Thermal Arc 400 GTSW AC/DC, Operating Manual

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INTRODUCTION ii
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING
Gases and Fumes
Operation and maintenance of arc welding equipment involves
potential hazards. Operators and all others in the operating area
should be alerted to possible hazards, and precautions should be
taken to prevent possible injury.
Read these safety precautions and the entire instruction manual
before operating.
Do not use this power supply to thaw frozen water pipes.
This equipment must be installed, operated, and serviced by
qualified personnel only.
GASES AND FUMES produced during arc welding can be
dangerous and hazardous to your health.
Keep all fumes and gases from the breathing area.
Different arc welding processes, electrodes, and fluxes can
produce different fumes, gases and radiation levels. Consult
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) and manufacturer's instruc-
tions for specific technical data and precautionary measures for
all fluxes, electrodes, and materials used.
Severe discomfort, illness or death can result from fumes, vapors,
heat, or oxygen enrichment or depletion that welding (or cutting)
may produce. Ventilation must be adequate to remove gases and
fumes during operation as described in ANSI Standard Z49.1.
Use a downdraft table or water table to capture fumes and gases.
Use an air-supplied respirator if ventilation is not adequate to
remove all fumes and gases.
When working in confined spaces provide adequate ventilation
or wear an air-supplied respirator if necessary.
Gas leaks in a confined space should be avoided. Leaked gas in
large quantities can change oxygen concentration dangerously.
Do not bring gas cylinders into a confined space.
When leaving confined space, shut off gas supply at source to
prevent possible accumulation of gases if downstream valves are
accidentally opened. Check that area is safe before re-entering.
Materials containing lead, cadmium, zinc, mercury, beryllium,
and similar materials may produce harmful concentrations of
toxic fumes when welded or cut. Adequate local exhaust ventila-
tion must be used, or operators and others in the operating area
must wear an air-supplied respirator. For beryllium, both must
be used.