NEVER weld or cut in an area where the air may
contain flammable dust (such as grain dust), gas,
or liquid vapors (such as gasoline).
NEVER handle hot metal, such as the workpiece
or welding wire, with bare hands.
ALWAYS wear leather gloves, heavy long sleeve
shirt, cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes, helmet,
and cap. As necessary, use additional protective
clothing such as leather jacket or sleeves, fire
resistant leggings, or apron. Hot sparks or metal
can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trouser cuffs, or
pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept but-
toned and pockets eliminated from the front.
ALWAYS have fire extinguishing equipment handy
for instant use! A portable chemical fire extin-
quisher, type ABC, is recommended.
ALWAYS wear ear plugs when welding overhead
to prevent spatter or stag from falling into ear.
ALWAYS make sure welding area has agood,
solid, safe floor, preferably concrete or masonry,
not tiled, carpeted, or made of any other flammable
material.
ALWAYS protect flammable walls, ceilings, and
floors with heat resistant covers or shields.
ALWAYS check welding area to make sure it is
free of sparks, glowing metal or slag, and flames
before leaving the welding area.
FUME HAZARDS
FUMES, GASSES, AND VAPORS CAN CAUSE
DISCOMFORT, ILLNESS, AND DEATH! To re-
duce risk of discomfort, illness, or death, read,
understand, and follow the following safety instruc-
tions. In addition, make certain that anyone else
that uses this welding equipment or is a bystander
in the welding area, understands and follows these
safety instructions as well.
NEVER weld in an area until it has been checked
for adequate ventilation as described in ANSI
standard #Z49.1. If ventilation is not adequate to
exchange all fumes and gasses generated during
the welding process with fresh air, do not weld
unless you (the welder) and all bystanders are
wearing air-supplied respirators.
NEVER heat metals coated with or containing ma-
terials that produce toxic fumes, such as galva-
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Page)3
nized steel, unless the coating is removed, the
area is well ventilated, or the operator and _all'
bystanders wear air-supplied respirators.
NEVER weld, cut, or heat lead, zinc, cadmium,
mercury, beryllium, or similar metals without seek-
ing professional advise and inspection of the ven-
tilation of the welding area. These metals produce
EXTREMELY TOXIC fumes which can cause dis-
comfort, illness, and death.
NEVER weld or cut in areas that are near chlorin-
ated solvents. Vapors from chlorinated hydrocar-
bons, such as trichlorbethylene and
perchloroethylene, can be decomposed by the
heat of an electric arc or its ultraviolet radiation to
form PHOSGENE, a HIGHLY TOXIC gas, along
with other lung and eye-irritating gasses. Do not
weld or cut where these solvent vapors can be
drawn into the work area or where the ultraviolet
radiation can penetrate to areas containing even
very small amounts of these vapors.
NEVER weld in aconfined area unless itis being
ventilated or the operator (and anyone else in the
area) iswearing an air-supplied respirator.
NEVER bring gas cylinders into or allow gas leaks
in a confined space. Leaked gas can rapidly re-
duce oxygen concentration levels in a confined
space.
ALWAYS shut off shielding gas supply at its source
before leaving a confined area and check to make
sure that the area is safe before reentering it.
ALWAYS stop welding if you develop momentary
eye, nose, or throat irritation as this indicates in-
adequate ventilation. Stop work and take neces-
sary steps to improve ventilation in the welding
area. Do not resume welding ifphysical discomfort
persists.
COMPRESSED GASSES AND
EQUIPMENT HAZARDS
IMPROPER HANDLING AND MAINTENANCE
OF COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS AND
REGULATORS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS IN-
JURY OR DEATH! To reduce risk or injury or death
from compressed gasses and equipment hazards,
read, understand, and follow the following safety
instructions. In addition, make certain that anyone
else who uses this welding equipment or is a
bystander in the welding area understands and
follows these safety instructions as well.
