OM-194 199 Page 1
SECTION 1 – SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - READ BEFORE USINGsom _nd_4/98
1-1. Symbol Usage
Means Warning! Watch Out! There are possible hazards
with this procedure! The possible hazards are shown in
the adjoining symbols.
YMarks a special safety message.
.Means “Note”; not safety related.
This group of symbols means Warning! Watch Out! possible
ELECTRIC SHOCK, MOVING PARTS, and HOT PARTS hazards.
Consult symbols and related instructions below for necessary actions
to avoid the hazards.
1-2. Arc Welding Hazards
YThe symbols shown below are used throughout this manual to
call attention to and identify possible hazards. When you see
the symbol, watch out, and follow the related instructions to
avoid the hazard. The safety information given below is only
a summary of the more complete safety information found in
the Safety Standards listed in Section 1-4. Read and follow all
Safety Standards.
YOnly qualified persons should install, operate, maintain, and
repair this unit.
YDuring operation, keep everybody, especially children, away.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
Touching live electrical parts can cause fatal shocks
or severe burns. The electrode and work circuit is
electrically live whenever the output is on. The input
power circuit and machine internal circuits are also
live when power is on. In semiautomatic or automatic wire welding, the
wire, wire reel, drive roll housing, and all metal parts touching the
welding wire are electrically live. Incorrectly installed or improperly
grounded equipment is a hazard.
DDo not touch live electrical parts.
DWear dry, hole-free insulating gloves and body protection.
DInsulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulating mats
or covers big enough to prevent any physical contact with the work
or ground.
DDo not use AC output in damp areas, if movement is confined, or if
there is a danger of falling.
DUse AC output ONLY if required for the welding process.
DIf AC output is required, use remote output control if present on
unit.
DDisconnect input power or stop engine before installing or
servicing this equipment. Lockout/tagout input power according to
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (see Safety Standards).
DProperly install and ground this equipment according to its
Owner’s Manual and national, state, and local codes.
DAlways verify the supply ground – check and be sure that input
power cord ground wire is properly connected to ground terminal in
disconnect box or that cord plug is connected to a properly
grounded receptacle outlet.
DWhen making input connections, attach proper grounding conduc-
tor first – double-check connections.
DFrequently inspect input power cord for damage or bare wiring –
replace cord immediately if damaged – bare wiring can kill.
DTurn off all equipment when not in use.
DDo not use worn, damaged, undersized, or poorly spliced cables.
DDo not drape cables over your body.
DIf earth grounding of the workpiece is required, ground it directly
with a separate cable.
DDo not touch electrode if you are in contact with the work, ground,
or another electrode from a different machine.
DUse only well-maintained equipment. Repair or replace damaged
parts at once. Maintain unit according to manual.
DWear a safety harness if working above floor level.
DKeep all panels and covers securely in place.
DClamp work cable with good metal-to-metal contact to workpiece
or worktable as near the weld as practical.
DInsulate work clamp when not connected to workpiece to prevent
contact with any metal object.
DDo not connect more than one electrode or work cable to any
single weld output terminal.
SIGNIFICANT DC VOLTAGE exists after removal of
input power on inverters.
DTurn Off inverter, disconnect input power, and discharge input
capacitors according to instructions in Maintenance Section
before touching any parts.
Welding produces fumes and gases. Breathing
these fumes and gases can be hazardous to your
health.
FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous.
DKeep your head out of the fumes. Do not breathe the fumes.
DIf inside, ventilate the area and/or use exhaust at the arc to remove
welding fumes and gases.
DIf ventilation is poor, use an approved air-supplied respirator.
DRead the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and the
manufacturer’s instructions for metals, consumables, coatings,
cleaners, and degreasers.
DWork in a confined space only if it is well ventilated, or while
wearing an air-supplied respirator. Always have a trained watch-
person nearby. Welding fumes and gases can displace air and
lower the oxygen level causing injury or death. Be sure the breath-
ing air is safe.
DDo not weld in locations near degreasing, cleaning, or spraying op-
erations. The heat and rays of the arc can react with vapors to form
highly toxic and irritating gases.
DDo not weld on coated metals, such as galvanized, lead, or
cadmium plated steel, unless the coating is removed from the weld
area, the area is well ventilated, and if necessary, while wearing an
air-supplied respirator. The coatings and any metals containing
these elements can give off toxic fumes if welded.