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A container with unknown contents should be cleaned (see paragraph above). Do

NOT depend on sense of smell or sight to determine if it is safe to weld or cut. Hollow

castings or containers must be vented before welding or cutting as they can explode.

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

dust, gas, or liquid vapours.

ELECTRIC ARC (MIG, TIG) 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.