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8. Prevent accidental fires. Remove any com-
bustible material from the work area.
a. When possible, move the work to a loca-
tion well away from combustible; protect
the combustibles with a cover made of fire
resistant material.
b. Remove or make safe all combustible ma-
terials for a radius of 35 feet (10 meters)
around the work area. Use a fire resistant
material to cover or block all open door-
ways, windows, cracks, and other open-
ings.
c. Enclose the work area with portable fire
resistant screens. Protect combustible
walls, ceilings, floors, etc., from sparks and
heat with fire resistant covers.
d. If working on a metal wall, ceiling, etc.,
prevent ignition of combustibles on the
other side by moving the combustibles to a
safe location. If relocation of combustibles
is not possible, designate someone to serve
as a fire watch, equipped with a fire ex-
tinguisher, during the welding process and
for at least one half hour after the weld-
ing is completed.
e. Do not weld on materials having a com-
bustible coating or combustible internal
structure, as in walls or ceilings, without
an approved method for eliminating the
hazard.
f. Do not dispose of hot slag in containers
holding combustible materials. Keep a fire
extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
g. After welding make a thorough examina-
tion for evidence of fire. Be aware that
easily visible smoke or flame may not be
present for some time after the fire has
started. Do not weld in atmospheres con-
taining
h. Dangerously reactive or flammable gases,
vapors, liquids, and dust provide adequate
ventilation in work areas to prevent accu-
mulation of flammable gases, vapors, and
dust. Do not apply heat to a container that
has held an unknown substance or a com-
bustible material whose contents, when
heated, can produce flammable or explo-
sive vapors. Clean and purge containers
before applying heat. Vent closed contain-
ers., including castings, before preheating,
welding.
i. Only use compressed air to operate the
Plasma Welder/Cutter. Never use other
compressed gases.
WARNING: INHALATION HAZARD; Welding
and Produce TOXIC FUMES.
Exposure to welding exhaust fumes can in-
crease the risk of developing certain cancers,
such as cancer of the larynx and lung cancer.
Also, some diseases that may be linked to ex-
posure to welding exhaust fumes are:
a. Early onset of Parkinson’s Disease
b. Heart disease
c. Ulcers
d. Damage to the reproductive organs
e. Inflammation of the small intestine or
stomach
f. Kidney damage
g. Respiratory diseases such as emphysema,
bronchitis, or pneumonia
Use natural or forced air ventilation and wear
a respirator approved by NIOSH to protect
against the fumes produced to reduce the risk
of developing the above illnesses.
9. Avoid overexposure to fumes and gases.
Always keep your head out of the fumes. Do
not breathe the fumes. Use enough ventilation
or exhaust, or both, to keep fumes and gases
from your breathing zone and general area.
• Where ventilation is questionable, have a
qualified technician take an air sampling
to determine the need for corrective
measures. Use mechanical ventilation to
improve air quality. If engineering controls
are not feasible, use an approved respira-
tor.
• Work in a confined area only if it is well
ventilated, or while wearing an air-sup-
plied respirator.
• Follow OSHA guidelines for Permissible Ex-
posure Limits (PEL’s) for various fumes and
gases.
10. Always keep hoses away from welding
spot. Examine all hoses and cables for cuts,
burns, or worn areas before each use. If any
damaged areas are found, replace the hoses or
cables immediately.
11. Read and understand all instructions and
safety precautions as outlined in the manufac-
turer’s manual for the material you will weld
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