6
Allow the welded material to cool down before
touching it or putting it in contact with combusti
ble or flammable material.
Do not weld parts with hollow spaces, containing flam-
mables.
Do not work under conditions with high concentrations
of combustible vapours, gases, or flammable dust.
Always check the work area half an hour after welding
so as to make sure that no fire has started.
Do not keep any combustible material such as lighters
or matches in your pockets.
7.2 BURNS
WARNING!
Wear protective clothing in order to protect
against burns caused by ultraviolet radiation
given off by the arc, and from weld metal sparks
and slag.
Wear protective gloves designed for use in wel
ding, hat and high safety-toe shoes. Button shirt
collar and pocket flaps, and wear cuff-less trou-
sers to avoid entry of sparks and slag.
Wear helmet with safety goggles and
glasses with side shields underneath,
appropriate filter lenses or plates (protec-
ted by clear cover glass). This is a MUST for welding to
protect the eyes from radiant energy and flying metal.
Replace cover glass when broken, pitted, or spattered.
Avoid oil or greasy clothing. A spark may ignite them.
Hot metal such as electrode stubs and workpieces
should never be handled without gloves.
Ear plugs should be worn when working on
overhead or in a confined space. A hard hat
should be worn when others work overhead.
Flammable hair preparations should not be used by
persons intending to weld or cut.
7.3 FUMES
WARNING!
Welding operations give off harmful fumes and
metal dusts which may be hazardous to your
health, therefore:
Work in a well-ventilated area.
Keep your head out of fumes.
In closed areas, use suitable exhaust fans.
If ventilation is not enough, use breathing
apparatus approved for this procedure.
Clean the material to be welded of any solvents or halo-
gen degreasers. Some clorine solvents may decompose
with the radiation emitted by the arc, and create phosge-
ne gas.
Do not weld plated metals or those containing lead,
graphite, cadmium, zink, chrome, mercury or beryllium,
unless you have the proper breathing apparatus.
The electric arc creates ozone. A long exposure to high
concentrations may cause headaches, nasal, throat and
eye irritation as well as serious congestions and chest
pains.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE OXYGEN FOR VENTILATION.
Gas leaks in a confined space should be avoided.
Leaked gas in large quantities can change oxygen con-
centration dangerously. Do not bring gas cylinders into a
confined space.
DO NOT WELD where solvent vapors can be drawn into
the welding atmosphere or where the radiant energy can
penetrate to atmospheres containing even minute
amounts of trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene.
7.4 EXPLOSIONS
WARNING!
Do not weld above or near containers under
pressure.
Do not weld in environments containing
explosive dusts, gases or vapors.
This welding machine uses inert gases such as CO2,
ARGON, or a mixture of ARGON + CO2 for the protection
of the arc, thus you should take special precautions:
A
) CYLINDERS
Do not directly connect cylinder to the machine gas
hose without a pressure regulator.
Handle or use pressure cylinders in conformity with the
existing rules.
Do not use leaking or damaged cylinders.
Do not use cylinders which are not well secured.
Do not carry cylinders without the protection of the
installed valve.
Do not use cylinders whose content has not been
clearly identified.
Never lubricate cylinder valves with oil or grease.
Do not put the cylinder in electrical contact with the arc.
Do not expose cylinders to excessive heat, sparks, mol-
ten slags or flame.
Do not tamper with the cylinder valves.
Do not try to loosen tight valves by means of hammers,
keys, or any other object.
NEVER DEFACE or alter name, number, or other
markings on a cylinder.
Do not lift cylinders off the ground by their valves or
caps, or by chains, slings or magnets.
Never try to mix any gases in a cylinder.
Never refill any cylinder.
Cylinder fittings should never be modified or exchan-
ged.
B
) PRESSURE REGULATORS
Keep pressure regulators in good condition. Damaged
regulators may cause damages or accidents, they should
only be repaired by skilled personnel.
Do not use regulators for gases other than those for
which they are manufactured.
Never use a leaking or damaged regulator.
Never lubricate regulators with oil or grease.
C
) HOSES
Replace hoses which appear damaged.
Keep the excess hose wound and out of the working
area in order to avoid any damage.
