Esab Precautions And Safe Practices For Arc Welding, Cutting And Gouging

WARNING F-52-529 December, 2009 Protect yourself and others. Read and understand this booklet. Precautions and Safe Practices for ARC WELDING, CUTTING & GOUGING Be sure this information reaches the operator. Keep this booklet available for reference at all times. You can get extra copies through your supplier. ESAB Welding & Cutting Products FOREWORD The “Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970” (OSHA) was enacted “to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women...”. As duties under Section 5 of this Act, each employer shall; 1. 2. Furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees. Comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this act. Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct. This booklet provides employers and employees with safety and health information on electric welding products and processes. If an employee has language difficulties or cannot be expected to read and understand this booklet, the employer should provide additional training and help to the individual. Precautions and safe practices outlined in this booklet cover arc welding and cutting processes such as the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), commonly known as “MIG” welding Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), commonly referred to as “TIG” welding Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), commonly called “stick” welding Submerged arc welding (SAW) Air carbon arc gouging and cutting (AAC) Flux cored wire welding (FCAW) Plasma arc welding (PAW) Plasma arc cutting (PAC) Plasma arc gouging (PAG) This booklet contains guidelines on the safe handling and operation of electric welding and cutting equipment. The American Welding Society and the American National Standards Institute also publish specifications and standards on welding and cutting safety. You should be familiar with the information in this booklet as well as “Safety in Welding and Cutting” - ANSI Z49.1, which is published by the American Welding Society, P.O. Box 351040, Miami, Florida, 33135. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s) on various products, such as rods, wires, and fluxes also provide helpful safety and health information. In addition, you should also read the manufacturers’ operating instructions for the apparatus you use. You should be familiar with the proper operation of all equipment before you start to work. ALWAYS READ AND UNDERSTAND THE MANUFACTURER’S OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND YOUR EMPLOYER’S SAFETY PRACTICES BEFORE OPERATING AND MAINTAINING ELECTRIC WELDING AND CUTTING EQUIPMENT. 2 -AlsoALWAYS READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL PRECAUTIONARY LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS. A typical precautionary label is shown below. This booklet supplements information on the label. This booklet is intended for beginners and skilled operators. The Appendix, which discusses the health hazards, is intended for use by persons trained in first aid, as well as medical professionals. It will help you do the best job possible. Additional copies of this booklet (F-52-529) may be obtained from your nearest distributor. For safety and health information covering oxy-fuel gas operations, obtain a copy of Form 2035, “Precautions and Safe Practices for Gas Welding, Cutting, and Heating”. Additional safety information, includ