Bohler URANOS 1500 RC Instruction Manual page 18

1.3 Protection against fumes and gases
• Fumes, gases and powders produced during the welding pro-
cess can be noxious for your health.
Under certain circumstances, the fumes caused by welding
can cause cancer or harm the foetus of pregnant women.
• Keep your head far from any welding gas and fumes.
• Provide for proper ventilation, either natural or forced, in the
work area.
• In case of poor ventilation, use masks and breathing apparatus.
• In case of welding in extremely small places the work of the
operator carrying out the weld should be supervised by a col-
league standing outside.
• Do not use oxygen for the ventition.
• Verify the suction is working by checking regularly the quan-
tity of harmful exhaust gases versus the values stated in the
safety regulations.
• The quantity and the danger level of the fumes depends on
the base material used, the weld material and any substances
used to clean and degrease the pieces to be welded. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions together with the instructions
given in the technical sheets.
• Do not perform welding operations near degreasing or paint-
ing stations.
Position gas cylinders outdoors or in places with good ventila-
tion.
1.4 Fire/explosion prevention
• The welding process may cause fires and/or explosions.
• Clear the work area and the surrounding area from any
infiam-mable or combustible materials or objects.
Flammable materials must be at least 11 metres (35 feet) from
the welding area or they must be suitably protected.
Sparks and incandescent particles might easily be sprayed
quite far and reach the surrounding areas even through
minute openings. Pay particular attention to keep people and
property safe.
• Do not perform welding operations on or near containers
under pressure.
• Do not perform welding operations on closed containers or
pipes.
Pay particular attention to welding tubes or containers even
if these are open, empty and have been cleaned thoroughly.
Any residue of gas, fuel, oil or similar materials might cause
an explosion.
• Do not weld in places where explosive powders, gases or
vapours are present.
• At the end of welding, check that the live circuit cannot acci-
dentally come into contact with any parts connected to the
earth circuit.
• Position a fire-fighting device or material near the work area.
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1.5 Prevention in using gas canisters
• Inert gas canisters contain pressurized gas and can explode if
minimum safe conditions for transport, storage and use are
not ensured.
• Canisters must be secured in a vertical position to a wall or
other supporting structure, with suitable means so that they
cannot fall or accidentally hit anything else.
• Screw the cap in to protect the valve during transport, com-
missioning and at the end of any welding operation.
• Do not expose canisters to direct sunlight, sudden changes
of temperature, too high or too rigid temperatures. Do not
expose canisters to temperatures too rigid or too high.
• Do not let canisters come into contact with naked flames,
electric arcs, torches or electrode guns and with incandescent
material sprayed by welding.
• Keep canisters far from welding circuits and electrical circuits
in general.
• In opening the canister valve, keep your head far from the gas
outlet.
• Always close the canister valve at the end of the welding
operations.
• Never weld a pressurized gas canister.
• A compressed air canister must never be directly coupled
to the machine pressure reducer. Pressure might exceed the
capacity of the reducer which might consequently explode.
1.6 Protection from electrical shock
• Electrical shocks can kill you.
• Avoid touching live parts both inside and outside the welding
system while this is active (torches, guns, earth cables, elec-
trodes, wires, rollers and coils are electrically connected to
the welding circuit).
• Ensure the system and the welder are isolated electrically by
using dry bases and floors that are sufficiently isolated from
the earth.
• Ensure the system is connected correctly to a socket and a
power source fitted with an earthing lead.
• Do not touch two torches or two electrode holders at the
same time.
lf you feel an electric shock, interrupt the welding operations
immediately.
The arc striking and stabilizing device is designed
for manual or mechanically guided operation.
Increasing the length of torch or welding cables
more than 8 m will increase the risk of electric
shock.