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 cau-
tions and warnings. Protect yourself and others.
Welding and cutting processes produce high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can
cause severe 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 accidents and injury:
Use appropriate safety glasses with wrap around shields while in the work area, even under
welding helmets to protect your eyes from flying sparks and debris.
When chipping slag or
grinding, goggles 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 recommended. 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 contacts 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 available, 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
protection 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
protection.
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 elec-
trical shock.
Flame proof and insulated gauntlet gloves are required whether welding or cutting or han-
dling metal.
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 weld-
er, instant and serious burns will occur.
Proper hand protection is required at all times when
working with welding or cutting machines!
