Tweco Tri-Arc Serie - Manual (Page 8)

2-2
Do not touch electrically live parts. Do not touch an electrode with bare skin and
electrical ground at the same time. Always wear dry welding gloves that are in good
condition. Aluminized protective clothing can become part of the electrical path. Keep
oxygen cylinders, chains, wire ropes, cranes, hoists, and elevators away from any part
of the electrical circuit. Check all ground connections periodically to determine if they
are mechanically strong and electrically adequate for the required current.
If you are engaged in alternating current gouging/cutting under wet conditions or
warm surroundings where perspiration is a factor, use reliable automatic controls for
reducing no load voltage to reduce shock hazard. When the gouging/cutting process
requires values of open circuit voltages in alternating current machines higher than
80 volts, and direct current machines higher than 100 volts, take precautions, such as
using adequate insulation, to prevent the operator from making accidental contact with
the high voltage.
If you are going to suspend gouging for any substantial period of time, such as during
lunch or overnight, remove all electrodes from the torch and the put the torch in a safe
location so that accidental contact cannot occur. Disconnect the torch from the power
source when it is not in use. Never immerse air carbon-arc torches or electrodes in
water.
2.03 Ventilation Hazards
WARNING
SMOKE, FUMES, AND GASES CAN BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH
Keep smoke, fumes and gases from the breathing area. Fumes from the gouging
process are of various types and strengths, depending on the kind of base metal being
worked on. To ensure your safety, do not breathe these fumes. Ventilation must be
adequate to remove smoke, fumes and gases during the operation to protect gouging
operators and others in the area.
Vapors of chlorinated solvents can form the toxic gas phosgene when they are
exposed to ultraviolet radiation from an electric arc. Remove all solvents, degreasers,
and potential sources of these vapors from the operating area.
Fumes that are produced by cutting in particularly confined places can cause discom-
fort and physical harm if inhaled over an extended period of time. Provide adequate
ventilation in the gouging/cutting area. Use air-supplied respirators if there is not
enough ventilation to remove all fumes and gases. Never ventilate with oxygen, be-
cause oxygen supports and vigorously accelerates fire.