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2. ELECTRIC ARC (MIG, TIG) WELDING
Comply with precautions in 1 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, weldments are hot. The wise
operator avoids unnecessary risks and protects himself and others from accidents.
2A) BURN PROTECTION
Comply with precautions in 2. The welding arc is intense and visibly bright. Its
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! COMPLY WITH PRECAUTIONS!
1) Protective clothing
Wear long sleeved clothing (particularly for gas shielded arc) in addition to
gloves, hat and shoes (2A). 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 collar to protect chest and neck and button
pockets to prevent entry of sparks.
2) Eye and head protection
Protect eyes from exposure to arc. NEVER look at an electric arc without
protection. Welding helmet or shield containing a filter plate shade no. 12 or
denser must be used when welding. 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 a 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.
3) Protection of nearby personnel
For production welding, a separate room or enclosed bay is best.
In open areas, surround the operation with low reflective, non- combustible
screens or panels. Allow for free air circulation, particularly at floor level. Provide
face shields for all persons who will be looking directly at the weld. Others
working in the area should wear flash goggles. Before starting to weld, make
sure that screen or bay doors are closed.
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2B) TOXIC FUME PREVENTION
Comply with precautions in 2-B. Generator engine exhaust must be vented to the
outside air. Carbon monoxide can kill.
2C) FIRE AND EXPLOSION PREVENTION
Comply with precautions in 2-C. Equipment’s rated capacity. Do not overload
arc welding equipment. It may overheat cables and cause a fire. Loose cable
connections may overheat or flash and cause a fire. Never strike an arc on a
cylinder or other pressure vessel. It creates a brittle area that can cause a violent
rupture or lead to such a rupture later under rough handling.
2D) SHOCK PREVENTION
Exposed live conductors or other bare metal in the welding circuit, or in unearthed,
electrically-LIVE equipment can fatally shock a person whose body becomes a
conductor. DO NOT STAND, SIT, LIE, LEAN ON, OR TOUCH a wet surface when
welding, without suitable protection.
2E) PROTECTION FOR WEARERS OF ELECTRONIC LIFE SUPPORT DEVICES (PACEMAKERS)
Magnetic fields from high currents can affect pacemaker operation. Persons
wearing electronic life support equipment (pacemaker) should consult with their
doctor before going near arc welding, gouging, or spot welding operations.
2F) TO PROTECT AGAINST SHOCK:
Keep body and clothing dry. Never work in damp area without adequate insulation
against electrical shock. Stay on a dry duckboard, or rubber mat when dampness
or sweat can not be avoided. Sweat, sea water, or moisture between body and
an electrically LIVE part - or earthed metal - reduces the body surface electrical
resistance, enabling dangerous and possibly lethal currents to flow through the
body.
1) Earthing the equipment
When arc welding equipment is earthed according to the National Electrical
Code, and the work is earthed, a voltage may exist between the electrode
and any conducting object.
Examples of conducting objects include, but are not limited to, buildings,
electrical tools, work benches, welding power source cases, workpieces, etc.
Never touch the electrode and any metal object unless the welding power
source is off. When installing, connect the frames of each unit such as welding
power source, control, work table, and water circulator to the building earth.
Conductors must be adequate to carry earth currents safely. Equipment made
electrically LIVE by stray current may shock, possibly fatally. Do NOT EARTH to
electrical conduit, or to a pipe carrying ANY gas or a flammable liquid such
as oil or fuel.
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