Arc
Welding
Safety
Notes
The electric
arc emits large amounts of ultra violet and infra-red rays. Both types of rays are invisible to the naked
eye just as the same type of rays emitted by the sun are invisible. However they both have the identical
properties of causing sunburn on the human skin, except that the arc
burns much more rapidly and deeply.
Since these rays are produced very close to the operator they can cause
very severe burns to the eyes in a short exposure time.
When welding
with the electric arc, there is added danger that the small globules or droplets
of molten metal may leave the arc and fly in all directions. These so called sparks range in
temperature from 2000 ° to 3000° Fahrenheit and in size from very small
to as large as ¼ inch. They present a
personal burn hazard plus a fire hazard if they fall in
inflammable material.
The welding
operator needs to protect himself, by means of a helmet and other
protective devices from the harmful rays of the arc and flying sparks. The filter plates in the welding helmet will remove
99% of the harmful rays if the proper shade lens is used.
Other dangers associated with electric arc welding are:
a. Electric shock- which may be caused by standing in damp areas,
welding without gloves, bare cables, uninsulated holder, etc.
b. Harmful fumes given off in welding process especially when welding on galvanized or other
coated materials.
The operator should be familiar with
all safety precautions and take care to adequately protect himself at all times
against any hazards associated with arc welding by wearing protective clothing
and equipment, working in dry conditions, providing adequate ventilation and in
general using good common sense.
Following is
a list of safety precautions that should be observed in the use of the arc
welding equipment.
·
Electric
Shock:
1. Make sure
machine is properly grounded.
2. Never
permit “live” parts of the electric welder to touch bare skin or wet clothing.
3. Do not cool
electrode holders by emersion in water.
4. Turn off
power supply when welder is not in use.
5. Do not
stand on wet areas while welding.
6. Wear
leather gloves.
7. Make sure
cable are covered and in good condition.
8. Make
certain that electrode holders are properly insulated.
·
Burns:
1. Protect
eyes and face from flying particles of slag by use of safety glasses or face
shield.
2. Wear
adequate protective clothing.
3. Always wear
leather gloves.
4. Wear high
top shoes.
5. Keep
collar, shirt pockets, etc buttoned.
6. Do not
touch the electrode or metal where welding has taken place.
7. Handle hot
metal with pliers or tongs.
8. Keep
electrode stubs properly disposed of.
·
Radiant Energy (ultra-violet rays, etc.) :
1. Use a
welding helmet with the correct shade lens in good condition.
2. Wear
suitable clothing—do not leave bare skin exposed to the rays of the arc.
3. Do not
strike the arc without covering the face and eyes. Give warning to others before striking the
arc.
4. Avoid
looking directly at the arc where others are welding without proper eye
protection.
·
Gases and
Fumes:
1. Work only
in well-ventilated areas.
2. Use great
care when working on metals covered with lead or zinc.
3. If working
in a confined area use respirator or other approved breathing devices.
·
Combustible
Materials:
1. Keep shop
clean in areas where welding is to be done.
2. Do not weld
near combustible materials of any kind.
3. Never weld
on covered containers which may have held combustible materials without first
taking adequate safety precautions. For
example, fill them with water, steam clean or fill with an inert gas.
·
Fire
Protection
1. Be familiar
with location and types of fire extinguishers.
2. Report any
unsafe conditions that might start a fire.
3. Do not weld
near inflammable materials.
4.
Do not weld
on containers that have held inflammable materials.
5.
Do not weld
near electrical fittings or lines.
