Safety Guidelines

Arc welding can be dangerous.
Protect yourself and others from potential serious injury or death.
Keep children away from welding areas.
Individuals with pacemakers should consult their doctor before welding.

Read and understand the following safety messages.

For more information on welding safety, refer to:
“Safety in Welding & Cutting – ANSI Standard Z49.1”
American Welding Society
P.O. Box 351040,
Miami, Florida 33135

Ensure that all installation, operation, maintenance, and repair work is performed by qualified personnel.

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ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS (EMF) can be hazardous

• • Electric current flowing through any conductor generates localized electric and magnetic fields (EMF).
    Welding current creates EMF fields around welding cables and machines.
    These EMF fields can interfere with some pacemakers. Welders with pacemakers should consult their physician before operating a welding machine.

    EMF exposure during welding may have other unknown health effects.
    All welders should follow these procedures to minimize exposure to EMF in the welding circuit:

    • Route the electrode and work cables together – tape them side by side whenever possible.

    • Never wrap the electrode cable around your body.

    • Do not place your body between the electrode and work cables. If the electrode cable is on your right side, the work cable should also be on your right.

    • Attach the work cable to the workpiece as close as possible to the welding area.

    • Do not work near the welding power source.

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ARC RAYS can burn.

• • Wear a helmet with proper filter lenses and covers to protect your eyes from sparks and arc rays when welding or observing open-arc welding.
    Helmet and filter lenses must comply with ANSI Z87.1 standards.
    Wear appropriate flame-resistant clothing to protect your skin and that of any assistants from arc rays.
    Shield nearby personnel with a suitable, non-flammable screen and/or warn them not to look directly at the arc or expose themselves to arc rays or hot metal spatter.

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FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous

• • • Welding produces fumes and gases that can be dangerous to your health. Do not inhale them.

    • Keep your head out of the fume plume. Use proper ventilation and/or fume extraction at the arc to keep fumes and gases away from your breathing zone.

    • When welding with electrodes that require special ventilation (such as stainless steel, hardfacing, lead, cadmium-coated steel, etc.), follow the instructions on the product label or material safety data sheet (MSDS).

    Ensure exposure stays below threshold limit values (TLV) by using local exhaust systems or mechanical ventilation.
    In confined spaces or certain outdoor situations, a respirator may be necessary.
    Special care must be taken when welding galvanized steel.

    Do not weld near chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors from degreasing, cleaning, or spraying operations. Heat and arc rays can react with these vapors to form phosgene gas, a highly toxic compound, along with other irritating byproducts.

    Shielding gases used in arc welding can displace breathable air and cause injury or death.
    Ensure adequate ventilation, especially in confined areas, to maintain safe oxygen levels.

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    Always:

    • Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment and consumables, including the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

    • Follow the safety rules of your employer, welding material distributor, or equipment manufacturer.