Impax IM-MIG150 Instruction Manual page 6

SAFETY INFORMATION
Safety Devices
Safety devices such as interlocks and circuit
breakers should not be disconnected or shunted
out. Before installation, inspection, or service of
equipment, shut OFF all power and remove line
fuses (or lock or red-tag switches) to prevent
accidental turning ON of power. Do not open
power circuit or change polarity while welding. If,
in an emergency, it must be disconnected,
guard against shock burns, or flash from switch
arcing.
Always shut OFF and disconnect all power to
equipment. Power disconnect switch must be
available near the welding power source.
Checking the Equipment
Warning! Keep hands and body clear of the
front of the welding torch. When the automatic
feed is operated the wire electrode can easily
penetrate gloves, clothing and skin causing
injury.
Never point the welding torch towards your face
as accidental operation of the wire electrode
feed can cause serious injury to the eyes and
face.
Check that the equipment is suitable for the
operation and connected in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations. The welder is
responsible for checking the equipment (cable,
wire electrode torch, coupling devices, wire feed
operation and gas containers) daily for damage
and defects. All external connections should be
clean and tight and checked each time a
reconnection is made. The welding return clamp
should be connected directly to the work piece,
as close as possible to the point of welding. Any
damaged or defective parts must be replaced
before continuing the welding operation.
Fumes
Metals and metal coatings can contain substances
which generate toxic fumes during welding. These
can cause severe discomfort, illness or, in extreme
cases, death as a result of inhalation. For example,
when welding galvanised steel, the use of local
exhaust ventilation (LEV) is very important to reduce
the risk of a condition called 'metal-fume fever'.
This produces flu-like symptoms which begin
several hours after exposure with a thirst, cough,
headache, sweat, pain in the limbs and fever.
Recovery usually occurs within 1 to 2 days of
removal from exposure.
To minimise the generation of toxic fumes, anti-
corrosion plating, paint, other coatings and
surface contamination in the weld region should
be removed, with due regard to health & safety
issues, before welding.
It is extremely important that the effects of
welding fume and the method of reducing the
welder's exposure to fume are carefully
considered before welding. Welding fume must
be taken seriously.
The welding process vaporises metals, and
anything that is resting on the surface. This
gives rise to fumes, which is condensed fine
particulate material. The fume is mostly oxides
of the metals, including any alloying elements,
but it also contains shielding gases and gases
produced in the arc, such as ozone or oxides of
nitrogen, and decomposition products from any
paint or coating which was on the metal
surface. The nature and quantity of this fume
depends critically upon the welding process, the
materials and the welding parameters.
Warning!
Some fumes are harmful to health, for instance
stainless steel fumes contain chromium, and
welding galvanised steel produces zinc fumes
and should be avoided.
Effects can vary from a bout of 'metal fume
fever' to longer term, more serious problems if
suitable fume removal is not carried out.
Noise
Welding environments are frequently noisy as
other operations such as grinding, etc. may also
be taking place. Some operations, such a de-
slagging may take the noise up to such a level
where it will damage hearing. In such cases
hearing protection must be used.
Optical Radiation
The welding process produces a large quantity
of visible light, ultraviolet and infrared. Exposure
to the radiation from an arc causes damage to
the eyes (Arc Eye). For this reason, welders need
to wear efficient eye protection, which is usually
supplied in the form of a protective shield.
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