8
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING!
Electrical shock can kill.
Make sure all electrical equipment is properly grounded. Do
not use frayed, cut or otherwise damaged cables and leads. Do not stand, lean or rest on ground
clamp. Do not stand in water or damp areas while welding or cutting. Keep work surface dry. Do not
use welder or plasma cutter in the rain or in extremely humid conditions. Use dry rubber soled shoes
and dry gloves when welding or cutting to insulate against electrical shock. Turn machine on or off
only with gloved hand. Keep all parts of the body insulated from work, and work tables. Keep away
from direct contact with skin against work. If tight or close quarters necessitates standing or resting
on work piece, insulate with dry boards and rubber mats designed to insulate the body from direct
contact.
All work cables, leads, and hoses pose trip hazards.
Be aware of their location and make sure all
personnel in area are advised of their location. Taping or securing cables with appropriate restraints
can help reduce trips and falls.
WARNING!
Fire and explosions are real risks while welding or cutting.
Always keep fire extin-
guishers close by and additionally a water hose or bucket of sand. Periodically check work area for
smoldering embers or smoke. It is a good idea to have someone help watch for possible fires while
you are welding. Sparks and hot metal may travel a long distance. They may go into cracks in walls
and floors and start a fire that would not be immediately visible. Here are some things you can do to
reduce the possibility of fire or explosion:
Keep all combustible materials including rags and spare clothing away from area.
Keep all flammable fuels and liquids stored separately from work area.
Visually inspect work area when job is completed for the slightest traces of smoke or embers.
If welding or cutting outside, make sure you are in a cleared off area, free from dry tender and
debris that might start a forest or grass fire.
Do not weld on tanks, drums or barrels that are closed, pressurized or anything that held flamma-
ble liquid or material.
Metal is hot after welding or cutting!
Always use gloves and or tongs when handling hot pieces of
metal. Remember to place hot metal on fire
-
proof surfaces after handling. Serious burns and injury
can result if material is improperly handled.
WARNING!
Faulty or poorly maintained equipment can cause injury or death.
Proper mainte-
nance is your responsibility. Make sure all equipment is properly maintained and serviced by qualified
personnel. Do not abuse or misuse equipment.
Keep all covers in place. A faulty machine may shoot sparks or may have exploding parts. Touching
uncovered parts inside machine can cause discharge of high amounts of electricity.
Do not allow em-
ployees to operate poorly serviced equipment.
Always check condition of equipment thoroughly
before start up. Disconnect unit from power source before any service attempt is made and for long
term storage or electrical storms.
Further information can be obtained from The American Welding Society (AWS) that relates directly
to safe welding and plasma cutting. Additionally, your local welding supply company may have addi-
tional pamphlets available concerning their products. Do not operate machinery until your are com-
fortable with proper operation and are able to assume inherent risks of cutting or welding.
