1 SAFETY
0463 766 001 - 5 - © ESAB AB 2021
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS
Heat from flames and arcs can start fires. Hot slag or sparks can also cause
fires and explosions. Therefore:
1. Protect yourself and others from flying sparks and hot metal.
2. Remove all combustible materials well away from the work area or cover the materials with a
protective non-flammable covering. Combustible materials include wood, cloth, sawdust,
liquid and gas fuels, solvents, paints and coatings paper, etc.
3. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in floors or wall openings and
cause a hidden smoldering fire or fires on the floor below. Make certain that such openings
are protected from hot sparks and metal.
4. Do not weld, cut or perform other hot work until the work piece has been completely cleaned
so that there are no substances on the work piece which might produce flammable or toxic
vapors. Do not do hot work on closed containers, they may explode.
5. Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use, such as a garden hose, water pail,
sand bucket, or portable fire extinguisher. Be sure you are trained in its use.
6. Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For example, an overloaded welding cable can
overheat and create a fire hazard.
7. After completing operations, inspect the work area to make certain there are no hot sparks or
hot metal which could cause a later fire. Use fire watchers when necessary.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Contact with live electrical parts and ground can cause severe injury or
death. DO NOT use AC welding current in damp areas, if movement is
confined, or if there is danger of falling. Therefore:
1. Be sure the power source frame (chassis) is connected to the ground system of the input
power.
2. Connect the workpiece to a good electrical ground.
3. Connect the work cable to the workpiece. A poor or missing connection can expose you or
others to a fatal shock.
4. Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or damaged cables.
5. Keep everything dry, including clothing, work area, cables, torch/electrode holder and power
source.
6. Make sure that all parts of your body are insulated from both the work piece and from the
ground.
7. Do not stand directly on metal or the earth while working in tight quarters or a damp area;
stand on dry boards or an insulating platform and wear rubber-soled shoes.
8. Put on dry, hole-free gloves before turning on the power.
9. Turn off the power before removing your gloves.
10. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 for specific grounding recommendations. Do not mistake
the work lead for a ground cable.
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