Profax WIRE STRAIGHTENER - Manual (Page 2)

WARNINGS & SAFEGUARDS
FOR WELDING & CUTTING OPERATIONS
Important - Protect yourself and others! Remember that safety depends on you.
The operator, supervisor, and helper must read and understand all warning and safety information provided in these instructions and the power source manual used with this
equipment. Serious injury or death could result if welding and cutting equipment is not properly installed, used, and maintained.
Training and proper supervision are most important for a safe work place. Installation, operation, repair work, and maintenance must be performed by qualified personnel. Retain
these instructions for future use. Additional recommended safety and operating information is referenced in each section.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH
Electrical equipment must be installed and maintained in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, and all local codes. Maintain Mig-Guns,
Electrode Holders, Tig Torches, Plasma Torches, Work Clamp, Welding Cable, and Welding Machines in good, safe operating condition. Replace worn or
damaged insulation. Do not try to repair or service equipment while the power is still on. Do not service or repair equipment unless you are trained and qualified
to do so. The Electrode and Work (or Ground) circuits are electrically “HOT” when equipment power is on. At no time should you touch the Electrode and
Electrical Ground at the same time with bare skin or wet clothing while the power in on. Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulation. When
welding in damp locations make certain the insulation is large enough to cover your full area of physical contact with work and ground. Ground the work (metal
to be welded) to a good electrical earth ground. Keep gas cylinders, chains, wire ropes, hoists, cranes, and elevators away from any part of the electrical path. Always be sure the
work cable makes a good electrical connection with the metal being welded. Occasionally check all ground connections to determine if they are mechanically strong and electrically
adequate for the current required. The ground connection should be as close as possible to the area being welded. Never touch electrically “HOT” parts of electrode holders
connected to two welding power sources at the same time. The voltage between the two can be the total of the open circuit voltage of both power sources. When the welding or
cutting process requires values of open circuit voltages in alternating current machines higher than 80 volts, and direct current machines higher than 100 volts, adequate insulation or
other means must be provided to prevent the operator from making accidental contact with the high voltage. The use of reliable automatic controls for reducing no load voltage is
recommended to reduce shock hazard. When not welding for any substantial period of time, make certain no par t of the electrode circuit is touching the work or ground to prevent
accidental contact. Never immerse Mig-Guns, Electrode Holders, Tig Torches, Plasma Torches, or Electrodes in water for cooling.
REFERENCES: See Safety and Operating References A,F,H, and I.
SMOKE, FUMES, AND GASES CAN BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH
Keep smoke, fumes, and gases from your breathing zone and the general area. Smoke, fumes, and gases from the welding or cutting process are of various
types and strengths, depending on the kind of base metal being welded on. To ensure your safety, do not breath these fumes or gases. Ventilation must be
adequate to remove smoke, fumes, and gases during the welding procedure to protect operators and others in the immediate area. Do not weld in locations
where chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors are coming from degreasing, cleaning, or spraying operations. Vapors of chlorinated solvents can form the toxic gas
“phosgene” when exposed to ultraviolet radiation from an electric arc. All solvents, degreasers, and potential sources of these vapors must be removed from the
welding area. Shielding gases used for arc welding can displace air and cause injury or death. Fumes produced by welding or cutting, especially in confined
areas, can cause discomfort and physical harm if inhaled over an extended period of time. Always provide adequate ventilation in the welding and cutting area to insure breathing air
is safe. Use air-supplied respirators if ventilation is not adequate to remove all fumes and gases. Never Ventilate with Oxygen, because oxygen supports and vigorously accelerates
fire.
REFERENCES: See Safety and Operating References A,B,C,H, and I.
ARC RAYS, MOLTEN MATERIAL, AND SPARKS CAN CAUSE EYE AND SKIN INJURY
Always wear approved eye, ear, and body protection. Remove any and all combustible material from the work area. Never attempt to weld or cut without a
proper head shield, with proper lens, that conform to federal guidelines. A number 12 to 14 shade filter lens provides the best protection from arc radiation. A
cover plate protects your eyes from sparks.
Protect other nearby personnel from arc rays and sparks. Use approved shielding curtains and appropriate goggles. Warn them not to watch the arc or
expose themselves to arc rays, sparks, or molten material. Always wear protective clothing and gloves which will not allow skin to become exposed to arc rays,
heat, or molten material. Wear ear plugs to protect ears from sparks. Flammable hair preparations should not be used when welding or cutting. If possible,
welding should be done in a booth that has been painted with an ultraviolet absorbing material such as zinc oxide and a low reflective finish such as lamp black, or shall be enclosed
with noncombustible screens similarly painted.
REFERENCES: See Safety and Operating References A,B,H, and I.
WELDING SPARKS CAN CAUSE FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS
Remove any and all combustible materials from the work area. If this is not possible, cover them to prevent the welding sparks from starting a fire. Causes of
fire and explosion are any combustibles reached by the arc, flame, flying sparks, hot slag, or heated materials. Do not wear any gloves or clothing that has oil or
a fuel type material on it. Always have a properly working and OSHA approved Fire Extinguisher near and be sure everyone has proper training in its use. Do not
weld, heat, or cut drums or containers that have held combustibles. All hollow spaces, cavities, and containers should be vented prior to cutting, welding, or
heating for they may explode. Make sure proper steps have been taken to insure that venting procedures will not form flammable or toxic vapors from
substances inside containers. Purging with inert gas is recommended. Use only iner t gases or inert gas mixes as required by the process. Special precautions
should be used to prevent hazardous situations when using compressed gas. Use of combustible compressed gases can cause explosions resulting in personal injury or death.
Never Use Oxygen for Cleaning or Purging. Arcing against any compressed gas cylinder can cause cylinder damage or explosion. Read and follow the instructions on compressed
gas cylinders, Associated Equipment, and CEA Publication P-1, “Precautions for safe handling of compressed gases in Cylinders” available from the Compressed Gas Association,
1235 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, Va. 22202.
REFERENCES: See Safety and Operating References A,D,E,F,G, and H.
SAFETY AND OPERATING REFERENCES
A) ANSI Z49.1, “Safety in Welding and Cutting”
B) ANSI Z87.1, “Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection”
C) ANSI Z88.2, “Standard Practice for Respiratory Protection”
ANSI: American National Standard Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
D) AWS F4.1, “Recommended Safe Practices for Welding and Cutting Containers”
AWS: The American Welding Society, P.O. Box 351040, 550 NW Lejeune Rd., Miami, Fl 33135
E) NFPA 51B, “Fire Prevention in Cutting and Welding Processes”
F) NFPA-70, “National Electrical Code”
NFPA: National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269
G) CGA P-1, “Precautions for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders”
CGA: Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, Va 22202
H) Code of Federal Regulations (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910
US: U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402
I) CSA Standard W117.2, “Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes”
CSA: Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Blvd., Rexdale, Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3
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