Safety Precautions - ESAB Heliarc 252 Instruction Manual

WARNING: hese Safety Precautions are for
T
your protection. They summarize precaution-
ary information from the references listed in
Additional Safety Information section. Before
performing any installation or operating procedures, be
sure to read and follow the safety precautions listed below
as well as all other manuals, material safety data sheets,
labels, etc. Failure to observe Safety Precautions can result
in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Some welding, cutting, and gouging
--
processes are noisy and require ear
protection. The arc, like the sun, emits
ultraviolet (UV) and other radiation and
can injure skin and eyes. Hot metal can cause burns.
Training in the proper use of the processes and equip-
ment is essential to prevent accidents. Therefore:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any work
area, even if welding helmets, face shields, and goggles
are also required.
2. Use a face shield fitted with the correct filter and cover
plates to protect your eyes, face, neck, and ears from
sparks and rays of the arc when operating or observing
operations. Warn bystanders not to watch the arc and not
to expose themselves to the rays of the electric-arc or hot
metal.
3. Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve
shirt, cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding
helmet or cap for hair protection, to protect against arc
rays and hot sparks or hot metal. A flameproof apron may
also be desirable as protection against radiated heat and
sparks.
4. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trou-
ser cuffs, or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept
buttoned, and open pockets eliminated from the front of
clothing
5. Protect other personnel from arc rays and hot sparks with
a suitable non-flammable partition or curtains.
6. Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or
grinding. Chipped slag may be hot and can fly far. Bystand-
ers should also wear goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS -- Heat from
flames and arcs
slag or sparks can also cause fires and
explosions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well away from the
work area or cover the materials with a protective non-
flammable covering. Combustible materials include wood,
cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels, solvents, paints and
coatings, paper, etc.
2. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices
in floors or wall openings and cause a hidden smolder-
ing fire or fires on the floor below. Make certain that such
openings are protected from hot sparks and metal."
3. Do not weld, cut or perform other hot work until the
workpiece has been completely cleaned so that there
are no substances on the workpiece which might produce
flammable or toxic vapors. Do not do hot work on closed
containers. They may explode.
4. Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use,
such as a garden hose, water pail, sand bucket, or portable
fire extinguisher. Be sure you are trained in its use.
5. Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For example,
overloaded welding cable can overheat and create a fire

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

can start fires. Hot
hazard.
6. After completing operations, inspect the work area to make
certain there are no hot sparks or hot metal which could
cause a later fire. Use fire watchers when necessary.
7. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B,
"Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes",
available from the National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK -- Contact with live electrical parts
and ground can cause severe injury or death. DO NOT use
AC welding current in damp areas, if movement is confined,
or if there is danger of falling.
1.
(chassis) is connected to the ground system
of the input power.
2.
electrical ground.
3.
workpiece. A poor or missing connection can expose you
or others to a fatal shock.
4. Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or dam-
aged cables.
5. Keep everything dry, including clothing, work area, cables,
torch/electrode holder, and power source.
6. Make sure that all parts of your body are insulated from
work and from ground.
7. Do not stand directly on metal or the earth while working
in tight quarters or a damp area; stand on dry boards or
an insulating platform and wear rubber-soled shoes.
8. Put on dry, hole-free gloves before turning on the pow-
er.
9. Turn off the power before removing your gloves.
10. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 (listed on next
page) 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.
should consult their physician before
welding. EMF may interfere with some
pacemakers.
2.
health effects which are unknown.
3.
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 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.
5
Be sure the power source frame
Connect the workpiece to a good
Connect the work cable to the
Welders having pacemakers
Exposure to EMF may have other
Welders should use the following