6
Stud Welding Safety Precautions
WELDING SPARKS
Heat from flames and arcs can start fires. Hot slag or sparks can also cause fires and
explosions.
Remove all combustible materials from the work area or cover these materials with a protective non
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flammable tarp.
Combustible materials include wood, fabrics, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels, solvents, paints and coatings, paper, etc.
Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in floors or wall openings and cause a hidden smoldering
fire. Make certain that such openings are protected from hot sparks and metal.
ELECTRIC and MAGNETIC FIELDS
Electric current flowing through any conductor causes localized Electro
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Magnetic Fields (EMF). Welding and cutting
current creates EMF around welding cables and welding machines.
Operators having pacemakers should consult their physician before welding. EMF may interfere with some type
of pacemakers.
Exposure to EMF may have other health effects, which are unknown.
Operators should use the following procedures to minimize exposure to EMF:
Route the work cables together. Secure them with electrical tape when possible.
Never coil the work cable around any part of your body.
Do not place your body between the work cables. Route cables on the same side of your body.
Connect the work cable to the work piece as close as possible to the area being welded.
Keep welding power source and cables as far away from your body as possible.
Electromagnetic fields can irrevocable erase magnetic data carriers (computer memory, credit cards, security ID
cards or data storage diskettes).
Electromagnetic fields may magnetize and damage watches or similar digital devices.
PROTECT YOURSELF and OTHERS!
Some welding, cutting, and gouging processes are noisy and require ear protection. The arc, like the sun,
emits ultraviolet (UV) and other radiation and may injure skin and eyes. Hot metal can cause burns.
Training in the proper use of welding processes and equipment is essential to prevent accidents.
Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any work area. In conjunction with eye protection, welding hel-
mets or face shields are also required.
Use a face shield fitted with the correct filter cover plates to protect your eyes, face, neck, and ears from sparks
and rays of the arc when operating or observing operations. Warn bystanders not to watch the arc and not to
expose themselves to the rays of the electric arc or hot metal.
Wear flameproof type gloves, heavy long
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sleeve shirt, cuff less trousers, and a welding helmet or cap for hair pro-
tection, to protect against arc rays and hot sparks or hot metal. A flameproof apron may also be desirable as pro-
tection against radiated heat and sparks.
Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trouser cuffs, or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept
buttoned, and open pockets eliminated from the front of clothing.
