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The connection should be as close as possible to the area being welded.
Maintain the electrode holder, work clamp, welding cable and welding machine in good, safe
operating condition. Replace damaged insulation.
Never dip the electrode in water for cooling.
Never simultaneously touch electrically “hot” parts of electrode holders connected to two
welders because voltage between the two can be the total of the open circuit voltage of both
welders.
When working above floor level, use a safety belt to protect yourself from a fall should you get a
shock.
FUMES AND GASES CAN BE DANGEROUS
Welding may produce fumes and gases hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these fumes and
gases. When welding, keep your head out of the fume. Use enough ventilation and/or exhaust at
the arc to keep fumes and gases away from the breathing zone. When welding with electrodes
which require special ventilation such as stainless or hard facing or on lead or cadmium plated
steel and other metals or coatings which produce highly toxic fumes, keep exposure as low as
possible and below Threshold Limit Values using local exhaust or mechanical ventilation. In
confined spaces or in some circumstances, outdoors, a respirator may be required. Additional
precautions are also required when welding on galvanized steel.
Do not weld in locations near chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors coming from degreasing, cleaning
or spraying operations. The heat and rays of the arc can react with solvent vapors to form
phosgene, a highly toxic gas, and other irritating products.
Shielding gases used for arc welding can displace air and cause injury or death. Always use
enough ventilation, especially in confined areas, to insure breathing air is safe.
Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for this equipment and the consumables to
be used, including the material safety data sheet and follow your employer’s safety practices.
ARC RAYS CAN BURN
Use a shield with the proper filter and cover plates to protect your eyes from sparks and the rays
of the arc when welding or observing open arc welding.
Use suitable clothing made from durable flame-resistant material to protect your skin and that of
your helpers from the arc rays.
Protect other nearby personnel with suitable, non-flammable screening and /or warn them not to
watch the arc nor expose themselves to the arc rays or to hot spatter or metal.
SELF-PROTECTION
Keep all equipment safety guards, covers and devices in position and in good repair. Keep hands,
hair, clothing and tools away from V-belts, gears, fans and all other moving parts when starting,
