Impax IM-MIG150 Instruction Manual page 7

SAFETY INFORMATION
The precise choice of the shade of glass filter in
these shields depends on the type of welding
operation, since they vary in their light output.
Hand Held and Head Shields
For most operations a hand-held or head shield
constructed of lightweight insulating and non-
reflecting material is used which conforms to
EN175. The shield is fitted with a protective filter
glass, sufficiently dark in colour and capable of
absorbing the harmful infrared and ultraviolet
rays. The filter glasses conform to the strict
requirements of EN169 and are graded
according to a shade number which specifies
the amount of visible light allowed to pass
through - the lower the number, the lighter the
filter. The correct shade number for MMA
welding must be used according to the welding
current level, for example:
Recommended shade number of filter for
MIG/MAG welding:
Shade Welding current A
number
MIG Heavy MIG Light
metal
10 under 100
11 100 - 175
12 175 - 300
13 300 - 500
14 over 500
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Note: The current ranges are different for other
processes.
Welders assistants also need protective clothing
and eye protection. Passers-by should be
protected by placing opaque or properly filtered
screens around the work area.
Burns and Mechanical Hazards
Exposure to the radiation from an arc causes
burns to the skin, For this reason, welders need
to wear clothing to protect their bodies and
arms, regardless of the weather conditions.
Welders need good quality gloves, preferably
leather gauntlets, safety boots or shoes and
good quality cap and overalls. A leather apron
MAG
metal
under 100 under 80
100 - 175 80 - 125
175 - 250 125 - 175
250 - 350 175 - 300
350 - 500 300 - 500
over 500 over 450
may also be needed. Welding produces
quantities of molten droplets of metal which are
scattered in all directions. It is essential that the
welder wears clothing which will not burn or
melt, and which is stout enough to provide
adequate protection.
Fire and Explosion Prevention
Causes of fire and explosion are:
1) combustibles reached by the arc, flame, flying
sparks, hot slag or heated material;
2) misuse of compressed gases and cylinders;
3) short circuits.
BE AWARE THAT flying sparks or falling slag can
pass through cracks, along pipes, through
windows or doors, and through wall or floor
openings, out of sight of the goggled operator.
Sparks and slag can fly 10M.
To prevent fires and explosion: keep equipment
clean and operable, free of oil, grease, and (in
electrical parts) of metallic particles that can
cause short circuits.
If combustibles are in area, do NOT weld or cut.
Move the work if practicable, to an area free of
combustibles.
Avoid paint spray rooms, dip tanks, storage
areas, ventilators. If the work cannot be moved,
move combustibles at least 10M, away out of
reach of sparks and heat; or protect against
ignition with suitable and snug fitting, fire-
resistant covers or shields.
Walls, ceilings, and floor near work should be
protected by heat resistant covers or shields.
Fire watcher must be standing by with suitable
fire extinguishing equipment during and for
some time after welding or cutting if:
a) appreciable combustibles (including building
construction) are within 10m.
b) appreciable combustibles are further than
10m but can be ignited by sparks.
c) openings (concealed or visible) in floors or
walls within 10m can expose combustibles to
sparks.
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