consumables, coatings, cleaners, and degreasers.
●Work in a confined space only if it is well ventilated, or while wearing an air-supplied respirator. Always
have a trained watchperson nearby. Welding fumes and gases can displace air and lower the oxygen level
causing injury or death. Be sure the breathing air is safe.
●Do not weld in locations near degreasing, cleaning, or spraying operations. The heat and rays of the arc
can react with vapors to form highly toxic and irritating gases.
●Do not weld on coated metals,such as galvanized, lead, or cadmium plated steel, unless the coating is
removed from the weld area, the area is well ventilated, and if necessary, while wearing an air-supplied
respirator. The coatings and any metals containing these elements can give off toxic fumes if welded.
ARC RAYS can burn eyes and skin.
Arc rays from the welding process produce intense visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared)
rays that can burn eyes and skin. Sparks fly off from the weld.
●Wear a welding helmet fitted with a proper shade of filter to protect your face and eyes when welding or
watching (see ANSI Z49.1 and Z87.1 listed in Safety Standards).
●Wear approved safety glasses with side shields under your helmet.
●Use protective screens or barriers to protect others from flash and glare; warn others not to watch the arc.
●Wear protective clothing made from durable, flame-resistant material (leather and wool) and foot
protection.
WELDING can cause fire or explosion.
Welding on closed containers, such as tanks, drums, or pipes, can cause them to blow up. Sparks can
fly off from the welding arc. The flying sparks, hot workpiece, and hot equipment can cause fires and
burns. Accidental contact of electrode to metal objects can cause sparks, explosion, overheating, or
fire. Check and be sure the area is safe before doing any welding.
●Protect yourself and others from flying sparks and hot metal.
●Do not weld where flying sparks can strike flammable material.
●Remove all flammables within 35 ft (10.7 m) of the welding arc. If this is not possible, tightly cover them
with approved covers.
●Be alert that welding sparks and hot materials from welding can easily go through small cracks and
openings to adjacent areas.
●Watch for fire, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
●Be aware that welding on a ceiling, floor,bulkhead,or partition can cause fire on the hidden side.
●Do not weld on closed containers such as tanks, drums,or pipes,unless they are properly prepared
according to AWS F4.1 (see Safety Standards).
●Connect work cable to the work as close to the welding area as practical to prevent welding current from
traveling long, possibly unknown paths and causing electric shock and fire hazards. Do not use welder to
thaw frozen pipes.
●Remove stick electrode from holder or cut off welding wire at contact tip when not in use.
●Wear oil-free protective garments such as leather gloves, heavy shirt, cuffless trousers, high shoes, and a
cap.
