A WILKINSON STAR PRODUCT 02-18 ISSUE 1
2 SAFETY
These general safety norms cover both arc welding
machines and plasma cutting machines unless
otherwise noted.
The equipment must only be used for the purpose
it was designed for. Using it in any other way could
result in damage or injury and in breach of the
safety rules.
Only suitably trained and competent persons
should use the equipment. Operators should
respect the safety of other persons.
Prevention against electric shock
The equipment should be installed by a qualified
person and in accordance with current standards in
operation. It is the users responsibility to ensure
that the equipment is connected to a suitable
power supply. Consult with your utility supplier if
required.
If earth grounding of the work piece is required,
ground it directly with a separate cable.
Do not use the equipment with the covers
removed.
Do not touch live electrical parts or parts which are
electrically charged.
Turn off all equipment when not in use.
Cables (both primary supply and welding) should
be regularly checked for damage and overheating.
Do not use worn, damaged, under sized or poorly
jointed cables.
Ensure that you wear the correct protective
clothing, gloves, head and eye protection.
Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry
insulating mats or covers big enough to prevent
any physical contact with the work ground.
Never touch the electrode if you are in contact
with the work ground or another electrode from a
different machine.
Do not wrap cables over your body.
Ensure that you take additional safety precautions
when you are welding in electrically hazardous
conditions such as damp environments, wearing
wet clothing and metal structures. Try to avoid
welding in cramped or restricted positions.
Ensure that the equipment is well maintained.
Repair or replace damaged or defective parts
immediately. Carry out any regular maintenance in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
Safety against fumes and welding gases
Locate the equipment in a well-ventilated position.
Keep your head out of the fumes. Do not breathe
the fumes.
Ensure the welding zone is in a well-ventilated
area. If this is not possible provision should be
made for suitable fume extraction.
If ventilation is poor, wear an approved respirator.
Read and understand the Material Safety Data
Sheets
(MSDS’s)
and
the
manufacturer’s
instructions for metals, consumable, coatings,
cleaners and de-greasers.
Do not weld in locations near any de-greasing,
cleaning or spraying operations. Be aware that
heat and rays of the arc can react with vapours to
form highly toxic and irritating gases.
Do not weld on coated metals, unless the coating is
removed from the weld area, the area is well
ventilated and while wearing an air-supplied
respirator. The coatings on many metals can give
off toxic fumes if welded.
Prevention against burns and radiation
Arc rays from the welding process produce intense,
visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) rays
that can burn eyes and skin.
Wear an approved welding helmet fitted with a
proper shade of filter lens to protect your face and
eyes when welding or watching.
Wear approved safety glasses with side shields
under your helmet.