OM-281997 Page 3
l 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.
l 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 while wearing an air-
supplied respirator. The coatings and any metals containing these elements can give off toxic
fumes if welded.
1-3. California Proposition 65 Warnings
WARNING – Cancer and Reproductive Harm — www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
1-4. Lens Shade Selection Table
Process
Electrode Size
in. (mm)
Arc Current in
Amperes
Minimum Pro-
tective Shade
No.
Suggested
Shade No.
(Comfort)*
Shielded Metal
Arc
Welding
(SMAW)
Less than 3/32 (2.4) Less than 60 7 - -
3/32-5/32 (2.4-4.0) 60–160 8 10
5/32-1/4 (4.0-6.4) 160–250 10 12
More than 1/4 (6.4) 250–550 11 14
Gas Metal Arc
Welding
(GMAW)
Flux Cored Arc
Welding (FCAW)
Less than 60 7 - -
60–160 10 11
160–250 10 12
250–500 10 14
Gas Tungsten
Arc
Welding (TIG)
Less than 50 8 10
50–150 8 12
150–500 10 14
Air Carbon Arc
Cutting (CAC-A)
Light Less than 500 10 12
Heavy 500–1000 11 14
Plasma Arc Cut-
ting (PAC)
Less than 20 4 4
20–40 5 5
40–60 6 6
60–80 8 8
80–300 8 9
300–400 9 12
400–800 10 14
Plasma Arc
Welding (PAW)
Less than 20 6 6–8
20–100 8 10
100–400 10 12
400–800 11 14
Reference: ANSI Z49.1:2012
*Start with a shade that is too dark to see the weld zone. Then, go to a lighter shade which gives
a sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum.
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