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- Inspect all cables and cords for any exposed wire and replace immediately if found.
- Use only recommended replacement cables and cords.
- Always attach ground clamp to the work piece or work table as close to the weld area as possible.
- Do not touch the welding wire and the ground or grounded work piece at the same time.
- Do not use a welder to defrost frozen pipes.
Fumes and Gases
WARNING
- Fumes emitted from the welding process displace clean air and can result in injury or death.
- Do not breathe in fumes emitted by the welding process. Make sure your breathing air is clean and
safe.
- Work only in a well-ventilated area or use a ventilation device to remove welding fumes from the
environment where you will be working.
- Do not weld on coated materials (galvanized, cadmium plated or metals containing zinc, mercury or
barium). They will emit harmful fumes that are dangerous to breathe. If necessary use a ventilator,
respirator with air supply or remove the coating from the material in the weld area.
- The fumes emitted from some metals when heated are extremely toxic. Refer to the material safety
data sheet for the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not weld near materials that will emit toxic fumes when heated. Vapors from cleaners, sprays and
degreasers can be highly toxic when heated.
UV and IR Arc Rays
DANGER .
The welding arc produces ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays that can cause injury to
your eyes and skin. Do not look at the welding arc without proper eye protection.
- Always use a welding mask (helmet) that covers your full face from the neck to top of head and to the
back of each ear.
- Ensure that mask is fitted with appropriate shade lens that meets ANSI standards as well as with safety
plate. For Welders under 160 Amps output, use a shade 10 lens; for above 160 Amps, use a shade
12. For more information refer to the ANSI Z87.1 standard.
- Cover all bare skin areas exposed to the arc with protective clothing and footware. Flame-retardant
cloth or leather shirts, coats, pants or coveralls are available for protection.
- Use welding protection curtains or other barriers to protect other people from the arc rays emitted
when welding.
- Warn people in your welding area when you are going to strike an arc so they can protect themselves.
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