HD Manual Arc Welders
©2000 CIGWELD All rights reserved
10
WARNING 3
For the purpose of safety and performance and to protect your CIGWELD Equipment Warranty always
use genuine CIGWELD replacement parts and accessories.
4. SAFE PRACTICES FOR THE USE OF WELDING EQUIPMENT
In many situations the “striking” voltage can be hazardous. Any person touching simultaneously the
electrode lead/terminal and the work lead/terminal may receive a serious electrical shock. Additional
precautions must be exercised where two Welding Power Sources are being used close to each other
because, under certain conditions, the voltages between the welding terminals of the two Welding
Power Sources could be two times the specified open circuit voltage.
It is essential that the Welding Power Source is correctly installed, if necessary, by a qualified
electrician and maintained in sound mechanical and electrical condition. It is also important that the
Welding Power Source be switched off when not in use.
4.1 Precautions to be Taken by Operators
♦
Whenever practicable, all parts of the welding circuit should be isolated from earth and other
conducting material and under no circumstances should any earthing conductor of the
electrical installation be used in place of the work lead.
♦
The Mains supply voltage should be switched off before connecting or disconnecting
welding leads. Welding lead connections must have clean contact surfaces and must be
securely tightened. Poor connections will result in overheating and loss of welding current.
All parts of the welding circuit, including the return paths, are to be considered electrically
alive, so the operator must ensure that no part of the body is placed in such a position that it
will provide a path for an electric current.
♦
Welding operators should avoid direct contact with the work to be welded or against any
metal in contact with the work. When this cannot be avoided the operator must not touch
any exposed portion of the electrode holder with any part of the body. Should this occur, the
operator will risk completing the electrical circuit through the body.
♦
When welding in confined spaces, where reasonable movement is restricted, particular care
must be taken to ensure that the area is well ventilated and the operator is under constant
observation by a person who can immediately switch off the power and give assistance in an
emergency.
♦
The flux covering of an electrode cannot be assumed to provide effective insulation,
consequently an insulating glove must be worn when placing an electrode into its holder, or
should it be necessary to handle an electrode once it is in contact with its holder.
♦
During pauses between welding runs, electrode holders should be so placed that they cannot
make electrical contact with persons or conductive objects.
♦
The welding leads, both the electrode lead and the work lead, must be protected from
damage. Damaged leads must not be used.
♦
Keep combustible materials away from the welding area. Have a suitable fire extinguisher
handy.
♦
Do not stand on damp ground when welding.
4.2 Personal
Protection
The radiation from an electric arc during the welding process can seriously harm eyes and skin.
It is essential that the following precautions be taken:
♦
Gloves should be flameproof gauntlet type to protect hands and wrists from heat burns and
harmful radiations. They should be kept dry and in good repair.
