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 sur-
face 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 electri-
cal 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 appro-
priate restraints can help reduce trips and falls.
WARNING!
Fire and explosions are real risks while welding or cutting.
Always keep fire ex-
tinguishers 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 possi-
ble 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 em-
bers.
•
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
flammable liquid or material.
Metal is hot after welding or cutting!
Always use gloves and or tongs when handling hot piec-
es 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
maintenance is your responsibility. Make sure all equipment is properly maintained and ser-
viced 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 employees 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 additional pamphlets available concerning their products. Do not operate machinery
until your are comfortable with proper operation and are able to assume inherent risks of cut-
ting or welding.
