• 4 •
Do not wear gloves or other clothing that contain oil, grease, or other •
ammablesubstances.
Donotwearammablehairpreparations.•
Do not weld in an area until it is checked and cleared of combustible •
and/orammablematerials.BEAWAREthatsparksandslagcany
35 feet and can pass through small cracks and openings. If work and
combustibles cannot be separated by a minimum of 35 feet, protect
againstignitionwithsuitable,snug-tting,reresistant,coversorshields.
Do not weld on walls until checking for and removing combustibles •
touching the other side of the walls.
Do not weld, cut, or perform other such work on used barrels, drums, •
tanks,orothercontainersthathadcontainedaammableortoxic
substance.Thetechniquesforremovingammablesubstancesand
vapors, to make a used container safe for welding or cutting, are quite
complex and require special education and training.
Do not strike an arc on a compressed gas or air cylinder or other •
pressure vessel. Doing so will create a brittle area that can result in
a violent rupture immediately or at a later time as a result of rough
handling.
Donotweldorcutinanareawheretheairmaycontainammabledust•
(suchasgraindust),gas,orliquidvapors(suchasgasoline).
Do not handle hot metal, such as the workpiece or electrode stubs, with •
bare hands.
Wearleathergloves,heavylongsleeveshirt,cufesstrousers,high-•
topped shoes, helmet, and cap. As necessary, use additional protective
clothingsuchasleatherjacketorsleeves,reresistantleggings,or
apron. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trouser cuffs,
or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned and pockets
eliminated from the shirtfront.
Havere-extinguishingequipmenthandyforimmediateuse!Aportable•
chemicalreextinguisher,typeABC,isrecommended.
Wear earplugs when welding overhead to prevent spatter or slag from •
falling into ear.
Makesureweldingareahasagood,solid,safeoor,preferablyconcrete•
ormasonry,nottiled,carpeted,ormadeofanyotherammablematerial.
Protectammablewalls,ceilings,andoorswithheatresistantcoversor•
shields.
Check welding area to make sure it is free of sparks, glowing metal or •
slag,andamesbeforeleavingtheweldingarea.