ESAB EMP 215ic Instruction Manual page 6

1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
6. Make sure that all parts of your body are insulated from both the work and from the
ground.
7. Do not stand directly on metal or the earth while working in tight quarters or a damp
area; stand on an effective insulation layer, such as dry boards, an insulating platform
and wear rubber-soled shoes.
8. Put on dry, hole-free gloves before turning on the power.
9. Turn off the power before removing your gloves.
10. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 for specific grounding recommendations. Do not
mistake the work lead for a ground cable.
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
May be dangerous. Electric current flowing through any conductor
causes localized Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF). Welding and
cutting current creates EMF around welding cables and welding
machines. Therefore:
1. Welders having medical pacemakers should consult their physician before welding.
EMF may interfere with some pacemakers.
2. Exposure to EMF may have other health effects which are unknown.
3. Welders should use the following procedures to minimize exposure to EMF:
a) Route the electrode and work cables together. Secure them with tape when
possible.
b) Never coil the torch or work cable around your body.
c) Do not place your body between the torch and work cables. Route cables
together on the same side of your body.
d) Connect the work cable to the workpiece as close as possible to the area being
welded.
e) Keep welding power source and cables as far away from your body as possible.
FUMES AND GASES
Fumes and gases, can cause discomfort or harm, particularly in
confined spaces. Shielding gases can cause asphyxiation. Therefore:
1. Keep your head out of the fumes, smoke and vapors. Do not breathe the smoke,
fumes and gases that are generated by welding processes.
2. Always provide adequate ventilation in the work area by natural or mechanical means.
Do not weld, cut or gouge on materials such as galvanized steel, stainless steel,
copper, zinc, lead beryllium or cadmium unless positive mechanical ventilation is
provided. Do not breathe fumes from these materials.
3. Orient the ventilation to draw smoke, fumes and vapors in a direction away from the
welding operator. Position ventilation suction to pull welding fumes and smoke from
the far side of the work if possible
4. Provide general ventilation for the surrounding work area if workers or other persons
beyond the immediate work area may be exposed to significant welding fumes.
Monitor the fugitive fumes and smoke for potential collateral exposures. Install
appropriate ventilation controls or cease surrounding activity if fumes become an
exposure issue outside of the immediate work area
5. Do not operate near degreasing and spraying operations. The heat or arc can react
with chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors or liquids to form phosgene, a highly toxic gas
and other irritant gases.
0463 407 001 - 6 - © ESAB AB 2017