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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 clothing. Wear dry, hole-free
gloves to insulate hands.
3.b. Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry
insulation. 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 hazardous
conditions (in damp locations or while wearing wet
clothing; on metal structures such as floors, gratings
or scaffolds; when in cramped positions 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.
3.c. In semi-automatic or automatic wire welding, the
electrode, electrode reel, welding head, nozzle or semi-
automatic welding gun are also electrically “hot”.
3.d. Always be sure the work cable makes a good electrical
connection with the metal being welded. The connection
should be as close as possible to the area being welded.
3.e. Ground the work or metal to be welded to a good electrical
(earth) ground.
3.f. Maintain the electrode holder, work clamp, welding cable
and welding machine in good, safe operating condition.
Replace damaged insulation.
3.g. Never dip the electrode holder in water for cooling.
3.h. 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.
3.i. When working above floor level, use a safety belt to
protect yourself from a fall should you get a shock.
3.j. Also see items 6c and 8.
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 special ventilation
such as stainless or hard facing (see instructions on
container or MSDS) or on lead or cadmium plated steel and
other metals or coatings which produce highly toxic fumes,
keep exposure as low as possible and below Threshold
Limit values (TLV) using local exhaust or mechanical
ventilation. In confined spaces or in some circumstances,
outdoors, a respirator may be required. Additional
precautions are also required when welding on galvanized
steel.
5.b.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.
5.c.Shielding gases used for arc welding can displace air and
cause injury or death. Always use enough ventilation,
especially in confined areas, to ensure breathing air is safe.
5.d.Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for this
equipment and the consumables to be used, including the
material safety data sheet (MSDS) and follow your
employer’s safety practices. MSDS forms are available from
your welding distributor or from the manufacturer.
5.e.Also see Item 1b.
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 welding. Headshield
and filter lens should conform to ANSI
Z87.1 standards.
4.b.Use suitable clothing made from durable flame resistant
material to protect your skin and that of your helpers from the
arc rays.
4.c.Protect other nearby personnel with suitable non flammable
screening and/or warn them not to watch the arc or expose
themselves to the arc rays or to hot spatter or metal.
Mar ‘95
ii SAFETY ii