ESAB EMP 215ic Manuel D'instructions page 6

1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
4. Wear flameproof gauntlet-type gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt, cuffless pants,
high-topped shoes, and a welding helmet or cap for personal protection; in order to
protect against arc rays and hot sparks or hot metal. A flameproof apron may also be
desirable as additional protection against radiated heat and sparks.
5. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trouser cuffs, or pockets. Sleeves
and collars should be kept buttoned (closed) and open pockets should be eliminated
from the front of the clothing.
6. Protect other personnel from arc rays and hot sparks with a suitable non-flammable
partition or curtains. Post warning signs advising others not to watch the welding arc
or be in direct exposure to the active arc without proper protection.
7. Use goggles or face shields over safety glasses when chipping slag or grinding.
Chipped slag may be hot and can fly for long distances. Bystanders should also wear
goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS
The heat from flames and arcs can start fires. Hot slag or sparks can
also cause fires and explosions. Therefore:
1. Protect yourself and others from flying sparks and hot metal.
2. Remove all combustible materials well away from the work area or cover the materials
with an approved protective non-flammable covering. Combustible materials include
wood, cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels, solvents, paints, and coating paper, etc.
3. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in floors or wall openings
and cause a hidden smoldering fire or fires on the floor below. Make certain that such
openings are protected from hot sparks and metal.
4. Follow the "hot work" procedures for the location. This can include a fire watch person
who monitors the sparks during the work, the requirement for a formal work permit and
the surveillance of the scene for an extended period of time to ensure no smoldering
fires are developing.
5. Do not weld, cut, or perform other hot work until the work piece has been completely
cleaned so that there are no substances on or in the work piece which might produce
flammable or toxic vapors. Do not perform hot work on closed containers, they may
explode.
6. Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use, such as a garden hose,
water pail, sand bucket, or portable fire extinguisher. Be sure you are trained in its
use.
7. Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For example, an overloaded welding cable
can overheat and create a fire hazard.
8. After completing work, inspect the work area to make sure there are no hot sparks or
hot metal that could cause a fire later. Use fire watchers when necessary.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Contact between live electrical parts and earth can cause severe injury
or death. DO NOT use AC welding current in damp areas, if movement
is confined, or if there is danger of falling. Therefore:
1. Be sure the power source frame (chassis) is connected to the earth system of the
input power. All ground points should be verified with periodic testing by an electrician.
2. Connect the workpiece to a good electrical earth.
3. Connect the work cable to the workpiece. A poor or missing connection can expose
you or others to a fatal shock.
4. Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or damaged cables.
5. Keep everything dry, including clothing, work area, cables, torch/electrode holder and
power source.
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