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Fumes and gases can be hazardous to your health.
Welding produces fumes and gases. Breathing these
fumes and gases can be hazardous to your health.
1.
Keep your head out of the fumes. Do not
breathe the fumes.
2.
If inside, ventilate the area and/or use exhaust
at the arc to remove welding fumes and gases.
3.
If ventilation is poor, use an approved air-
supplied respirator.
4.
Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
and the manufacturer's instruction for metals,
consumables, coatings, cleaners, and
degreasers.
5.
Work in a confined space only if it is well
ventilated, or while wearing an air-supplied
respirator. Always have a trained watch person
nearby.
6.
Do not weld in locations near degreasing,
cleaning, or spraying operations. The heat and
rays of the arc can react with vapors to form
highly toxic and irritating gases.
7.
Do not weld on coated metals, such as
galvanized, lead or cadmium plated steel,
unless the coating is removed from the weld
area, the area is well ventilated, and if
necessary, while wearing an air-supplied
respirator. The coatings and any metals
containing these elements can give off toxic
fumes if welded.
E.
Cylinders
Cylinders can explode if damaged.
Shielding gas cylinders contain gas under high pressure.
If damaged, a cylinder can explode. Since gas cylinders
are normally part of the welding process, be sure to
treat them carefully.
1.
Protect compressed gas cylinders from
excessive heat, mechanical shocks, slag, open
flames, sparks, and arcs.
2.
Install cylinders in an upright position by
securing to a stationary support or cylinder
rack to prevent falling or tipping.
3.
Keep cylinders away from any welding or
other electrical circuits.
4.
Never weld on a pressurized cylinder -
explosion will result.
5.
Use only correct shielding gas cylinders,
regulators, hoses and fittings designed for the
specific application; maintain them and
associated parts in good condition.
6.
Turn face away from valve outlet when
opening cylinder valve.
7.
Keep protective cap in place over valve except
when cylinder is in use or connected for use.
8.
Read and follow instructions on compressed
gas cylinders, associated equipment, and CGA
publication P-1 listed in Safety Standards.
F.
Welding
Welding can cause fire or explosion.
Welding on closed containers, such as tanks, drums, or
pipes, can cause them to blow up. Sparks can fly off
from the welding arc. The flying sparks, hot part, and
hot equipment can cause fires and burns. Accidental
contact of electrode to metal objects can cause sparks,
explosion, overheating, or fire. Check and be sure the
area is safe before doing any welding.
1.
Protect yourself and others from flying sparks
and hot metal.
2.
Do not weld where flying sparks can strike
flammable material.
3.
Remove all flammables within 35 ft (10.7 m)
of the welding arc. If this is not possible,
tightly cover them with approved covers.
4.
Be alert that welding sparks and hot materials
from welding can easily go through small
cracks and openings to adjacent areas.
5.
Watch for fire, and keep a fire extinguisher
nearby.
6.
Do not weld on closed containers such as
tanks, drums, or pipes, unless they are properly
prepared according to AWSF4.1 (see safety
Standards).
7.
Connect work cable to the work as close to the
welding area as practical to prevent welding
current traveling long, possibly unknown paths
and causing electric shock and fire hazards.
8.
Wear oil-free protective garments such as
leather gloves, heavy shirt, cuffless trousers,
high shoes, and a cap.
G.
Moving Parts
Moving parts, such as fans, rotors, and belts can cut
fingers and hands and catch loose clothing.
1.
Keep all doors, panels, covers, and guards
