Arc Welding Basic Safety

Warnings Welding can be safe when proper measures are taken to protect yourself and others from potential hazards. Understand and follow all warning labels found on equipment and with all consumables.

Potential Hazards Protect yourself and others from potential hazards including: Fumes and Gases Electric Shock Arc Rays Fire and Explosion Hazards Noise Hot objects Welding Sparks

Electrical Shock Electric shock can kill Do not touch live electrical parts Primary Voltage –208 - 240, 416 - 480 volt input power Secondary Voltage – 6 to 100 volts for welding Insulate yourself from work and ground Follow all warnings on welding equipment Wear insulated clothing Always shut off machinery when done and roll the cords up neatly Do not make repairs yourself, alert your instructor immediately!

U.V. Rays Welding will produce ultraviolet rays that are harmful to the human eye and skin. Proper protection is needed to avoid bodily harm. Arc rays are ten times brighter than the sun and can injure eyes and burn skin Precaution must be taken to protect your eyes and skin from UV radiation. The welding arc is brighter than the sun Wear correct eye and body protection 10 shade helmet Safety Glasses under the helmet Gloves Arm and Body Protection Jacket Shoulder Covers Coveralls

Fire Hazards and Material Safety Welding sparks can cause fires and explosions Sparks and spatter from the welding arc can spray up to 35 feet from your work Flammable materials should be removed from the welding area or shielded from sparks and spatter Always clean painted materials All welding booths should be cleaned thoroughly Have a fire extinguisher ready Inspect area for fires 30 minutes after welding Watch for sharp metal edges Cool all welded metal in the water tank.

Ear Protection Loud noises can damage your hearing Keep loud noises at a safe level by using proper hearing protection such as: Ear plugs Ear muffs

Protective Clothing Welders must wear protective clothing for Protection from sparks, spatter and UV radiation Insulation from electric shock Protective clothing includes … Fire-proof clothing without rolled sleeves, cuffs or frays Work boots Welding gloves, shirts jackets, bibs, and fire-proof pants Welding cap, helmet and safety glasses Ear protection – ear plugs and muffs Most importantly safety glasses are to be worn at all times in the shop

Improper Protective Clothing List and describe what is wrong in this picture

Basic Electricity and Welding Arc Welding Basic Safety

Arc Welding Circuit and Concept The electricity flows from the power source, through the electrode and across the arc, through the base material to the work lead and back to the power source. Identify all the above parts for the arc welder, describe the function of each part, and determine each of the parts safety aspects.

Electrical Concepts DC - DC + Voltage – The electrical potential or pressure that causes current to flow Measured in Volts Current – The movement of charged particles in a specific direction Measured in Amps Polarity DC- (Direct Current Electrode Negative) DC+ (Direct Current Electrode Positive) AC (Alternating Current) ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT VOLTAGE WILL HURT BUT AMPERAGE CAN BE FATAL AC

Electrical Lead Condition Before starting an operation, always check the condition of all electrical leads. Cracked and worn leads can lead to fatal shock. All electrode holders or “stingers” should be in tack and not cracked or missing pieces. All plugs and outlets should be in tack. Never set-up a welder with a broken plug or into a broken outlet. Never operate a welder with splices showing in the leads.

Fumes and Gases Welding fumes can be harmful to the welder causing implications such as: Irritation of the respiratory tract Metal fume fever Slightly increase the risk of lung cancer Use enough ventilation, exhaust at the arc, or both, to keep fumes and gases from your breathing zone and the general area Use a respirator if needed or required by the process. The ventilation system must be on while welding at all times.