Safety
Regulations
You, as the welder, must have
a thorough knowledge of the safety precautions relating to the job. That is not all; you
should also consider it your responsibility to observe all of the applicable safety
precautions. When welding, carelessness can cause serious injury to your-self as well as
others.
Bear in mind the safety
precautions for operating welding equipment can vary considerably because of the different
types of equipment involved; therefore, only general precautions on operating metal
arc-welding equipment are presented here. For specific instructions on the operation and
maintenance of your individual equipment, consult the equipment manufacturer’s
instruction manual. In regards to general precau-tions, know your equipment and how to
operate it. Use only approved welding equipment, and ensure that it is maintained
properly.
Before you start welding,
ensure that the welding machine frame is grounded, that neither terminal of the welding
generator is bonded to the frame, and that all electrical connections are secure. The
ground connection must be attached firmly to the work, not merely laid loosely upon it.
Keep welding cables dry and
free of oil or grease.
Keep the cables in good
condition and always take appropriate steps to protect them from damage. When it is
necessary to run cables some distance from the ma-chine, lay them overhead, if at all
possible, using ade-quate support devices.
When you are using portable
machines, make sure that the primary power cable is separate from the welding cables so
they do not become entangled. Any portable equipment mounted on wheels should be securely
blocked to prevent accidental movement during welding operations.
When stopping work for any
appreciable length of time, be sure to de-energize the equipment. When the equipment is
not in use, you should completely discon-nect it from its source of power.
Keep the work area neat and
clean. If at all possible, make it a practice to dispose the hot electrode stubs in a
metal container.
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