Instruction manual

Revision date: 26.02.2013 Page 26 of 32
17 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Arc Welding Hazards
The safety information given below is only a summary of the more complete safety information found in the
Safety Standards listed in Section 1-5. Read and follow all Safety Standards.
Only qualified persons should install, operate, maintain, and repair this unit. During 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.
Do not touch live electrical parts. Wear dry, hole-free insulating gloves and body protection. Insulate yourself
from work and ground using dry insulating mats or covers big enough to prevent any physical contact with
the work or ground. Do not use AC output in damp areas, if movement is confined, or if there is a danger of
falling. Use AC output ONLY if required for the welding process. If AC output is required, use remote output
control if present on unit.
Disconnect input power before installing or servicing this equipment. Always verify the supply ground −
check and be sure that input power cord ground wire is properly connected to ground terminal in the cord
plug and that the plug is connected to a properly grounded receptacle outlet. When making input
connections, attach proper grounding conductor first − double-check connections. Frequently inspect input
power cord for damage or bare wiring −replace cord immediately if damaged − bare wiring can kill. Turn off
all equipment when not in use.
Do not use worn, damaged, undersized, or poorly spliced cables. Do not drape cables over your body. If
earth grounding of the work-piece is required, ground it directly with a separate cable. Do not touch electrode
if you are in contact with the work, ground, or another electrode from a different machine.
Use only well-maintained equipment. Repair or replace damaged parts at once. Maintain unit according to
manual. Wear a safety harness if working above floor level. Keep all panels and covers securely in place.
Clamp work cable with good metal-to-metal contact to work-piece or worktable as near the weld as practical.
Insulate work clamp when not connected to work-piece to prevent contact with any metal object. Do 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. Turn off inverter, disconnect
input power, and discharge input capacitors before touching any parts.
FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous.
Welding produces fumes and gases. Breathing these fumes and gases can be hazardous to your health.
Keep your head out of the fumes. Do not breathe the fumes. If inside, ventilate the area and/or use exhaust
at the arc to remove welding fumes and gases. If ventilation is poor, use an approved air-supplied respirator.
Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the manufacturer’s instructions for metals, consumables,
coatings, cleaners, and degreasers.
Work in a confined space only if it is well ventilated, or while wearing an air-supplied respirator. Always have
a trained watchperson nearby. Welding fumes and gases can displace air and lower the oxygen level
causing injury or death. Be sure the breathing air is safe.
Do not weld in locations near degreasing, cleaning, or spraying operations.The heat and rays of the arc can
react with vapors to form highly toxic and irritating gases.
Do 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.