WELDING can cause fire or explosion.
Welding on closed containers, such as tanks, drums, or pipes, can cause them to blow up. Sparks can fly off from the welding arc. The flying sparks, hot workpiece, and hot
equipment can cause fires and burns. Accidental contact of electrode to metal objects can cause sparks, explosion, overheating, or fire. Check and be sure the area is safe before doing any welding.
HOT PARTS can cause severe burns.
DDo not touch hot parts bare handed.
DAllow cooling period before working on equipment.
DTo handle hot parts, use proper tools and/or wear heavy, insulated welding gloves and clothing to pre- vent burns.
DRemove all flammables within 35 ft (10.7 m) of the welding arc. If this is not possible, tightly cover them with approved covers.
DDo not weld where flying sparks can strike flammable material.
DProtect yourself and others from flying sparks and hot metal.
DBe alert that welding sparks and hot materials from welding can easily go through small cracks and openings to adjacent areas.
DWatch for fire, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
DBe aware that welding on a ceiling, floor, bulkhead, or partition can cause fire on the hidden side.
DDo not weld on closed containers such as tanks, drums, or pipes, unless they are properly prepared according to AWS F4.1 (see Safety Standards).
DConnect work cable to the work as close to the welding area as practical to prevent welding current from traveling long, possibly unknown paths and causing electric shock, sparks, and fire hazards.
DDo not use welder to thaw frozen pipes.
DRemove stick electrode from holder or cut off welding wire at contact tip when not in use.
DWear
DRemove any combustibles, such as a butane lighter or matches, from your person before doing any welding.
DFollow requirements in OSHA 1910.252 (a) (2) (iv) and NFPA 51B for hot work and have a fire watcher and extinguisher nearby.
FLYING METAL can injure eyes.
DWelding, chipping, wire brushing, and grinding cause sparks and flying metal. As welds cool, they can throw off slag.
DWear approved safety glasses with side shields even under your welding helmet.
NOISE can damage hearing.
Noise from some processes or equipment can damage hearing.
DWear approved ear protection if noise level is high.
MAGNETIC FIELDS can affect pacemakers.
D Pacemaker wearers keep away.
D Wearers should consult their doctor before going near arc welding, gouging, or spot welding opera- tions.
CYLINDERS can explode if damaged.
Shielding gas cylinders contain gas under high pressure. If damaged, a cylinder can explode. Since gas cylinders are normally part of the welding process, be sure to treat them carefully.
DProtect compressed gas cylinders from excessive heat, mechanical shocks, physical damage, slag, open flames, sparks, and arcs.
DInstall cylinders in an upright position by securing to a stationary support or cylinder rack to prevent falling or tipping.
DKeep cylinders away from any welding or other electrical circuits.
DNever drape a welding torch over a gas cylinder.
DNever allow a welding electrode to touch any cylinder.
DNever weld on a pressurized cylinder — explosion will result.
DUse only correct shielding gas cylinders, regulators, hoses, and fittings de- signed for the specific application; maintain them and associated parts in good condition.
DTurn face away from valve outlet when opening cylinder valve.
DKeep protective cap in place over valve except when cylinder is in use or connected for use.
DUse the right equipment, correct procedures, and sufficient number of per- sons to llift and move cylinders.
DRead and follow instructions on compressed gas cylinders, associated equipment, and Compressed Gas Association (CGA) publication
1-3. Engine Hazards
BATTERY EXPLOSION can BLIND.
DAlways wear a face shield, rubber gloves, and protec-
tive clothing when working on a battery.
D Stop engine before disconnecting or connecting bat- tery cables or servicing battery.
DDo not allow tools to cause sparks when working on a battery.
DDo not use welder to charge batteries or jump start vehicles.
DObserve correct polarity (+ and −) on batteries.
DDisconnect negative (−) cable first and connect it last.
FUEL can cause fire or explosion.
D Stop engine and let it cool off before checking or add- ing fuel.
DDo not add fuel while smoking or if unit is near any sparks or open flames.
DDo not overfill tank — allow room for fuel to expand.
DDo not spill fuel. If fuel is spilled, clean up before starting engine.
DDispose of rags in a fireproof container.
DAlways keep nozzle in contact with tank when fueling.
MOVING PARTS can cause injury.
D Keep away from fans, belts, and rotors.
D Keep all doors, panels, covers, and guards closed and securely in place.
DStop engine before installing or connecting unit.
DHave only qualified people remove doors, panels, covers, or guards for maintenance and troubleshooting as necessary.
DTo prevent accidental starting during servicing, disconnect negative (−) battery cable from battery.
DKeep hands, hair, loose clothing, and tools away from moving parts.
DReinstall doors, panels, covers, or guards when servicing is finished and before starting engine.
DBefore working on generator, remove spark plugs or injectors to keep engine from kicking back or starting.
DBlock flywheel so that it will not turn while working on generator compo- nents.
HOT PARTS can cause severe burns.
DDo not touch hot engine parts.
DAllow cooling period before maintaining.
DWear protective gloves and clothing when working on a hot engine.