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weld or cut. Hollow castings or containers must be vented before welding as

they can explode.

In explosive atmospheres, never weld or cut where the air may contain

flammable dust, gas, or liquid vapours.

ELECTRIC ARC WELDING

Comply with precautions in above and this section. Arc welding, properly

done, is a safe process but a careless operator invites trouble. The equipment

carries high currents at significant voltages. The arc is very bright and hot.

Sparks fly, fumes rise, ultraviolet and infrared energy radiates and work pieces

are hot. The wise operator avoids unnecessary risks and protects himself and

others from accidents.

BURN PROTECTION

The welding arc is intense and visibly bright. It’s radiation can damage eyes,

penetrate lightweight clothing, reflect from light coloured surfaces and burn

the skin and eyes. Skin burns resemble acute sunburn, those from gas -

shielded arcs are more severe and painful.

DON’T GET BURNED! FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Wear long sleeved clothing (particularly for gas shielded arc) in addition to

gloves, apron and strong shoes. As necessary, use additional protective

clothing such as leather jacket or sleeves, flameproof apron, and fire-resistant

leggings. Avoid outer garments of untreated cotton. Bare skin protection:

Wear dark substantial clothing, Button collars closed to protect the chest and

neck and button any pockets to prevent entry of sparks.

EYE AND HEAD PROTECTION

Protect eyes from exposure to arc. NEVER look at an electric arc without

protection. Welding helmet or shield containing an appropriate filter plate

(Please refer to the section ‘Welding Shield). Place over face before striking

arc. Protect filter plate with a clear cover plate. Cracked or broken helmet or

shield should NOT be worn; radiation can pass through to cause burns.

Cracked, broken, or loose filter plates must be replaced IMMEDIATELY.Replace

clear cover plate when broken, pitted, or spattered. WE SUGGEST you wear

flash goggles with side shields under the helmet, to give some protection to

the eyes should the helmet not be lowered over the face before an arc is

struck. Looking at an arc momentarily with unprotected eyes (particularly high

intensity gas-shielded arc) can cause a retinal burn that may leave a

permanent dark area in the field of vision. Before welding whilst wearing

contact lenses, seek advice from your optician.