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closed and securely in place.
2.
Have only qualified people remove guards or
covers for maintenance and troubleshooting as
necessary.
H.
EMF Information
Considerations About Welding and the
Effects of Low Frequency Electric and
Magnetic Fields
The following is a quotation from the General
Conclusions Section of the U.S. Congress, Office of
Technology Assessment, Biological Effects of Power
Frequency Electric & Magnetic Fields - Background
Paper, OTA-BP-E-53 (Washington, DC: U.S.
Government Printing Office, May 1989):
".... there is now a very large volume of scientific
findings based on experiments at the cellular level and
from studies with animals and people which clearly
establish that low frequency magnetic fields can
interact with, and produce changes in, biological
systems. While most of this work is of very high
quality, the results are complex. Current scientific
understanding does not yet allow us to interpret the
evidence in a single coherent framework. Even more
frustrating, it does not yet allow us to draw definite
conclusions about questions of possible risk or to offer
clear science-based advice on strategies to minimize or
avoid potential risks."
To reduce magnetic fields in the work place, use the
following procedures:
1.
Keep cables close together by twisting or
taping them.
2.
Arrange cables to one side and away from the
operator.
3.
Do not coil or drape cables around the body.
4.
Keep welding power source and cables as far
away as practical.
5.
Connect work clamp to part as close to the
weld as possible.
About Pacemakers:
The above procedures are among those also normally
recommended for pacemaker wearers. Consult your
doctor for complete information.
I.
Principal Safety Standards
Reference as applicable
Safety in Welding and Cutting, ANSI Standard Z49.1,
from American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune
Rd, Miami, FL 33126
Safety and Health Standards, OSHA 29 CFR 1910,
from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
National Electric Code, NFPA Standard 70 from
National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269
Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation for
Welding and Cutting of Containers That Have Held
Hazardous Substances, American Welding Society
Standard AWS F4.1, from American Welding Society,
550 N.W. LeJeune Rd, Miami, FL 33126
Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders, CGA
Pamphlet P-1, from Compressed Gas Association, 1235
Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 501, Arlington, VA
22202
Code for Safety in Welding and Cutting, CSA Standard
W117.2, from Canadian Standards Association,
Standards Sales, 178 Rexdale Boulevard, Rexdale,
Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3
Sales Practices for Occupation and Educational Eye and
Face Protection, ANSI
Standard Z87.1, from American National Standards
Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Cutting and Welding Processes, NFPA Standard 51B,
from National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269
