6
graphite, cadmium, zink, chrome, mercury or beryllium,
unless you have the proper breathing set.
l The electric arc creates ozone. A long exposure to high
concentrations may cause headaches, nasal, throat and
eye irritation as well as serious congestions and chest
pains.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE OXYGEN FOR VENTILA-
TION.
l Gas leaks in a confined space should be avoided.
Leaked gas in large quantities can change oxygen con-
centration dangerously. Do not bring gas cylinders into a
confined space.
l DO NOT WELD where solvent vapors can be drawn into
the welding atmosphere or where the radiant energy can
penetrate to atmospheres containing even minute
amounts of trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene.
7.4 EXPLOSIONS
Do not weld above or near containers under pres-
sure.
l Do not weld in environments containing explo-
sive dusts, gases or vapours.
This welding machine uses inert gases such as CO2,
ARGON, or a mixture of ARGON + CO2 for the protection
of the arc, thus you should take special precautions:
A) CYLINDERS
l Do not directly connect cylinder to the machine gas hose
without a pressure regulator.
l Handle or use pressure cylinders in conformity with the
existing rules.
l Do not use leaking or damaged cylinders.
l Do not use cylinders which are not well secured.
l Do not carry cylinders without the protection of the
installed valve.
l Do not use cylinders whose content has not been clear-
ly identified.
l Never lubricate cylinder valves with oil or grease.
l Do not put the cylinder in electrical contact with the arc.
l Do not expose cylinders to excessive heat, sparks,
molten slags or flame.
l Do not tamper with the cylinder valves.
l Do not try to loosen tight valves by means of hammers,
keys, or any other object.
l NEVER DEFACE or alter name, number, or other mark-
ings on a cylinder. It is illegal and hazardous.
l Do not lift cylinders off the ground by their valves or
caps, or by chains, slings or magnets.
l Never try to mix any gases in a cylinder.
l Never refill any cylinder.
l Cylinder fittings should never be modified or exchanged.
B) PRESSURE REGULATORS
l Keep pressure regulators in good condition. Damaged
regulators may cause damages or accidents, they should
only be repaired by skilled personnel.
l Do not use regulators for gases other than those for
which they are manufactured.
l Never use a leaking or damaged regulator.
l Never lubricate regulators with oil or grease.
C) HOSES
l Replace hoses which appear damaged.
l Keep hoses unwound in order to avoid bending.
l Keep the excess hose wound and out of the working
area in order to avoid any damage.
7.5 RADIATIONS
Ultra-violet radiation created by the arc may dam-
age your eyes and burn your skin. Therefore:
l Wear proper clothing and helmet.
l Do not use contact lenses!! The intense heat coming
from the arc may cause them to stick to the cornea.
l Use masks with grade DIN 10 or DIN 11 safety lenses at
the least.
l Protect people in the surrounding welding area.
Remember: the arc may dazzle or damage the eyes. It is
considered dangerous up to a distance of 15 meters (50
feet). Never look at the arc with the naked eye.
l Prepare the welding area so as to reduce reflection and
transmission of ultra-violet radiation. Paint walls and
exposed surfaces in black to reduce reflection, install
sheathings or curtains to reduce ultra-violet transmis-
sions.
l Replace mask lenses whenever damaged or broken.
7.6 ELECTRIC SHOCK
Electric shock can kill.
All electric shocks are potentially fatal.
l Do not touch live parts.
l Insulate yourself from the piece to be cut and from the
ground by wearing insulated gloves and clothing.
l Keep garments (gloves, shoes, hats, clothing) and body
dry.
l Do not work in humid or wet areas.
l Avoid touching the piece to be welded.
l Should you work close to or in a dangerous area, use all
possible precautions.
l If you should feel even the slightest electric shock sen-
sation, stop welding immediately. Do not use the machine
until the problem is identified and solved.
l Always fit an automatic wall switch with adequate power,
possibly close to the machine, allowing you to immediate-
ly switch the machine off in case of an emergency.
l Frequently inspect the power supply cable.
l Disconnect power supply cable from mains before
replacing cables or before removing unit covers.
l Do not use the unit without protection covers.
l Always replace any damaged parts of the unit, with orig-
inal material.
l Never disconnect unit safety devices.
l Make sure that the power supply line is equipped with an
efficient earth plug.
l Make sure that the work bench and the workpiece are
connected to an efficient earth plug.
l Any maintenance should only be carried out by qualified
personnel aware of the risks due to dangerous voltages
necessary for the operation of the unit.
7.7 PACE MAKER
l Magnetic fields from high currents can affect pacemak-
er operation. Persons wearing electronic life support
equipment (pacemaker) should consult their doctor before
going near arc welding, gouging or spot welding opera-
tions.
7.8 CAUTION! WELDING WIRE CAN CAUSE PUNCTU