Even a metal conductor or
scaffolding can create an envi-
ronment with increased electrical
hazard.
In this type of environment,
insulated mats and pads must
be used. Furthermore gauntlet
gloves and head protection made
of leather or other insulating
materials must be worn to insu-
late the body against Earth. The
welding power source must be
located outside the working area
or electrically conductive surfaces
and out of the welder's reach.
Additional protection against a
shock from the mains power in
the event a fault can be provided
by using a fault-circuit interrupter,
which is operated with a leakage
current of no more than 30 mA
and covers all mains-powered
devices in close proximity. The
fault-circuit interrupter must be
suitable for all types of current.
There must be means of rapid
electrical isolation of the welding
power source or the welding cir-
cuit (e.g. emergency stop device)
which are easily accessible.
When using welders under
electrically dangerous conditions,
the output voltage of the welder
must be greater than 113 volt
14
GB/IE/NI
when idling (peak value). Based
on the output voltage this welder
may be used in these conditions.
z Welding in tight spaces
When welding in tight spaces this
may pose a hazard through toxic
gases (risk of suffocation).
In tight spaces you may only
weld if there are trained individu-
als in the immediate vicinity who
can intervene if necessary.
In this case, before starting the
welding procedure, an expert
must carry out an assessment in
order to determine what steps are
necessary, in order to guarantee
safety at work and which pre-
cautionary measures should be
taken during the actual welding
procedure.
z Total of no-load voltages
When more than one welding
power source is operated at
the same time, their no-load
voltages may add up and lead to
an increased electrical hazard.
Welding power sources must be
connected in such a way that the
danger is minimised. The indi-
vidual welding power sources,
with their individual control units
and connections, must be clearly