Safety Precautions - ESAB Heliarc 250 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 pro-
cesses are noisy and require ear protec-
tion. The arc, like the sun, emits ultravio-
let (UV) and other radiation and can in-
jure skin and eyes. Hot metal can cause
burns. Training in the proper use of the processes and
equipment 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 weld-
ing 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,
trouser 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.
Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS -- Heat from
flames and arcs can start fires. Hot slag
or sparks can also cause fires and explo-
sions. 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
smoldering 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 pro-
duce 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.
!

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

5. Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For example,
6. After completing operations, inspect the work area to
7. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B,
--
10. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 (listed on next page)
1. Welders having pacemakers should consult their physi-
2. Exposure to EMF may have other health effects which are
3. Welders should use the following procedures to minimize
2
!
overloaded welding cable can overheat and create a fire
hazard.
make certain there are no hot sparks or hot metal which
could cause a later fire. Use fire watchers when neces-
sary.
"Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Pro-
cesses", available from the National Fire Protection Asso-
ciation, 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. Be sure the power source frame (chassis) is connected
to the ground system of the input power.
2. Connect the workpiece to a good electrical ground.
3. Connect the work cable to the 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 power.
9. Turn off the power before removing your gloves.
for specific grounding recommendations. Do not mis-
take the work lead for a ground cable.
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS —
May be dangerous. Electric current flow-
ing through any conductor causes local-
ized Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF).
Welding and cutting current creates EMF
around welding cables and welding ma-
chines. Therefore:
cian before welding. EMF may interfere with some pace-
makers.
unknown.
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.
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