© 2016 Nelson Stud Welding, Inc.
Page 3
All Rights Reserved.
February 2016
Part No. 729-110-042 v1.03
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.
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
rubber soled 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.
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.
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:
4.
Route the electrode and work cables together. Secure them with tape
when possible.
5.
Never coil the torch or work cable around your body.
6.
Do not place your body between the torch and work cables. Route cables
on the same side of your body.
7.
Connect the work cable to the work piece as close as possible to the area
being welded.
8.
Keep welding power source and cables as far away from your body as
possible.
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 Cut
ting and Welding Processes,” available from the National Fire
Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269
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.
