Revision date: 23/09/2014
Page 18 of 24
FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous.
Welding produces fumes and gases. Breathing these fumes and gases can be hazardous to your
health. Keep your head out of the fumes. Do not breathe the fumes. If inside, ventilate the area
and/or use exhaust at the arc to remove welding fumes and gases. If ventilation is poor, use an
approved air-supplied respirator. Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and the
manufacturer’s instructions for metals, consumables, coatings, cleaners, and degreasers.
Work in a confined space only if it is well ventilated, or while wearing an air-supplied respirator.
Always have a trained watchperson nearby. Welding fumes and gases can displace air and lower the
oxygen level causing injury or death. Be sure the breathing air is safe.
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.
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.
ARC RAYS can burn eyes and skin.
Arc rays from the welding process produce intense visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) rays
that can burn eyes and skin. Sparks fly off from the weld. Wear a welding helmet fitted with a proper
shade of filter to protect your face and eyes when welding or watching. Wear approved safety
glasses with side shields under your helmet. Use protective screens or barriers to protect others from
flash and glare; warn others not to watch the arc. Wear protective clothing made from durable, flame-
resistant material (leather and wool) and foot protection.
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 workpiece, 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. Protect yourself
and others from flying sparks and hot metal. Do not weld where flying sparks can strike flammable
material. Remove all flammables within 35 ft (10.7 m) of the welding arc. If this is not possible, tightly
cover them with approved covers. Be alert that welding sparks and hot materials from welding can
easily go through small cracks and openings to adjacent areas. Watch for fire, and keep a fire
extinguisher nearby. Be aware that welding on a ceiling, floor, bulkhead, or partition can cause fire
on the hidden side. Do not weld on closed containers such as tanks, drums, or pipes, unless they are
properly prepared Connect work cable to the work as close to the welding area as practical to
prevent welding current from travelling long, possibly unknown paths and causing electric shock and
fire hazards. Do not use welder to thaw frozen pipes. Remove stick electrode from holder or cut off
welding wire at contact tip when not in use. Wear oil-free protective garments such as leather gloves,
heavy shirt, cuff-less trousers, high shoes, and a cap. Remove any combustibles, such as a butane
lighter or matches, from your person before doing any welding.
FLYING METAL can injure eyes.
Welding, chipping, wire brushing, and grinding cause sparks and flying metal. As welds cool, they
can throw off slag. Wear approved safety glasses with side shields even under your welding helmet.
BUILDUP OF GAS can injure or kill.
Shut off shielding gas supply when not in use. Always ventilate confined spaces or use approved air-
supplied respirator.
