SECTION 1 −SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR GTAW
TORCHES − READ BEFORE USING
1-1. Symbol Usage
Means Warning! Watch Out! There are possible hazards with this
procedure! The possible hazards are shown in the adjoining symbols.
1-2. GTAW Torch Hazards
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. KEEP CHILDREN
AWAY. PACEMAKER WEARERS KEEP AWAY UNTIL CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR.
In welding, as in most jobs, exposure to certain hazards occurs. Welding is safe when precautions are taken. The
safety information given below is only a summary of the more complete safety information found in the welding
power source Owner's Manual. Read and follow all safety precautions.
HAVE ALL INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR WORK PERFORMED ONLY BY
QUALIFIED PEOPLE.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
1. Always wear dry insulating gloves.
2. Insulate yourself from work and ground.
3. Do not touch live electrode or electrical parts.
4. Repair or replace worn, damaged, or cracked
torch or cable insulation.
5. Turn off welding power source before changing
tungsten electrode or torch parts.
6. Keep all covers and handle securely in place.
ARC RAYS can burn eyes and skin.
1. Wear welding helmet with correct shade of filter.
2. Wear correct eye and body protection.
3. Cover exposed skin.
FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous
to your health.
1. Keep your head out of the fumes.
2. Ventilate area, or use breathing device.
3. Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and
manufacturer's instructions for material used.
BUILD UP OF GAS can injure or
kill
1. Shut off shielding gas supply when not in
use.
2. Always ventilate confined spaces or use
approved air-supplied respirator.
This group of symbols means Warning! Watch Out! Possible ELECTRIC SHOCK and HOT PARTS hazards.
Consult symbols and related instructions below for necessary actions to avoid the hazards.
GTAW WELDING can be hazardous.
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Y Marks a special safety message.
.
Means NOTE; not safety related.
WELDING can cause fire or explosion.
1. Do not weld near flammable material.
2. Do not weld on closed containers.
3. Watch for fire; keep extinguisher nearby.
HOT SURFACES can burn skin.
1. Allow torch to cool before touching.
2. Do not touch hot metal.
3. Protect hot metal from contact by others.
NOISE can damage hearing; SOME
APPLICATIONS, SUCH AS PULSING,
are noisy.
1. Check for noise level limits exceeding those
specified by OSHA.
2. Use approved ear plugs or ear muffs if noise level
is high.
3. Warn others nearby about noise hazard.
SR6_8/03
OM-1600 Page 1