ESAB SCT-1500 SERIES, Operating Instructions Manual

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These Safety Precautions are for your protection. They summarize pre-
cautionary information 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 require
ear protection. Hot metal can cause skin burns and
heat rays may injure eyes. Training in the proper
use of the processes and equipment is essential to
prevent accidents. Also:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any
work area, even if welding helmets, face shields, or
goggles are also required.
2. Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt, cuff-
less trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding helmet or cap for hair
protection, to protect against hot sparks and hot metal. A flameproof
apron may also be desirable as protection against radiated heat and
sparks.
3. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trousers cuffs,
or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned, and open
pockets eliminated from the front of clothing.
4. Protect other personnel from hot sparks with a suitable non-flam-
mable partition or curtains.
5. Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or grinding.
Chipped slag may be hot and can travel considerable distances.
Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND ExPLOSIONS - Heat from a flame can act as an ignition
source. Hot slag or sparks can also cause fires or ex-
plosions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well away from
the work area or completely cover the materials with a
protective non-flammable covering. Combustible mate-
rials 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 on the floor below.
Make certain that such openings are protected from hot sparks and
metal.
3. Do not weld, cut, or perform any other hot work on materials, con-
tainers, or piping until it has been completely cleaned so that no
substances on the material can produce flammable or toxic vapors.
Do not do hot work on closed containers. They may explode.
4. Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use, such as a
garden hose, a pail of water or sand, or portable fire extinguisher. Be
sure you are trained in its use.
5. After completing operations, inspect the work area to be sure that
there are no hot sparks or hot metal which could cause a later fire.
Use fire watchers when necessary.
6. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B, “Fire Preven-
tion in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes”, which is available from
the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy,
MA 02269.
FUMES AND GASES - Fumes and gases, particularly in confined spaces,
can cause discomfort or injury. Do not breathe fumes or gases from
welding or cutting, Therefore:
1. Always provide adequate ventilation in
the work area by natural or mechanical ventilation
means. Do not weld, cut, or gouge on materials such
as galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, zinc, lead,
beryllium, or cadmium unless positive mechanical
ventilation is provided. Do not breathe fumes and
gases from these materials.
2. If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation while operat-
ing, this is an indication that ventilation is not adequate. Stop work
at once and take necessary steps to improve ventilation in the work
area. Do not continue to operate if physical discomfort persists.
3. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 listed below for specific ventilation
recommendations.
4. WARNING: This product, when used for welding or cutting,
produces fumes or gases which contain chemicals
known to the State of California to cause birth
defects and, in some cases, cancer. (California
Health & Safety Code §25249.5 et seq.)
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - Faulty or improperly maintained equip-
ment, such as torches, hoses and regulators, can result in poor work,
but even more important, it can cause injury or death through fires.
Therefore:
1. Always have qualified personnel perform the installation,
troubleshooting, and maintenance work. Do not operate
or repair any equipment unless you are qualified to do so.
2. Keep all oxy-fuel equipment free of grease or oil. Grease,
oil, and other similar combustible materials, when ignited, can burn
violently in the presence of oxygen.
3. Do not abuse any equipment or accessories. Keep equipment away
from heat and wet conditions, oil or grease, corrosive atmospheres
and inclement weather.
4. Keep all safety devices in position and in good repair.
5. Use equipment for its intended purpose. Do not modify it in any
manner.
GAS CYLINDER HANDLING - Gas cylinders, if mishandled, can rupture
or explode violently. Sudden rupture of a cylinder, valve or relief
device can injure or kill you. Therefore:
1. Use the proper gas for the process and use the proper
pressure reducing regulator designed to operate from the
compressed gas cylinder. Do not use adaptors to mount
the regulator on the cylinder. Maintain hoses and fittings
in good condition. Follow manufacturer’s operating
instructions for mounting the regulator to the gas cylinder.
2. Always secure cylinders in an upright position by chain or strap to
suitable hand trucks, benches, walls, post, or racks. Never secure
cylinders to work tables or fixtures where they may become part of
an electrical circuit.
3. When not in use, keep cylinder valves closed. Have the valve protec-
tion cap in place on top of the cylinder if no regulators is installed.
Secure and move cylinders by using suitable hand trucks. Avoid rough
handling of cylinders.
4. Locate cylinders away from heat, sparks, or flame of a welding, cut-
ting, or gouging operation. Never strike an arc on a cylinder.
5. For additional information, refer to CGA Standard P-1, “Precautions for
Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders:, which is available
from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Arlington, VA 22202.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION - For more information on safe
practices for oxy-fuel welding and cutting equipment, ask your
distributor for a copy of “Precautions and Safe Practices for
Gas Welding, Cutting, and Heating”, Form 2035. Gas apparatus
safety guidelines are also available on video cassettes from your
distributor.
The following publications, which are available from the
American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJuene Road, Miami,
FL 33126, are recommended to you:
1. ANSI/AWS Z49.1 - “Safety in Welding and Cutting”.
2. AWS F4.1 - “Recommended Safe Practices for the Prepara-
tion for Welding and Cutting of Containers and Piping That
Have Held Hazardous Substances”/
3. AWS SP - “Safe Practices” - Reprint, Welding Handbook.
Means immediate hazards which, if not avoided,
will result in immediate, serious personal injury
or loss of life.
Means potential hazards which could result in
personal injury or loss of life.
Means hazards which could result in minor per-
sonal injury.
MEANING OF SYMBOLS - As used throughout this
manual: Means Attention! Be Alert! Your safety is
involved.
SP-GA 10/98
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS