Protection Against Fumes And Gases; Fire/Explosion Prevention; Prevention When Using Gas Cylinders; Protection From Electrical Shock - Selco Quasar 270 Instrucciones De Uso

1.3 Protection against fumes and gases

• Fumes, gases and powders produced during the welding
process can be noxious for your health.
Under certain circumstances, the fumes caused by welding
can cause cancer or harm the foetus of pregnant women.
• Keep your head away from any welding gas and fumes.
• Provide proper ventilation, either natural or forced, in the
work area.
• In case of poor ventilation, use masks and breathing apparatus.
• In case of welding in extremely small places the work should
be supervised by a colleague standing nearby outside.
• Do not use oxygen for ventilation.
• Ensure that the fumes extractor is working by regularly check-
ing the quantity of harmful exhaust gases versus the values
stated in the safety regulations.
• The quantity and the danger level of the fumes depends on
the parent metal used, the filler metal and on any substances
used to clean and degrease the pieces to be welded. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions together with the instructions
given in the technical sheets.
• Do not perform welding operations near degreasing or paint-
ing stations.
Position gas cylinders outdoors or in places with good ventilation.

1.4 Fire/explosion prevention

• The welding process may cause fires and/or explosions.
• Clear the work area and the surrounding area from any flam-
mable or combustible materials or objects.
Flammable materials must be at least 11 metres (35 feet) from
the welding area or they must be suitably protected.
Sparks and incandescent particles might easily be sprayed
quite far and reach the surrounding areas even through
minute openings. Pay particular attention to keep people and
property safe.
• Do not perform welding operations on or near containers
under pressure.
• Do not perform welding operations on closed containers or
pipes.
Pay particular attention during welding operations on pipes
or containers even if these are open, empty and have been
cleaned thoroughly. Any residue of gas, fuel, oil or similar
materials might cause an explosion.
• Do not weld in places where explosive powders, gases or
vapours are present.
• When you finish welding, check that the live circuit cannot
accidentally come in contact with any parts connected to the
earth circuit.
• Position a fire-fighting device or material near the work area.
20

1.5 Prevention when using gas cylinders

• Inert gas cylinders contain pressurized gas and can explode
if the minimum safe conditions for transport, storage and use
are not ensured.
• Cylinders must be secured in a vertical position to a wall or
other supporting structure, with suitable means so that they
cannot fall or accidentally hit anything else.
• Screw the cap on to protect the valve during transport, com-
missioning and at the end of any welding operation.
• Do not expose cylinders to direct sunlight, sudden changes
of temperature, too high or extreme temperatures. Do not
expose cylinders to temperatures too low or too high.
• Keep cylinders away from naked flames, electric arcs, torches or
electrode guns and incandescent material sprayed by welding.
• Keep cylinders away from welding circuits and electrical cir-
cuits in general.
• Keep your head away from the gas outlet when opening the
cylinder valve.
• Always close the cylinder valve at the end of the welding
operations.
• Never perform welding operations on a pressurized gas cylinder.

1.6 Protection from electrical shock

• Electric shocks can kill you.
• Avoid touching live parts both inside and outside the welding
system while this is active (torches, guns, earth cables, elec-
trodes, wires, rollers and spools are electrically connected to
the welding circuit).
• Ensure the system and the welder are insulated electrically by
using dry bases and floors that are sufficiently insulated from
the earth.
• Ensure the system is connected correctly to a socket and a
power source equipped with an earth conductor.
• Do not touch two torches or two electrode holders at the
same time.
lf you feel an electric shock, interrupt the welding operations
immediately.
1.7 Electromagnetic fields &
interferences
• The welding current passing through the internal and external
system cables creates an electromagnetic field in the proxim-
ity of the welding cables and the equipment itself.
• Electromagnetic fields can affect the health of people who
are exposed to them for a long time (the exact effects are still
unknown).
Electromagnetic fields can interfere with some equipment like
pacemakers or hearing aids.
Persons fitted with pacemakers must consult their
doctor before undertaking arc welding or plasma
cutting operations.