Page 155 - CITS - Welder - Trade Theory
P. 155
WELDER - CITS
Welding environment safety rules
a keep the welding area clean
b keep combustibles out of the weld area
c maintain good ventilation in the weld area
d repair or replace damaged power cables
e make sure the part to be welded is securely grounded/ earthed
f welding helmets should have no light leaks. Should not have scratches or cracks
g use the proper colored lens with correct shade number in the helmet
h wear safety glasses when grinding
i do not see the arc with bare eyes
j use safety screens or shields to protect your area
k wear proper clothing. Your entire body should be covered to protect you from arc radiation
l when welding on cadmium coated steels, copper or beryllium copper use special ventilation to remove fumes
from the weld area.
Safety in GMAW:
Safety in GMA welding/CO welding-
2
The general safety precautions for arc welding (SMAW) are also applicable to GMAW.
Ultra violet light
During MIG welding Ultra Violet Light production is at the higher end of the scale and suitable eye protection must
be used.
Adequate eye protection should always be worn. If welding for long periods, flash goggles with A#12 lens shade
should be worn under the arc helmet. A#11 lens is recommended for nonferrous GMAW and A#12 for ferrous
GMAW. All welding should be done in booths or in areas protected by curtains. This is done to protect others in
the weld area from arc flashes.
Heat
Welding in any form produces heat which can cause burns and the possibility of fire.
Suitable clothing must be worn. This is done to protect all parts of the body from radiation or hot metal burns.
Leather clothing offers the best protection from burns.
Fumes
Fumes from the MIG welding process are produced by the burning of contaminants on the surface of the material
being heated.
The MIG welding of galvanized metal is extremely dangerous to the operator because of zinc poisoning unless
suitable protection is used.
Ventilation should be provided. This ventilation and/or filtering equipment is necessary to keep the atmosphere
around the welder clean. Carbon monoxide is generated when doing GMAW and using CO as a shielding gas. It
2
is suggested that all welding be done in well ventilated areas.
Ozone is also produced when doing GMAW and ozone is a highly toxic gas. Metals still covered with chlorinated
hydrocarbon solvents will form poisonous, toxic phosgene gas when welded.
Protect arc cables from damage. Do not touch uninsulated electrode holders with bare skin or wet gloves. A fatal
shock could result. Welding in wet or damp areas is not recommended.
Shielding gas cylinders must be handled with caution.
Welding environment safety rules
a keep the welding area clean
b keep combustibles out of the weld area
142
CITS : C G & M - Welder - Lesson 49 - 60