NewArc RT5000 Instruction Manual page 4

SECTION 1 — SAFETY
Fire and Explosions
Pay attention to fire and safety regulations in force at the
welding site.
Remove all flammable or combustible materials from
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the welding area and the immediate vicinity.
Suitable fire fighting equipment must always be present
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where welding is carried out.
Be aware that a fire risk is present for a considerable
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time after welding operations have ceased because of
sparks and hot slag etc. Take suitable precautions when
you have finished welding.
Take care when welding containers that have held
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flammable or combustible material, these should have
been specially cleaned before being given to the
welder. If in doubt do not weld them.
Burns
Be aware that burns may be the result of the heat involved
in the welding process, welding spatter or the Ultra Violet
Radiation given off by the arc itself.
Wear suitable fireproof clothing over all your body.
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• Wear protective gauntlets designed for welding use.
Wear a welding facemask fitted with the correct filter
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shade suitable for the current at which you're welding.
Avoid wearing oily or greasy clothing as a spark may
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ignite them. Where possible ensure that a suitable first
aid kit and a first aid person qualified in the treatment of
burns are available nearby.
Fumes
Welding operations give off harmful fumes that are hazard-
ous to your health.
Make sure the welding area is well ventilated. Use suit-
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able fume extractors or exhaust fans if necessary.
If the ventilation is not suitable then breathing appara-
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tus may have to be used.
Do not weld plated metals or metals which contain
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Lead, cadmium, Zinc, Mercury or Beryllium unless you
are wearing suitable breathing apparatus.
Electric Shock
Do not touch live electrical parts.
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Do not work in wet or excessively humid areas and do not
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site the RT4000/RT5000 on a wet surface.
Avoid touching the work piece whilst welding.
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Do not use the RT4000/RT5000 without it's protective
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cover
Keep your clothing and body dry
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The safe handling of gas cylinders
The RT4000/RT5000 uses argon when TIG welding. This is an
inert gas and can displace oxygen in the atmosphere lead-
ing to asphyxiation.
• Note! Gas cylinders are under pressure and can explode
if punctured. Please ensure the cylinder is secured in a
stable location, away from any heat source or potential
mechanical damage.
The cylinder must be securely fastened to a wall or
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placed in a specially designed cylinder carrier.
Do not use gas cylinders whose contents you are unsure
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of.
Do not try to directly connect a gas cylinder to the
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RT4000/RT5000 without using a pressure-reducing regula-
tor designed for use with argon.
Always install and use pressure regulators in accordance
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with the manufacturers instructions.
It is advisable, when attaching the regulator to the gas
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bottle, to briefly turn on the bottle valve to expel any
foreign objects that may be present. These may later
block the solenoid valve of the machine if not dealt with.
Turn your face away from the bottle valve when under-
taking this action.
• Check the gas cylinder, pressure regulator and gas hoses
regularly for leaks and discard any suspect item.
Always turn off the valve on the gas cylinder when you
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have finished welding.
Further information is available in publication HSG118 'The safe use
of compressed gases in welding, flame cutting and allied proc-
esses', which may be obtained from the Health & Safety
Welding and earth return cables
Earth return and electrode holder cables must have a
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cross sectional area of at least 35mm
Only use copper cables, the use of Aluminium cables
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may have a detrimental effect on the performance of
the machine.
Regularly inspect welding cables and connectors for
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wear abrasion and corrosion. Corroded cables and con-
nectors may overheat and become a fire hazard.
Ensure that all welding connectors are fully mated, the
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connectors should be pushed fully home and then turned
clockwise to lock. If the connectors are not mated fully
they may overheat and become a fire hazard.
If possible, fasten the earth return clamp directly to the
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job to be welded and ensure that the surface is free from
rust and paint.
RT5/4000
4
Executive.
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