Safety Precautions - ESAB WH-4200 Mode D'emploi

SECTION 1
These Safety Precautions are for your protection. They summarize
precautionary information from the references listed in Additional
Safety Information section. Before performing any installation or
operating procedures, be sure to read and follow the safety precau-
tions listed below as well as all other manuals, material safety data
sheets, labels, etc. Failure to observe Safety Precautions can result
in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS - Some weld-
ing, cutting and gouging processes are noisy and
require ear protection. Hot metal can cause skin
burns and heat rays may injure eyes. Training in
the proper use of the processes and equipment is
essential to prevent accidents. Also:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any
work area, even if welding helmets, face shields, or
goggles are also required.
2. Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt,
cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding helmet or cap
for hair protection, to protect against hot sparks and hot metal.
A flameproof apron may also be desirable as protection against
radiated heat and sparks.
3. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trousers cuffs,
or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned, and open
pockets eliminated from the front of clothing.
4. Protect other personnel from hot sparks with a suitable non-flam-
mable partition or curtains.
5. Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or grinding.
Chipped slag may be hot and can travel considerable distances.
Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS - Heat from a flame can act
as an ignition source. Hot slag or sparks can also
cause fires or explosions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well away from
the work area or completely cover the materials with a
protective non-flammable covering. Combustible ma-
terials include wood, cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels, solvents,
paints and coatings, paper, etc.
2. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in floors
or wall openings and cause a hidden smoldering fire on the floor
below. Make certain that such openings are protected from hot
sparks and metal.
3. Do not weld, cut, or perform any other hot work on materials, con-
tainers, or piping until it has been completely cleaned so that no
substances on the material can produce flammable or toxic vapors.
Do not do hot work on closed containers. They may explode.
4. Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use, such as a
garden hose, a pail of water or sand, or portable fire extinguisher.
Be sure you are trained in its use.
5. After completing operations, inspect the work area to be sure that
there are no hot sparks or hot metal which could cause a later fire.
Use fire watchers when necessary.
6. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B, "Fire Preven-
tion in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes", which is available
from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park,
Quincy, MA 02269.
FUMES AND GASES - Fumes and gases, particularly in confined
spaces, can cause discomfort or injury. Do not breathe fumes or
gases from welding or cutting, Therefore:
1.
the work area by natural or mechanical ventilation
means. Do not weld, cut, or gouge on materials
such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper,
zinc, lead, beryllium, or cadmium unless positive
mechanical ventilation is provided. Do not breathe fumes and
gases from these materials.
2. If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation while op-
erating, this is an indication that ventilation is not adequate. Stop
work at once and take necessary steps to improve ventilation in
the work area. Do not continue to operate if physical discomfort
persists.
3. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 listed below for specific ventila-
tion recommendations.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - Faulty or improperly maintained
Always provide adequate ventilation in
equipment, such as torches, hoses and regulators, can result in
poor work, but even more important, it can cause injury or death
through fires. Therefore:
1. Always have qualified personnel perform the in-
stallation, troubleshooting, and maintenance work. Do not
operate or repair any equipment unless you are qualified
to do so.
2. Keep all oxy-fuel equipment free of grease or oil.
Grease, oil, and other similar combustible materials, when ignited,
can burn violently in the presence of oxygen.
3. Do not abuse any equipment or accessories. Keep equipment away
from heat and wet conditions, oil or grease, corrosive atmospheres
and inclement weather.
4. Keep all safety devices in position and in good repair.
5. Use equipment for its intended purpose. Do not modify it in any
manner.
GAS CYLINDER HANDLING - Gas cylinders, if mishandled, can rupture
or explode violently. Sudden rupture of a cylinder, valve or relief
device can injure or kill you. Therefore:
1. Use the proper gas for the process and use the
proper pressure reducing regulator designed to operate
from the compressed gas cylinder. Do not use adaptors to
mount the regulator on the cylinder. Maintain hoses and
fittings in good condition. Follow manufacturer's operat-
ing instructions for mounting the regulator to the gas cylinder.
2. Always secure cylinders in an upright position by chain or strap to
suitable hand trucks, benches, walls, post, or racks. Never secure
cylinders to work tables or fixtures where they may become part
of an electrical circuit.
3. When not in use, keep cylinder valves closed. Have the valve protec-
tion cap in place on top of the cylinder if no regulators is installed.
Secure and move cylinders by using suitable hand trucks. Avoid
rough handling of cylinders.
4. Locate cylinders away from heat, sparks, or flame of a welding,
cutting, or gouging operation. Never strike an arc on a cylinder.
5. For additional information, refer to CGA Standard P-1, "Precautions
for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders:, which is avail-
able from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis
Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION - For more information on safe
practices for oxy-fuel welding and cutting equipment, ask your
distributor for a copy of "Precautions and Safe Practices for
Gas Welding, Cutting, and Heating", Form 2035. Gas apparatus
safety guidelines are also available on video cassettes from
your distributor.
The following publications, which are available from the
American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJuene Road, Miami,
FL 33126, are recommended to you:
1. ANSI/AWS Z49.1 - "Safety in Welding and Cutting".
2. AWS F4.1 - "Recommended Safe Practices for the
Preparation for Welding and Cutting of Containers and Piping
That Have Held Hazardous Substances"/
3. AWS SP - "Safe Practices" - Reprint, Welding Handbook.
This symbol appearing in this manual means At-
tention! Be Alert! Your safety is involved.
Used to call attention to immediate hazards which,
if not avoided, will result in immediate, serious
personal injury or loss of life.
Used to call attention to potential hazards which
could result in personal injury or loss of life.
Used to call attention to hazards which could result
in minor personal injury.
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS