8
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
continued
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 weld-
ing 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 ne-
cessitates 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 ca-
bles with appropriate restraints can help reduce trips and falls.
WARNING!
Fire and explosions are real risks while welding or cutting. Always keep
fire extinguishers close by and additionally a water hose or bucket of sand. Periodi-
cally 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 flammable 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 han-
dling. Serious burns and injury can result if material is improperly handled.
WARNING!
Faulty or poorly maintained equipment can cause injury or death. Prop-
er maintenance 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 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 cutting or welding.
