SAFETY
3.b.
3.c
3.d.
3.g.
3.h.
3.j.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can
kill
3 a. The electrode and work (or ground)
circuits are electrically "hot" when the
welder is on. Do not touch these "hot"
parts with your bare skin or wet cloth-
ing. Wear dry, hole-free gloves to in
sulate hands
Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry insu-
lation. Make certain the insulation is large enough to
cover your full area Of physical contact with work and
ground.
In addition to the normal safety precautions, if
welding must be performed under electrically haz-
ardous conditions (in damp locations or while
wearing wet clothing; on metal structures such as
floors, gratings or scaffolds; when in cramped po-
sitions such as sitting, kneeling or lying, if there is
a high risk of unavoidable or accidental contact
with the workpiece or ground) use the following
equipment:
• Semiautomatic DC Constant Voltage (Wire) Welder.
• DC Manual (Stick) Welder.
• AC Welder with Reduced Voltage Control.
In semiautomatic or automatic wire welding, the elec
trode, electrode reel, welding head, nozzle or semiau-
tomatic welding torch are also electrically "hot'
Always be sure the work cable makes a good electri-
cal connection with the metal being welded. The con-
nection should be as close as possible to the area be
ing welded
Ground the work or metal to be welded to a good elec-
trical (earth) ground.
Maintain the electrode holder, work clamp, welding ca
ble and welding machine in good, safe operatlng con-
dition. Replace damaged insulation
Never dip the electrode in water for cooling
Never simultaneously touch electrically "hot' parts Of
electrode holders connected to two welders because
voltage between the two can be the total Of the open
circuit voltage of both welders.
When working above floor level, use a safety belt to
protect yourself from a fall should you get a shock.
Also see Items 6.c. and 8.
4.c.
5.5.
5.e
ARC RAYS can burn.
4.a. Use a shield with the proper filter and
cover plates to protect your eyes from
sparks and the rays of the arc when
welding or observing open arc weld
ing Headshield and filter lens should
conform to ANSI Z87. I standards.
Use suitable clothing made from durable flame-
resistant material to protect your skin and that Of your
helpers from the arc rays.
Protect other nearby personnel with suitable, non
flammable screening and/or warn them not to watch
the arc nor expose themselves to the arc rays or to hot
spatter Or metal
FUMES AND GASES
can be dangerous
5.a. Welding may produce fumes and
gases hazardous to health. Avoid
breathing these fumes and gases
When welding, keep your head out of
the fume Use enough ventilation
and/or exhaust at the arc to keep
fumes and gases away from the
breathing zone.
When welding with electrodes which require spe-
Cial ventilation such as stainless or hard facing
(see instructions on container or MSDS) or on lead
or cadmium plated steel and other metals or coat-
ings which produce highly toxic fumes, keep expo-
sure as low as possible and below Threshold Limit
Values (TLV) using local exhaust or mechanical
ventilation. In confined spaces or in some circum•
stances, outdoors, a respirator may be required.
Additional precautions are also required when
welding on galvanized steel.
The operation Of welding fume control equipment is af-
fected by various factors including proper use and posi-
tioning of the equipment, maintenance Of the equip-
ment and the specific welding procedure and applica
tion involved. Worker exposure level should be
checked upon installation and periodically thereafter to
be certain it is within applicable OSHA PEL and ACGIH
TLV limits
Do not weld in locations near chlorinated hydrocarbon
vapors coming from degreasing, cleaning or spraying
operations. The heat and rays of the arc can react with
solvent vapors to form phosgene, a highly toxic gas,
and other irritating products
Shielding gases used for arc welding can displace air
and cause injury or death. Always use enough ventila
tion, especially in confined areas, to insure breathing
air is safe
Read and understand the manufacturer's instructions
for this equipment and the consumables to be used, in
duding the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and fol-
low your employer's safety practices. MSDS forms are
available from your welding distributor or from the man-
ufacturer.
Also see item 1 b.
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