iii
SAFETY
iii
5.a. Remove fire hazards from the welding area. If this is not
possible, cover them to prevent the welding sparks from
starting a fire. Remember that welding sparks and hot
materials from welding can easily go through small
cracks and openings to adjacent areas. Avoid welding
near hydraulic lines. Have a fire extinguisher readily
available.
5.b. Where compressed gases are to be used at the job site,
special precautions should be used to prevent hazardous
situations. Refer to “Safety in Welding and Cutting”
(ANSI Standard Z49.1) and the operating information for
the Equipment being used.
5.c. When not welding, make certain no part of the electrode
circuit is touching the work or ground. Accidental contact
can cause overheating and create a fire hazard.
5.d. Do not heat, cut or weld tanks, drums or containers until
the proper steps have been taken to insure that such pro-
cedures will not cause flammable or toxic vapors from
substances inside. They can cause an explosion even
th
ough they have been “cleaned”. For information,
purchase “Recommended Safe Practices for the
Preparation for Welding and Cutting of Containers and
Piping That Have Held Hazardous Substances”, AWS
F4.1 from the American Welding Society (see address
above).
5.e. Vent hollow castings or containers before heating, cutting
or welding. They may explode.
5.f. Sparks and spatter are thrown from the welding arc. Wear
oil free protective garments such as leather gloves, heavy
shirt, cuffless trousers, high shoes and a cap over your
hair. Wear ear plugs when welding out of position or in
confined places. Always wear safety glasses with side
shields when in a welding area.
5.g. Connect the work cable to the work as close to the
welding area as practical. Work cables connected to the
building framework or other locations away from the
welding area increase the possibility of the welding
current passing through lifting chains, crane cables or
other alternate circuits. This can create fire hazards or
overheat lifting chains or cables until they fail.
6.a. Use only compressed gas cylinders containing the
correct shielding gas for the process used and
properly operating regulators designed for the gas
and pressure used. All hoses, fittings, etc. should be
suitable for the application and maintained in good
condition.
6.b. Always keep cylinders in an upright position securely
chained to an undercarriage or fixed support.
6.c. Cylinders should be located:
Away from areas where they may be struck or
subjected to physical damage.
A safe distance from arc welding or cutting
operations and any other source of heat, sparks,
or flame.
6.d. Never allow the electrode, electrode holder or any other
electrically “hot” parts to touch a cylinder.
6.e. Keep your head and face away from the cylinder valve
outlet when opening the cylinder valve.
6.f. Valve protection caps should always be in place and
hand tight except when the cylinder is in use or
connected for use.
6.g. Read and follow the instructions on compressed gas
cylinders, associated equipment, and CGA publication
P-
I, “Precautions for Safe Handling of Compressed
Gases in Cylinders,” available from the Compressed Gas
Association 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington,
VA 22202.
7.a. Turn off input power using the disconnect switch at the
fuse box before working on the equipment.
7.b. Install equipment in accordance with the U.S. National
Electrical Code, all local co
des and the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
7.c. Ground the equipment in accordance with the U.S.
National Electrical Code and the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
CYLINDER may
explode if damaged.
WELDING SPARKS can
cause fire or explosion.
FOR ELECTRICALLY
Powered Equipment.