Impax IM-MMA140, Instruction Manual, Page: 4 / 24

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SAFETY INFORMATION
Before attempting to operate the machine, it is
essential that you read this manual thoroughly
and carefully follow all instructions given. In
doing so you will ensure the safety of yourself
and that of others around you, and you can also
look forward to the welder giving you long and
satisfactory service.
Important
Warning! If you have no welding experience, we
recommend you seek training from an
experienced person.
Caution: The pages of this manual are restricted
to the basic safe use of an MMA (Manual Metal
Arc) welding power supply and very basic
welding technique. We recommend you
purchase a good quality publication on welding
or if you have internet access visit one of the
numerous welding related web sites to be able
to use the welding power supply to its full
potential.
The electrodes used in an MMA welding are
many and varied. You are advised to seek advice
from your local welding equipment supplier for
the correct selection of wire electrode for the
work being performed.
THE QUALITY OF ANY WELDED JOINT IS
DEPENDANT ON THE PREPARATION OF THE
JOINT THE SELECTION OF THE CORRECT
WIRE ELECTRODE AND THE SKILL AND
EXPERIENCE OF THE WELDER.
General Welding Safety
The Workshop Environment
Housekeeping is extremely important to avoid
injury from slips, trips and falls, damage to
equipment and fire. The work area should be
kept clean and tidy at all times. Combustible
materials must not be discarded or stored in the
vicinity of the welding area.
Avoid using your welder in the vicinity of:
a) other supply cables, control cables, signalling
and telephone cables; above, below and
adjacent to the welding equipment;
b) radio and television transmitters and
receivers;
c) computer and other control equipment;
d) safety critical equipment, e.g. guarding of
industrial equipment;
e) pacemakers and hearing aids etc.;
f) equipment used for calibration or
measurement;
g) other equipment in the environment. The user
shall ensure that other equipment being used
in the environment is compatible. This may
require additional protection measures;
It may be possible to avoid the above by
changing the time of day that welding or other
activities are to be carried out.
The size of the surrounding area to be
considered will depend on the structure of the
building and other activities that are taking
place. The surrounding area may extend beyond
the boundaries of the premises.
Electrical Safety
As one of the principal dangers from welding
operations is an electric shock, from the live
parts of the welding circuit (the wire electrode
torch and the work piece), the following
practices are recommended.
Shock Prevention
Exposed live conductors or other bare metal in
the welding circuit, or in unearthed, electrically-
LIVE equipment can fatally shock a person
whose body becomes a conductor. DO NOT
STAND, SIT, LIE, LEAN ON, OR TOUCH a wet
surface when welding, without suitable
protection.
Protection for Wearers of Pacemakers
Magnetic fields from high currents can affect
pacemaker operation. Persons wearing
electronic life support equipment (pacemaker)
should consult with their doctor before going
near arc welding, gouging, or spot welding
operations.
To Prevent Against Shock
Keep body and clothing dry. Never work in
damp area without adequate insulation against
electrical shock. Stay on a dry duckboard, or
rubber mat when dampness or sweat can not
be avoided.