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Always be sure the work cable makes a good electrical connection with the metal being welded. The
connection should be as close as possible to the area being welded.
Maintain the electrode holder, work clamp, welding cable and welding machine in good, safe operating
condition. Replace damaged insulation.
Never dip the electrode in water for cooling.
Never simultaneously touch electrically “hot” parts of electrode holders connected to two welders because
voltage between the two can be the total of the open circuit voltage of both welders.
When working above the floor level, use a safety belt to protect yourself from a fall should you get a shock.
FUMES AND GASES CAN BE DANGEROUS.
Welding may produce fumes and gases hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these fumes and gases. When
welding, keep your head out of the fume. Use enough ventilation and/or exhaust at the arc to keep fumes and
gases away from the breathing zone. When welding with electrodes which require special ventilation such as
stainless or hard facing or on lead or cadmium plated steel and other metals or coatings which produce highly
toxic fumes, keep exposure as low as possible and below Threshold Limit Values using local exhaust or
mechanical ventilation. In confined spaces or in some circumstances, outdoors, a respirator may be required.
Additional precautions are also required when welding on galvanized steel.
Do not weld in locations near chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors coming from degreasing, cleaning or spraying
operations. The heat and rays of the arc can react with solvent vapors to form phosgene, a highly toxic gas,
and other irritating products.
Shielded gases used for arc welding can displace air and cause injury or death. Always use enough
ventilation, especially in confined areas, to insure breathing air is safe.
ARC RAYS CAN BURN.
Use a shield with the proper filter and cover plates to protect your eyes from sparks and the rays of the arc
when welding or observing open arc welding.
Use suitable clothing made from durable flame-resistant material to protect your skin and that of your helpers
from the arc rays.
Protect other nearby personnel with suitable, non-flammable screening and /or warn them not to watch the
arc nor expose themselves to the arc rays or to hot spatter or metal.
