© 2013 Nelson Stud Welding, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
WARNING
The following Safety section is for your
protection.
It
summarizes
precautionary
information from the references listed in the
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 these precautions
can result in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Some welding, cutting, and gouging processes
are noisy and require ear protection. The arc,
like the sun, emits ultraviolet (UV) rays and
other radiation which can harm the skin and
eyes. Hot metal can cause burns. Training in
the proper use of the processes and
equipment is essential to prevent accidents.
Therefore:
1.
Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any work
area, even if welding helmets, face shields and goggles
are also required.
2.
Use a face shield fitted with filter shade #3 per ANSI
Z87.1. Cover sparks and rays of the arc when operating
or observing operations. Warn bystanders not to watch
the arc and not to expose themselves to the rays of the
electric-arc or hot metal.
3.
Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve
shirt, cuffless trousers, high topped shoes, and a welding
helmet or cap for hair protection, to protect against arc
rays and hot sparks or hot metal. A flameproof apron may
also be desirable as protection against radiated heat and
sparks.
4.
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.
5.
Protect other personnel from arc rays and hot sparks with
suitable nonflammable partitions or curtains.
6.
Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or
grinding. Chipped slag may be hot and can fly far.
Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS
Heat from flames and arcs can start fires. Hot
slag or sparks can also cause fires and
explosions. Therefore:
1.
Remove all combustible materials well away from the work
area or cover the materials with a protective
nonflammable covering. Combustible materials 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 or fires on the floor below. Make certain that such
openings are protected from hot sparks and metal.
3.
Do not weld, cut, or perform other hot work until the work
piece has been completely cleaned so that there are no
substances on the work piece which might produce
flammable or toxic vapors. Do not do hot work on closed
containers. They may explode.
4.
Have appropriate fire extinguishing equipment handy for
instant use, such as a garden hose, water pail, sand
bucket or portable fire extinguisher. Be sure you are
trained for proper use.
5.
Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For example,
overloaded welding cable can overheat and create a fire
hazard.
6.
After completing operations, inspect the work area to
make certain there are no hot sparks or hot metal which
could cause a later fire. Use fire watchers when necessary.
7.
For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B,
“Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes,”
available from the National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Contact with live electrical parts and ground
can cause severe injury or death. DO NOT use
welding current in damp areas, if movement
is confined, or if there is danger of falling.
Therefore:
1.
Be sure the power source frame (chassis) is connected
to the ground system of the input power.
2.
Connect the work piece to a good electrical ground.
3.
Connect the work cable to the work piece. A poor or
missing connection can expose you or others to a fatal
shock.
4.
Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or
damaged cables..
5.
Keep everything dry, including clothing, work area,
cables, torch/electrode holder and power source.
6.
Make sure that all parts of your body are insulated from
work and from the ground.
7.
Do not stand directly on metal or the earth while
working in tight quarters or a damp area; stand on dry
boards or an insulating platform and wear rubbersoled
shoes.
8.
Put on dry, hole-free gloves before turning on the
power.
9.
Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 for specific
grounding recommendations. Do not mistake the work
lead for a ground cable.
ELECTRICAL AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
Electric and magnetic fields may be
dangerous. Electric current flowing through
any conductor causes localized Electric and
Magnetic Fields (EMF). Welding and cutting
current creates EMF around welding cables
and welding machines. Therefore:
1.
Operators having pacemakers should consult their
physician before welding. EMF may interfere with some
pacemakers.
2.
Exposure to EMF may have other health effects which
are unknown.
3.
Operators should use the following procedures to
minimize exposure to EMF:
a.
Route the electrode and work cables together. Secure
them with tape when possible.
b.
Never coil the torch or work cable around your body.
c.
Do not place your body between the torch and work
cables. Route cables on the same side of your body.
d.
Connect the work cable to the work piece as close as
possible to the area being welded.
e.
Keep welding power source and cables as far away
from your body as possible.
FUMES AND GASES
Fumes and gases can cause discomfort or
harm, particularly in confined spaces. Do
not breathe fumes and gases. Shielding
gases can cause asphyxiation. Therefore:
1.
Always provide adequate ventilation in the work area by
natural or mechanical 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 from these materials.
2.
Do not operate near degreasing and spraying
operations. The heat or arc rays can react with
chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors to form phosgene, a
highly toxic gas, and other irritant gasses.
3.
If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation
while operating, this is an indication that ventilation is
not adequate. Stop work and take necessary steps to
improve ventilation in the work areas. Do not continue
to operate if physical discomfort persists.
4.
Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 (see listing on next
page) for specific ventilation recommendations.
