Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For example, over-
loaded welding cable can overheat and create a fire hazard.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
6. After completing operations, inspect the work area to make
certain there are no hot sparks or hot metal which could cause
a later fire. Use fire watchers when necessary.
7. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 1B, “Fire
Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes”, available
from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK -- Contact with live electrical parts and
ground can cause severe injury or death. DO NOT use AC
welding current in damp areas, if movement is confined, or
if there is danger of falling.
1. Be sure the power source frame
(chassis) is connected to the ground system of
the input power.
2. Connect the workpiece to a good
electrical ground.
3. Connect the work cable to the
workpiece. A poor or missing connection can
expose you or others to a fatal shock.
. Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or damaged
cables.
. Keep everything dry, including clothing, work area, cables,
torch/electrode holder, and power source.
6. Make sure that all parts of your body are insulated from
work and from ground.
7. Do not stand directly on metal or the earth while working
in tight quarters or a damp area; stand on dry boards or an
insulating platform and wear rubber-soled shoes.
8. Put on dry, hole-free gloves before turning on the power.
9. Turn off the power before removing your gloves.
10. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z9.1 (listed on next page) for
specific grounding recommendations. Do not mistake the
work lead for a ground cable.
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS — May be dangerous.
Electric current flowing through any conductor causes local-
ized Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF). Welding and cutting
current creates EMF around welding cables and welding
machines. Therefore:
1. Welders having pacemakers should consult their physician
before welding. EMF may interfere with some
pacemakers.
2. Exposure to EMF may have other
health effects which are unknown.
3. Welders should use the following
procedures to minimize exposure to EMF:
A. Route the electrode and work
cables together. Secure them with tape when
possible.
B. Never coil the torch or work cable around your body.
C. Do not place your body between the torch and work cables.
Route cables on the same side of your body.
D. Connect the work cable to the workpiece as close as pos-
sible to the area being welded.
E. Keep welding power source and cables as far away from
your body as possible.