Support. Arc Welding and Cutting Safety Precautions and Warnings

Support

• Arc Welding and Cutting Safety Precautions and Warnings

Dear Co-operators

We address this paper to Cutting and Welding Machine Operators: It includes some Safety Basics of utmost importance for our own safety, the safety of our workmates and the good performance of our Arc Welding and Cutting Machines. Please pay particular attention to any CAUTION or WARNING Notes included in this Support document.
CAUTION indicates possible equipment damage.
WARNING indicates possible hazard to life.

ARC WELDING AND CUTTING EQUIPMENT

WARNING

All equipment has been designed, manufactured and tested to the highest standards to ensure long and trouble free life. However, regular maintenance is an essential part of keeping the machine operating in a reliable and safe manner and your attention is drawn to any maintenance instructions.

In general, all welding and cutting equipment should be thoroughly inspected, tested and serviced at least annually. More frequent chequing will be required when the equipment is heavily used.

Wear and tear, particularly in electro-mechanical and moving components, are gradual processes. Caught in time, repair costs are small and the benefits in performance reliability and safety are significant. Left alone, they can put the equipment, and you, at risk.

Have this equipment regularly inspected and maintained by an approved service centre.

WARNING

ARC WELDING AND CUTTING CAN BE INJURIOUS TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS. TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING, ASK FOR YOUR EMPLOYER’S SAFETY PRACTICES WHICH SHOULD BE BASED ON MANUFACTURERS’ HAZARD DATA.

ELECTRIC SHOCK – Can kill

Install and earth the unit in accordance with applicable standards.
Do not touch live electrical parts or electrodes with bare skin, wet gloves, or wet clothing.
Insulate yourself from earth and work
Ensure your working position is secure

FUMES AND GASES – Can be Dangerous to Health

Keep your head out of the fumes.
Use ventilation, extraction at the arc, or both, to keep fumes and gases from your breathing zone and the general area.

ARC RAYS – Can Injure Eyes and Burn Skin

Protect your eyes and body. Use the correct welding/cutting screen and filter lens and wear protective clothing.
Protect bystanders with suitable screens or curtains.

NOISE – Excessive noise can damage hearing

Protect your ears. Use ear defenders or other hearing protection.
Warn bystanders of the risks

READ AND UNDERSTAND THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING OR OPERATING

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

In any Arc Cutting or Welding operation, it is responsibility of the user to observe certain safety rules to ensure his personal safety and to protect those working near him.

Read all safety articles available relevant to arc cutting. Pay particular attention to any CAUTION or WARNING Notes included in this Support document. CAUTION indicates possible equipment damage. WARNING indicates possible hazard to life.

WARNING

The ON/OFF switch equipment does not isolate the unit from the mains electrical supply. AC POWER IS PRESENT ON THE ON/OFF SWITCH TERMINALS. The On/Off lamp is an indication that the supply is switched off and does not imply that the unit is isolated from the supply. BEFORE REMOVING THE COVERS FOR MAINTENANCE, ISOLATE THE UNIT FROM THE MAINS ELECTRICAL SUPPLY.

1. Electrical

Treat electricity with respect. Even the open circuit voltage of the equipment can be dangerous. Adjustments to the torch or replacement of the torch parts should be undertaken with the mains supply isolated from the unit.
Do not work on live circuits or cables. Disconnect the main power supply before chequing the machine or performing any maintenance operation.
Be sure the case of the body of the machine is properly connected to a good electrical earth.
Have the wiring of the machine installed by a qualified electrician. All connections must be made according to specifications in force and to general safety standards.
Do not stand in water or on damp floors while using an arc cutter. Do not use it in the rain.
Do not operate with worn or poorly connected cables. Inspect all cables frequently for insulation failure, exposed wires and loose connections.
Do not overload cables or continue to operate with overheating cables. Cables which are too small for the current carried will overheat, causing rapid deterioration of the insulation.
Pay attention that live parts of the torch do not touch any metal which is connected to the earth cable. Fix an insulated hook to hang the hand-held torch on when it is not in use.

2. Ventilation

Do not cut on containers which have held combustible or flammable materials, or materials which give off flammable or toxic vapours when heated, without proper cleaning.
Locate the cutting operation far enough from any vapour-type degreaser using trichloroethylene or other chlorinated hydrocarbons as solvents. The ultraviolet light from the arc can decompose these vapours into toxic gases at a considerable distance from the arc, even though the concentration of the gases is low enough to be undetectable by smell.
Be sure to provide adequate ventilation for removal and dilution of fume and gases. Fume exhaust facilities near the arc, or a ventilated helmet should be used when cutting in confined spaces or on toxic material.

3. Glare

Never look at the arc without wearing eye protection. Always use the proper protective clothing, filter glasses, and gloves. Be careful to avoid exposed skin areas. Do not use cracked or defective helmets or shields.
Never strike an arc when there is someone near who is not protected from the strong light of the arc.
Warn bystanders who are not aware of the dangers of ultra-violet light.

4. General

Take care when lifting the unit.
Ensure that cylinders are secured by chains.
Locate the unit so that there is adequate air flow to the ventilation louvers.
Always dress correctly to protect against glare, radiation and spatter.

5. Fire

Ensure that the correct type of fire extinguisher is available in the operating area.
Do not use near flammable materials or liquids, in or near explosive gases.

6. Vehicle Electrics

When working on motor vehicles, remove the battery and any circuitry which may be damaged by the arc.
Whilst cutting be aware of the possibility of “hidden wires” behind panels or bulkheads.