HD Manual Arc Welders
©2000 CIGWELD All rights reserved
4
CAUTION
A procedure which, if not properly followed, may cause damage to the equipment.
WARNING
A procedure which, if not properly followed, may cause injury to the operator or others in the operating
area.
1.2 Important Safety Precautions
WARNING 1
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF WELDING ARC EQUIPMENT CAN BE DANGEROUS
AND HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH.
To prevent possible injury, read, understand and follow all warnings, safety precautions and instructions
before using the equipment. Call your local distributor if you have any questions.
GASES AND FUMES
Gases and fumes produced during the welding process can be dangerous and hazardous to your
health.
♦
Keep all fumes and gases from the breathing area. Keep your head out of the welding fume plume.
♦
Use an air-supplied respirator if ventilation is not adequate to remove all fumes and gases.
♦
The kinds of fumes and gases from the welding arc depend on the kind of metal being used, coatings
on the metal, and the different processes. You must be very careful when cutting or welding any
metals which may contain one or more of the following:
Antimony Beryllium
Cobalt Manganese
Selenium
Arsenic Cadmium
Copper
Mercury
Silver
Barium Chromium
Lead Nickel
Vanadium
♦
Always read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s) that should be supplied with the material you
are using. These MSDS’s will give you the information regarding the kind and amount of fumes and
gases that may be dangerous to your health.
♦
Use special equipment, such as water or down draft cutting tables, to capture fumes and gases.
♦
Do not use the welding torch in an area where combustible or explosive gases or materials are located.
♦
Phosgene, a toxic gas, is generated from the vapours of chlorinated solvents and cleansers. Remove
all sources of these vapours.
♦
Refer to the Victorian Occupational Health and safety (Confined Spaces) Regulations 1996 and Code
of Practice or its equivalent for other states and / or countries.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Electric Shock can injure or kill. The welding arc process uses and produces high voltage
electrical energy. This electric energy can cause severe or fatal shock to the operator or others
in the workplace.
♦
Never touch any parts that are electrically “live” or “hot.”
♦
Wear dry gloves and clothing. Insulate yourself from the work piece or other parts of the welding
circuit.
♦
Repair or replace all worn or damaged parts.
♦
Extra care must be taken when the workplace is moist or damp.
