SAFETY (continued)
Operator should not and must not contact electrically live parts.Do not touch electrode with bare skin and electrical ground at the same time. Always wear dry welding gloves in good condition. Be aware aluminized protective clothing can become part of the electrical path. Keep oxygen cylinders, chains, wire ropes, cranes, hoists, and elevators away from any part of the electrical path. All ground connections must be checked periodically to determine that they are mechanically strong and electrically adequate for the required current. When welding is to be suspended for any sustained period of time, such as during lunch or overnight, the READY WELDER should be
disconnected from its arc current power source so that accidental contact cannot occur. The READY WELDER must be disconnected from the power source when not in use. Never immerse MIG guns, electrode holders, TIG torches, plasma torches, or electrodes in water.
BE AWARE, ARC RAYS, HOT SLAG AND SPARKS CAN AND DO CAUSE INJURIES TO EYES AND SKIN.
The welding and/or cutting processes produce extreme localized heat and strong ultraviolet rays. Never attempt to weld and/or cut without proper welding equipment to include but not limited to a welding helmet with the proper lens, which complies with federal guidelines. A number 12 to 14 shade filter lens on the helmet provides the best protection against arc radiation. Please note that in a confined area prevent the reflected arc rays from entering around the helmet. It is important to make sure others are protected from arc rays and sparks. Approved shielding curtains and/or appropriate goggles should be used by all persons working in the close vicinity of the welding area to provide protection to others in the surrounding area and operators of nearby equipment. Skin should and must also be protected from arc rays, heat and molten metal. The operator must always wear protective gloves and clothing which will not allow skin to become exposed. All clothing pockets should be closed and cuffs sewn shut. Leather aprons, sleeves, leggings, etc. should and must be worn for out-of-position welding and/or cutting. High top work shoes provide adequate protection from foot burns. For added protection use leather spats. Flammable hair preparation should not be used when welding and/or cutting. Where the work permits, the operator should be enclosed in an individual booth painted with a finish of low reflectivity such as zinc oxide, an important factor for absorbing ultraviolet radiation, and lamp black, or shall be enclosed with non-combustible screens similarly painted.
BE AWARE, WELDING SPARKS CAN AND DO CAUSE FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS
Causes of fire and explosions are: combustibles reached by the arc, flame, flying sparks, hot slag or heated materials. Remove combustible materials and items from the work area and/or provide a fire watch. Avoid oily or greasy clothing as a spark may ignite them. It is necessary and required that the operator have a fire extinguisher nearby and have knowledge and training in it’s use. Be aware and alert to the danger of conduction or radiation. For example, if welding and/or cutting is to be done on a metal wall, partition, ceiling or roof, precautions must be taken to prevent ignition of combustibles on the other side. Do not weld and/or cut containers that have held combustibles. All hollow spaces, cavities and containers should be and must be vented prior to welding and/or cutting to permit the escape of air or gases. Purging with inert gas is recommended. Use only inert gases or inert gas mixes as required by the process. Use of combustible compressed gases can cause explosions resulting in personal injury or death. Arcing against any compressed gases can cause explosions resulting in personal injury or death.
PLEASE SEE SAFETY AND OPERATING REFERENCES BELOW
SAFETY AND OPERATING REFERENCES
1. Code of Federal Regulations, (OSHA) Section 29 Part 1910.95, 132-134, 251-254 and 1000. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
2. ANSI Z49.1 "Safety in Welding and Cutting"
3. ANSI Z87.1 "Practice of Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection"
4. ANSI Z88.2 "Standard Practice for Respiratory Protection", American National Standard Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
5. AWS F4.1 "Recommended Safe Practices for Welding and Cutting Containers", The American Welding Society, 550 NW Lejeune Road, P.O. Box 351040, Miami, FL 33135
6. NFPA 51B "Fire Prevention in Cutting and Welding Processes"
7. NFPA-7 "National Electrical Code" National Fire Protection Association, Battery Park, Quincy, MA 02269
8. CSA Standard W117.2 "Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes" Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale, Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3