WARNING:
PROTECT
YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS INFORMATION.
If you have
questions ask your supplier or write / email the products manufacturer for answers.
FUMES AND
GASES CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. USE ENOUGH VENTILATION, EXHAUST AT
THE ARC, OR BOTH, TO KEEP FUMES AND GASES FROM YOUR BREATHING ZONE AND THE
GENERAL AREA.
The
fumes (smoke)
coming from the welding arc
contain
potentially hazardous chemical compounds. Be sure to keep your head out of
the
fume plum.
Although
obvious, since the smoke is visible and doesn’t smell or taste good, be sure
to position your head so the fumes are moving away from your welding helmet.
Less
obvious is when welding in a pit, such as a garage floor repair pit, the MIG
shielding gas your using is heavier than air and will sink to the pit bottom and displace some of the air. This can also occur when
welding in a confined area such as a car trunk etc. Be sure to provide
ventilation to assure you're not asphyxiated. You could die! (SEE
HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE BELOW)
Much more
information on ventilation and when welding special materials is available in the Z49.1
publication such as not welding on cadmium plated parts (those pretty gold
colored parts often used in older automotive bolts, etc.) or on painted
or solvent cleaned surfaces.
ARC
RAYS CAN INJURE EYES AND BURN SKIN.
This is an area often see violated on TV.
The Ultraviolet Light coming from the arc is like looking at the Sun. DON’T
DO IT! Often some folks
are seen turning their head away from directly looking at the arc; however the Arc
Rays are getting to the side of their eye which will still cause eye injury.
TV folks may be seen welding with short
sleeves, open shirts or no gloves. That may look “cool” for TV but Arc
Rays can burn unprotected skin. similar serious
problems
can occur
as overexposure to the sun . COVER
UP!
ELECTRIC
SHOCK CAN KILL.
MIG
welding wire on a spool is electrically “”hot” and is exposed on some
welding machines. The MIG torch tip and other torch parts are also electrically
“hot,” as are TIG torch parts and Stick holders. Depending on the specific welding machine being used, the voltage can
be quite high. TIG and Stick welders often have voltages of 70 and
above and can deliver much more current than required to cause
electrocution!
WEAR
CORRECT EYE, EAR, AND BODY PROTECTION.
If you need
glasses to correct vision be sure to use them or a magnifying lens for your
welding helmet. This helps make you see clearly while your
head is held away from the arc zone avoiding the fume plum. Also, use safety
glasses with side shields and see that those around you are also wearing them. You only have
two eyes, DON’T RISK THEM. Be sure to wear clothing that prevents sparks
from hitting your skin.
Note, about
1/3 of the lost time accidents attributed to eye injuries are caused by
rubbing! Even if you wear eye protection, when your cleaning up
remember metal shavings may be ground into fingers, collected in
eyebrows or are resting on the skin as you inadvertently rub your eyes or
wipe perspiration from your face!
BEFORE
USING A WELDER, READ AND UNDERSTAND THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS AND ASK
FOR THE THEIR MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) FOR THEIR WELDING
MATERIALS.
Companies that distribute welding materials
can give you the MSDS having specific information related to the possible
harmful products that may evolve from the welding wire or welding flux you
are using.
Just ask. Manufacturers of the materials can also supply you with he
appropriate MSDS. These are free for the asking, take advantage of the information.
IF WELDING WHILE
AT WORK, ASK FOR YOUR EMPLOYERS SAFETY PRACTICES.
