ESAB Heliarc 250 Instruction Manual page 4

FUMES AND GASES -- Fumes and gases,
can cause discomfort or harm, particu-
larly in confined spaces. Do not breathe
fumes and gases. Shielding gases can
cause asphyxiation. Therefore:
1. 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 posi-
tive mechanical ventilation is provided. Do not breathe
fumes from these materials.
2. Do not operate near degreasing and spraying opera-
tions. The heat or arc rays can react with chlorinated
hydrocarbon vapors to form phosgene, a highly toxic
gas, and other irritant gases.
3. If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation
while operating, this is an indication that ventilation is not
adequate. Stop work and take necessary steps to im-
prove ventilation in the work area. Do not continue to
operate if physical discomfort persists.
4. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 (see listing below)
for specific ventilation recommendations.
CYLINDER HANDLING -- Cylinders, if
mishandled, can rupture and violently
release gas. Sudden rupture of cylinder,
valve, or relief device can injure or kill.
Therefore:
1. Use the proper gas for the process and use the proper
pressure reducing regulator designed to operate from
the compressed gas cylinder. Do not use adaptors.
Maintain hoses and fittings in good condition. Follow
manufacturer's operating instructions for mounting regu-
lator to a compressed gas cylinder.
2. Always secure cylinders in an upright position by chain
or strap to suitable hand trucks, undercarriages, benches,
walls, post, or racks. Never secure cylinders to work
tables or fixtures where they may become part of an
electrical circuit.
3. When not in use, keep cylinder valves closed. Have
valve protection cap in place if regulator is not con-
nected. Secure and move cylinders by using suitable
hand trucks. Avoid rough handling of cylinders.
4. Locate cylinders away from heat, sparks, and flames.
Never strike an arc on a cylinder.
5. For additional information, refer to CGA Standard P-1,
"Precautions for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in
Cylinders", which is available from Compressed Gas
Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington,
VA 22202.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE -- Faulty or im-
!
properly maintained equipment can cause
injury or death. Therefore:
1. Always have qualified personnel perform the installa-
tion, troubleshooting, and maintenance work. Do not
perform any electrical work unless you are qualified to
perform such work.
2. Before performing any maintenance work inside a power
source, disconnect the power source from the incoming
electrical power.
3. Maintain cables, grounding wire, connections, power cord,
and power supply in safe working order. Do not operate
any equipment in faulty condition.
4. Do not abuse any equipment or accessories.
equipment away from heat sources such as furnaces, wet
conditions such as water puddles, oil or grease, corrosive
atmospheres and inclement weather.
5. Keep all safety devices and cabinet covers in position and
in good repair.
6. Use equipment only for its intended purpose. Do not
modify it in any manner.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION -- For more infor-
mation on safe practices for electric arc welding and
cutting equipment, ask your supplier for a
!
copy of "Precautions and Safe Practices for
Arc Welding, Cutting and Gouging", Form
52-529.
The following publications, which are available from the
American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJuene Road, Miami,
FL 33126, are recommended to you:
1. ANSI/ASC Z49.1 - "Safety in Welding and Cutting"
2. AWS C5.1 - "Recommended Practices for Plasma Arc
Welding"
3. AWS C5.2 - "Recommended Practices for Plasma Arc
Cutting"
4. AWS C5.3 - "Recommended Practices for Air Carbon Arc
Gouging and Cutting"
5. AWS C5.5 - "Recommended Practices for Gas Tungsten
Arc Welding"
6. AWS C5.6 - "Recommended Practices for Gas Metal Arc
Welding""
7. AWS SP - "Safe Practices" - Reprint, Welding Handbook.
8. ANSI/AWS F4.1, "Recommended Safe Practices for Weld-
ing and Cutting of Containers That Have Held Hazardous
Substances."
This symbol appearing throughout this manual
!
means Attention! Be Alert! Your safety is
involved.
The following definitions apply to DANGER, WARNING,
CAUTION found throughout this manual:
Used to call attention to immediate haz-
ards which, if not avoided, will result in
DANGER
!
immediate, serious personal injury or
loss of life.
Used to call attention to potential haz-
WARNING
!
ards which could result in personal injury
or loss of life.
Used to call attention to hazards which
CAUTION
!
could result in minor personal injury.
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