Hobart Welding Products OM-498 Principal Safety Standards, EMF Information, About Pacemakers

H.F. RADIATION can cause interference.

DHigh-frequency (H.F.) can interfere with radio navigation, safety services, computers, and communications equipment.

DHave only qualified persons familiar with electronic equipment perform this installation.

DThe user is responsible for having a qualified electrician prompt- ly correct any interference problem resulting from the installa- tion.

DIf notified by the FCC about interference, stop using the equipment at once.

DHave the installation regularly checked and maintained.

DKeep high-frequency source doors and panels tightly shut, keep spark gaps at correct setting, and use grounding and shielding to minimize the possibility of interference.

ARC WELDING can cause interference.

DElectromagnetic energy can interfere with sensitive electronic equipment such as computers and computer-driven equipment such as robots.

DBe sure all equipment in the welding area is electromagnetically compatible.

DTo reduce possible interference, keep weld cables as short as possible, close together, and down low, such as on the floor.

DLocate welding operation 100 meters from any sensitive elec- tronic equipment.

DBe sure this welding machine is installed and grounded according to this manual.

DIf interference still occurs, the user must take extra measures such as moving the welding machine, using shielded cables, using line filters, or shielding the work area.

1-5. Principal Safety Standards

Safety in Welding and Cutting, ANSI Standard Z49.1, from American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Rd, Miami FL 33126

Safety and Health Standards, OSHA 29 CFR 1910, from Superinten- dent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation for Welding and Cut- ting of Containers That Have Held Hazardous Substances, American Welding Society Standard AWS F4.1, from American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Rd, Miami, FL 33126

National Electrical Code, NFPA Standard 70, from National Fire Protec- tion Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.

Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders, CGA Pamphlet P-1, from Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 501, Arlington, VA 22202.

Code for Safety in Welding and Cutting, CSA Standard W117.2, from Canadian Standards Association, Standards Sales, 178 Rexdale Boulevard, Rexdale, Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3.

Safe Practices For Occupation And Educational Eye And Face Protection, ANSI Standard Z87.1, from American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

Cutting And Welding Processes, NFPA Standard 51B, from National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.

1-6. EMF Information

Considerations About Welding And The Effects Of Low Frequency Electric And Magnetic Fields

Welding current, as it flows through welding cables, will cause electro- magnetic fields. There has been and still is some concern about such fields. However, after examining more than 500 studies spanning 17 years of research, a special blue ribbon committee of the National Research Council concluded that: “The body of evidence, in the committee’s judgment, has not demonstrated that exposure to power- frequency electric and magnetic fields is a human-health hazard.” However, studies are still going forth and evidence continues to be examined. Until the final conclusions of the research are reached, you may wish to minimize your exposure to electromagnetic fields when welding or cutting.

To reduce magnetic fields in the workplace, use the following procedures:

1.Keep cables close together by twisting or taping them.

2.Arrange cables to one side and away from the operator.

3.Do not coil or drape cables around your body.

4.Keep welding power source and cables as far away from operator as practical.

5.Connect work clamp to workpiece as close to the weld as possi- ble.

About Pacemakers:

Pacemaker wearers consult your doctor first. If cleared by your doctor, then following the above procedures is recommended.

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