SAFETY PRECAUTIONS – READ BEFORE USING
Welding is not particularly hazardous when certain safety practices are followed. Everyone using
this equipment should be thoroughly trained in safe welding practices. Failure to observe safe
practices may cause serious injury.
Handling welding torches presents no danger if the appropriate safety regulations are strictly
adhered to. For example:
• Starting procedures must be reserved for those fully conversant with processes relating to arc welding
equipment.
• Arc welding can prove damaging to eyes, skin, and hearing! It is therefore imperative that both
management and operators understand and follow the ANSI Standard Z49.1, SAFETY IN WELDING
ANDCUTTING. All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shall be in place in accordance with this
referenced specification and all other applicable and governing regulations.
• The operating data provided in the Specifications are maximum values. Overloading the welding torch
will inevitably damage the product and void any and all warranties.
• Before changing any parts on the torch or control box, disconnect the torch from the welding power
source and disconnect the control box input power source. Unplug the control box from the electrical
outlet.
• The operating instructions for all other welding components - e.g. power source, wire feed and cooling
unit must be followed per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Never pull the cable assembly across sharp edges or set down on a hot surface.
• Never move the torch by pulling or dragging by the welding torch or cable.
• Curtains or partitions shall be installed to protect other workers or observers from arc radiation.
• When handling gas cylinders, consult the instructions issued by the manufacturers and the suppliers of
the pressurized gas.
• Work pieces that have been degreased using chlorinated solvents must be sprayed down with clean
water before welding starts to avoid the risk of phosgene forming. For the same reason, no degreasing
baths containing chlorine must be placed close to the welding point.
• All vapors given off by metals can cause harm and a special warning is attached to lead, cadmium,
copper, zinc, and beryllium. Take appropriate precautions to ensure that the legal maximum levels of
toxic concentrations are not exceeded.
• Do not touch the welding torch with bare skin until it has had adequate time to cool down.
• Wait to adjust the rotation diameter until the torch has cooled to room temperature.
Fume and Gases
FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous. Welding and cutting
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 local forced ventilation at the arc to remove welding and cutting
fumes and gases. The recommended way to determine adequate ventilation is to sample for the
composition and quantity of fumes and gases to which personnel are exposed.
• If ventilation is poor, wear an approved air-supplied respirator.
• Read and understand the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and the manufacturer’s instructions for
adhesives, coatings, cleaners, consumables, coolants, degreasers, fluxes and metals.
• 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. Welding fumes and gases can displace air and lower the oxygen
level causing injury or death. Be sure the breathing air is safe.
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