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A container with unknown contents should be cleaned (see paragraph

above). Do NOT depend on sense of smell or sight to determine if it is safe to

weld or cut. Hollow castings or containers must be vented before welding or

cutting as they can explode.

In explosive atmospheres, never weld or cut where the air may contain

flammable dust, gas, or liquid vapours.

ELECTRIC ARC (MIG) WELDING

Comply with precautions in the above and this section. Arc welding, properly

done, is a safe process but a careless operator invites trouble. The equipment

carries high currents at significant voltages. The arc is very bright and hot.

Sparks fly, fumes rise, ultraviolet and infrared energy radiates and work pieces

are hot. The wise operator avoids unnecessary risks and protects himself and

others from accidents.

A) BURN PROTECTION

The welding arc is intense and visibly bright. It’s radiation can damage eyes,

penetrate lightweight clothing, reflect from light coloured surfaces and burn

the skin and eyes. Skin burns resemble acute sunburn, those from gas -

shielded arcs are more severe and painful.

DON’T GET BURNED! FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Wear long sleeved clothing (particularly for gas shielded arc) in addition to

gloves, apron and strong shoes. As necessary, use additional protective

clothing such as leather jacket or sleeves, flameproof apron, and fire-resistant

leggings. Avoid outer garments of untreated cotton. For bare skin protection,

wear dark substantial clothing. Button all collars closed to protect the chest

and neck and button any pockets to prevent entry of sparks.

EYE AND HEAD PROTECTION

Protect the eyes from exposure to an arc. NEVER look at any electric arc

without the protection of a welding helmet or shield containing an

appropriate filter plate (Refer to the section ‘Welding Shield). Place over the

face before striking an arc. Protect the filter plate with a clear cover plate. A

cracked or broken helmet or face shield should NOT be worn as radiation can

pass through and cause burns.

Cracked, broken, or loose filter plates must be replaced IMMEDIATELY.

Replace a clear cover plate when broken, pitted, or spattered. We suggest

you wear flash goggles with side shields under the helmet to give some

protection to the eyes should the helmet not be lowered over the face before

an arc is struck. Looking at an arc momentarily with unprotected eyes

(particularly a high intensity gas-shielded arc) can cause a retinal burn that