Safety instructions thermal arc 161 s – Tweco 161 S Inverter Arc Welder User Manual
Page 11

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
THERMAL ARC 161 S
Manual 0-5199
1-5
Safety Instructions
C Ventilation
!
WARNING
Ade quately ventilate welding, heating, and cutting work
areas to prevent accumulation of explosive or toxic
concen trations of gases. Certain combinations of metals,
coatings, and gases generate toxic fumes. Use respira-
tory protection equipment in these circumstances. When
welding/brazing, read and understand the Material Safety
Data Sheet for the welding/brazing alloy.
D Personal Protection
Gas flames produce infrared radiation which may have a harm ful effect
on the skin and especially on the eyes. Select goggles or a mask with
tempered lenses, shaded 4 or darker, to protect your eyes from injury
and provide good visibility of the work.
Always wear protective gloves and flame-resistant clothing to protect skin
and clothing from sparks and slag. Keep collars, sleeves, and pockets
buttoned. DO NOT roll up sleeves or cuff pants.
When working in a non-welding or cutting environment, always wear
suitable eye protection or face shield.
!
WARNING
Practice the following safety and operation precautions
EVERY TIME you use pressure regulation equipment.
Deviation from the following safety and operation
instructions can result in fire, explosion, damage to
equipment, or injury to the operator.
E Compressed Gas Cylinders
The Department of Transportation (DOT) approves the design and
manufacture of cylinders that contain gases used for welding or cut-
ting operations.
1. Place the cylinder (Figure 1-1) where you will use it. Keep the
cylinder in a vertical position. Secure it to a cart, wall, work bench,
post, etc.
Figure 1-1: Gas Cylinders
!
WARNING
Cylinders are highly pressurized. Handle with care.
Serious accidents can result from improper handling
or mis use of compressed gas cylinders DO NOT drop
the cylinder, knock it over, or expose it to excessive
heat, flames or sparks. DO NOT strike it against other
cylinders. Contact your gas supplier or refer to CGA P-1
“Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers”
publication.
NOTE
CGA P-1 publication is available by writing the Com-
pressed Gas Association, 4221 Walney Road, 5th Floor,
Chantilly,VA 20151-2923
2. Place the valve protection cap on the cylinder whenever mov ing
it, placing it in storage, or not using it. Never drag or roll cylinders
in any way. Use a suitable hand truck to move cylin ders.
3. Store empty cylinders away from full cylinders. Mark them
“EMPTY” and close the cylinder valve.
4. NEVER use compressed gas cylinders without a pressure reducing
regulator attached to the cylinder valve.
5. Inspect the cylinder valve for oil, grease, and damaged parts.
!
WARNING
DO NOT use the cylinder if you find oil, grease or dam-
aged parts. Inform your gas supplier of this condition
immediately.
6. Momentarily open and close (called “cracking”) the cylinder valve
to dislodge any dust or dirt that may be present in the valve.
CAUTION
Open the cylinder valve slightly. If you open the valve
too much, the cylinder could tip over. When cracking
the cylinder valve, DO NOT stand directly in front of
the cylinder valve. Always perform cracking in a well
ventilated area. If an acetylene cylinder sprays a mist
when cracked, let it stand for 15 minutes. Then, try to
crack the cylinder valve again. If this problem persists,
contact your gas supplier.