INTRODUCTION
Never improvise a hoist mechanism.
Lower protective sheath
See Anti-corrosive protection.
WELDING
See Gas cylinders, Fire, and Electric shock.
Welding processes include resistance welding (spot welding??), arc welding, and gas welding.
Resistance welding
This process can throw out molten metal particles at high speed, so you must protect your eyes and skin.
Arc welding
This process emits a high level of ultraviolet radiation that can burn the eyes and skin of the welder and of other
people nearby. Gas-protected welding processes are particularly dangerous in this respect. Personal protection is
mandatory. Barriers to protect other people are also necessary.
You also need to use suitable eye and skin protection because of metal splashes.
The heat of arc welding will produce gases and fumes from the metals that are being melted, and from the coatings
applied to or contamination on the worked surfaces. These gases and fumes may be toxic and you must avoid inhaling
them. You may need to use ventilation with extraction to remove smoke from the work area, particularly in cases where
there is not enough general ventilation or in places where a considerable amount of welding is expected to take place.
In extreme cases, where adequate ventilation cannot be guaranteed, you may need to use respirators with an air
supply.
Gas welding
You can use oxy-acetylene torches for welding and cutting. You need to take particular care to prevent gas leaks and
the resulting risk of fire and explosion.
You must use skin and eye protection because the process produces metal splashes.
The flame is very bright, so you must use eye protection. Far less ultraviolet light is emitted than with arc welding, so
you can use lighter filters.
The process itself releases little toxic smoke. However, toxic smoke and gases may be released from coatings on the
service area, especially during cutting of damaged parts. You must therefore avoid inhaling this smoke.
In brazing, toxic fumes may be released by the brazing rod. The risk is fairly serious when you use rods containing
cadmium. In this specific case, you must take particular care to avoid inhaling the fumes. If you do inhale fumes, you
will need to consult a specialist.
YOU MUST TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS BEFORE WELDING OR CUTTING CONTAINERS HOLDING COM-
BUSTIBLE MATERIALS, E.G. BOILING OR RELEASE OF FUMES FROM FUEL TANKS.
Turpentine
See Solvents.
ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Soil, air and water are vital factors of agriculture and life in general. Where legislation does not yet rule the treatment
of some of the substances which are required by advanced technology, common sense should govern the use and
disposal of products of a chemical and petrochemical nature.
The following are recommendations which may be of assistance:
• Become acquainted with and ensure that you understand the relative legislation applicable to your country.
• Where no legislation exists, obtain information from suppliers of oils, filters, batteries, fuels, anti freeze, cleaning
agents, etc., with regard to their effect on man and nature and how to safely store, use and dispose of these sub-
stances. In general, agricultural consultants will be able to help.
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