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SAFETY
WELDING and CUTTING
SPARKS can
cause fire or explosion.
6.a. Remove fire hazards from the welding area. If this is not possible, cover them to prevent the welding sparks from starting a fire.
Remember that welding sparks and hot materials from welding can easily go through small cracks and openings to adjacent areas. Avoid welding near hydraulic lines. Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
6.b. Where compressed gases are to be used at the job site, special precautions should be used to prevent hazardous situations. Refer to “Safety in Welding and Cutting” (ANSI Standard Z49.1) and the operating information for the equipment being used.
6.c. When not welding, make certain no part of the electrode circuit is touching the work or ground. Accidental contact can cause overheating and create a fire hazard.
6.d. Do not heat, cut or weld tanks, drums or containers until the proper steps have been taken to insure that such procedures will not cause flammable or toxic vapors from substances inside. They can cause an explosion even though they have been “cleaned”. For information, purchase “Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation for Welding and Cutting of Containers and Piping That Have Held Hazardous Substances”, AWS F4.1 from the American Welding Society (see address above).
6.e. Vent hollow castings or containers before heating, cutting or welding. They may explode.
6.f. Sparks and spatter are thrown from the welding arc. Wear oil free protective garments such as leather gloves, heavy shirt, cuffless trousers, high shoes and a cap over your hair. Wear ear plugs when welding out of position or in confined places. Always wear safety glasses with side shields when in a welding area.
6.g. Connect the work cable to the work as close to the welding area as practical. Work cables connected to the building framework or other locations away from the welding area increase the possibility of the welding current passing through lifting chains, crane cables or other alternate circuits. This can create fire hazards or overheat lifting chains or cables until they fail.
6.h. Also see item 1.c.
6.I. Read and follow NFPA 51B “ Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work”, available from NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, PO box 9101, Quincy, Ma
CYLINDER may explode 
if damaged.
7.a. Use only compressed gas cylinders
containing the correct shielding gas for the process used and properly operating regulators designed for the gas and
pressure used. All hoses, fittings, etc. should be suitable for the application and maintained in good condition.
7.b. Always keep cylinders in an upright position securely chained to an undercarriage or fixed support.
7.c. Cylinders should be located:
•Away from areas where they may be struck or subjected to physical damage.
•A safe distance from arc welding or cutting operations and any other source of heat, sparks, or flame.
7.d. Never allow the electrode, electrode holder or any other electrically “hot” parts to touch a cylinder.
7.e. Keep your head and face away from the cylinder valve outlet when opening the cylinder valve.
7.f. Valve protection caps should always be in place and hand tight except when the cylinder is in use or connected for use.
7.g. Read and follow the instructions on compressed gas cylinders, associated equipment, and CGA publication
FOR ELECTRICALLY powered equipment.
8.a. Turn off input power using the disconnect switch at the fuse box before working on the equipment.
8.b. Install equipment in accordance with the U.S. National Electrical Code, all local codes and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
8.c. Ground the equipment in accordance with the U.S. National Electrical Code and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
6.j. Do not use a welding power source for pipe thawing.
Refer to http://www.lincolnelectric.com/safety for additional safety information.