6
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
These safety precautions are for protection of safety and health. Failure to follow
these guidelines may result in serious injury or death. Be careful to read and follow all
cautions and warnings. Protect yourself and others.
Welding and cutting processes produce high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can cause se-
vere skin burn and damage
. There are other potential hazards involved with welding such as severe
burns and respiratory related illnesses. Therefore observe the following to minimize potential acci-
dents and injury:
Use appropriate safety glasses with wrap around shields while in the work area, even under weld-
ing helmets to protect your eyes from flying sparks and debris.
When chipping slag or grinding, gog-
gles and face shields may be required.
When welding or cutting, always use an approved shielding device, with the correct shade of filter
installed.
Always use a welding helmet in good condition. Discard any broken or cracked filters or
helmets. Using broken or cracked filters or helmets can cause severe eye injury and burn. Filter
shades of no less than shade 5 for cutting and no less than shade 9 for welding are highly recommend-
ed. Shades greater than 9 may be required for high amperage welds. Keep filter lenses clean and
clear for maximum visibility. It is also advisable to consult with your eye doctor should you wear con-
tacts for corrective vision before you wear them while welding.
Do not allow personnel to watch or observe the welding or cutting operation unless fully protected
by a filter screen, protective curtains or equivalent protective equipment.
If no protection is availa-
ble, exclude them from the work area. Even brief exposure to the rays from the welding arc can
damage unprotected eyes.
Always wear hearing protection because welding and cutting can be extremely noisy. Ear protec-
tion is necessary to prevent hearing loss
. Even prolonged low levels of noise has been known to
create long term hearing damage. Hearing protection also further protects against hot sparks and
debris from entering the ear canal and doing harm.
Always wear personal protective clothing.
Flame proof clothing is required at all times. Sparks and
hot metal can lodge in pockets, hems and cuffs. Make sure loose clothing is tucked in neatly. Leather
aprons and jackets are recommended. Suitable welding jackets and coats may be purchased made
from fire proof material from welding supply stores. Discard any burned or frayed clothing. Keep
clothing away from oil, grease and flammable liquids.
Leather boots or steel toed leather boots with rubber bottoms are required for adequate foot pro-
tection.
Canvas, polyester and other man made materials often found in shoes will either burn or
melt. Rubber or other non conductive soles are necessary to help protect from electrical shock.
Flame proof and insulated gauntlet gloves are required whether welding or cutting or handling met-
al.
Simple work gloves for the garden or chore work are not sufficient. Gauntlet type welding
gloves are available from your local welding supply companies. Never attempt to weld with out
gloves. Welding with out gloves can result in serious burns and electrical shock. If your hand or body
parts comes into contact with the arc of a plasma cutter or welder, instant and serious burns will oc-
cur.
Proper hand protection is required at all times when working with welding or cutting machines!
