GW4500
General Safety Information (Continued)
Always keep a fire extinguisher accessible
while performing arc welding operations.
•All installation, maintenance, repair and operation of this equipment should be performed by qualified persons only in accordance with national, state, and local codes.
Improper use of
electric arc welders can cause electric shock, injury, and death! Take all precautions described in this manual to reduce the possibility of electric shock.
•Verify that all components of the arc welder are clean and in good condition prior to operating the welder. Be sure that the insulation on all cables, electrode holders, and power cords is not damaged. Always repair or replace damaged components before operating the welder. Always keep welder panels, shields, etc. in place when operating the welder.
•Always wear dry protective clothing and welding gloves, and insulated footwear.
•Always operate the welder in a clean, dry, well ventilated area. Do not operate the welder in humid, wet, rainy, or poorly ventilated areas.
•Be sure that the work piece is properly supported and grounded prior to beginning any electric arc welding operation.
•Coiled welding cable should be spread out before use to avoid overheating and damage to insulation.
Never immerse the electrode or
electrode holder in water. If the welder becomes wet for any reason, be absolutely certain that it is completely clean and dry prior to attempting use!
•Always shut the equipment off prior to moving the unit.
•Always attach the work lead first.
•Verify that the work piece is securely grounded.
•Always shut off electric arc welding equipment when not in use and remove the electrode from the holder.
•Never allow any part of the body to touch the electrode and ground or grounded work piece at the same time.
•Awkward welding conditions and positions can be electrically hazardous. When crouching, kneeling or at elevations, be sure to insulate all conductive parts, wear appropriate protective clothing, and take precautions to prevent injury from falls.
•Never attempt to use this equipment at current settings or duty cycles higher than those specified on the equipment labels.
•Never use an electric arc welder to thaw frozen pipes.
Flying sparks
and hot metal can cause 
injury. As welds cool, slag 
can be thrown off. Take all precautions described in this manual to reduce the possibility of injury from flying sparks and hot metal.
•Wear ANSI approved face shield or safety glasses with side shield protection when chipping or grinding metal parts.
•Wear ear plugs when welding overhead to prevent spatter or slag from falling into ears.
Electric
arc welding operations produce intense light and heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
This intense light and UV rays can cause injury to eyes and skin. Take all precautions described in this manual to reduce the possibility of injury to eyes and skin.
•All persons operating this equipment or in the area while equipment is in use must wear protective welding gear including: welding helmet or shield with
at least shade 10, flame resistant clothing, leather welding gloves, and full foot protection.
Never look at arc welding operations
without eye protection as described above. Never use a shade filter lens that is cracked, broken, or rated below number 10. Warn others in the area not to look at the arc.
Electric arc
welding operations cause
sparks and heat metal to temperatures that can cause
severe burns! Use protective gloves and clothing when performing any metal working operation. Take all precautions described in this manual to reduce the possibility of skin and clothing burns.
•Make sure that all persons in the welding area are protected from heat, sparks, and ultraviolet rays. Use additional face shields and flame resistant barriers as needed.
•Never touch work pieces until completely cooled.
Heat and sparks
produced during electric arc welding and other metal working operations can ignite flammable and explosive materials! Take all precautions described in this manual to reduce the possibility of flames and explosions.
•Remove all flammable materials within 35 feet (10.7 meters) of welding arc. If removal is not possible, tightly cover flammable materials with fire proof covers.
•Take precautions to be sure that flying sparks and heat do not cause flames in hidden areas, cracks, behind bulkheads, etc.
•Do not use any part of the unit as a work surface.
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