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OM-2251 Page 4
1-4. California Proposition 65 Warnings
Welding or cutting equipment produces fumes or gases
which contain chemicals known to the State of California to
cause birth defects and, in some cases, cancer. (California
Health & Safety Code Section 25249.5 et seq.)
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
For Gasoline Engines:
Engine exhaust contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-
tive harm.
For Diesel Engines:
Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, and other reproductive harm.
1-5. Principal Safety Standards
Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, ANSI Standard Z49.1,
from Global Engineering Documents (phone: 1-877-413-5184, website:
www.global.ihs.com).
Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation for Welding and Cut-
ting of Containers and Piping, American Welding Society Standard
AWS F4.1, from Global Engineering Documents (phone:
1-877-413-5184, website: www.global.ihs.com).
National Electrical Code, NFPA Standard 70, from National Fire Protec-
tion Association, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 (phone:
617-770-3000, website: www.nfpa.org and www. sparky.org).
Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders, CGA Pamphlet P-1,
from Compressed Gas Association, 4221 Walney Road, 5th Floor,
Chantilly, VA 20151 (phone: 703-788-2700, website:www.cganet.com).
Code for Safety in Welding and Cutting, CSA Standard W117.2, from
Canadian Standards Association, Standards Sales, 5060 Mississauga,
Ontario, Canada L4W 5NS (phone: 800-463-6727 or in Toronto
416-747-4044, website: www.csa-international.org).
Safe Practice For Occupational And Educational Eye And Face Protec-
tion, ANSI Standard Z87.1, from American National Standards Institute,
25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036–8002 (phone:
212-642-4900, website: www.ansi.org).
Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot
Work, NFPA Standard 51B, from National Fire Protection Association,
P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 (phone: 617-770-3000, web-
site: www.nfpa.org.
OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Indus-
try, Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1910, Subpart Q,
and Part 1926, Subpart J, from U.S. Government Printing Office, Super-
intendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954
(phone: 1-866-512-1800) (there are 10 Regional Offices—phone for
Region 5, Chicago, is 312-353-2220, website: www.osha.gov).
1-6. EMF Information
Considerations About Welding And The Effects Of Low Frequency
Electric And Magnetic Fields
Welding current, as it flows through welding cables, will cause electro-
magnetic fields. There has been and still is some concern about such
fields. However, after examining more than 500 studies spanning 17
years of research, a special blue ribbon committee of the National
Research Council concluded that: “The body of evidence, in the
committee’s judgment, has not demonstrated that exposure to power-
frequency electric and magnetic fields is a human-health hazard.”
However, studies are still going forth and evidence continues to be
examined. Until the final conclusions of the research are reached, you
may wish to minimize your exposure to electromagnetic fields when
welding or cutting.
To reduce magnetic fields in the workplace, use the following
procedures:
1. Keep cables close together by twisting or taping them, or using a
cable cover.
2. Arrange cables to one side and away from the operator.
3. Do not coil or drape cables around your body.
4. Keep welding power source and cables as far away from opera-
tor as practical.
5. Connect work clamp to workpiece as close to the weld as possi-
ble.
About Implanted Medical Devices:
Implanted Medical Device wearers should consult their doctor and the
device manufacturer before performing or going near arc welding, spot
welding, gouging, plasma arc cutting, or induction heating operations.
If cleared by your doctor, then following the above procedures is recom-
mended.