4.2.2. Assessment of area
Before installing arc welding equipment the user shall make an assessment of potential
electromagnetic problems in the surrounding area. The following shall be taken into
account:
A) Other supply cables, control cables, signalling and telephone cables, above, below
and adjacent to the arc welding equipment;.
B) Radio and television transmitters and receivers.
C) Computer and other control equipment.
D) Safety critical equipment, for example guarding of industrial equipment.
E) The health of the people around, for example the use of pacemakers and hearing
aids.
F) Equipment used for calibration or measurement.
G) The immunity of other equipment in the environment.The user shall ensure that other
equipment being used in the environment is compatible. This may require additional
protection measures.
H) The time of day that welding or other activities are to be carried out.
The size of the surrounding area to be considered will depend on the structure of the
building and other activities that are taking place. The surrounding area may extend
beyond the boundaries of the premises.
4.2.3
Methods of reducing emissions .
A) Public supply system .
Arc welding equipment should be connected to the public supply system according to
the manufacturer s recommendations. If interference occurs, it may be necessary to take
additional precautions such as filtering of the public supply system. Consideration
should be given to shielding the supply cable of permanently installed arc welding
equipment, in metallic conduit or equivalent. Shielding should be electrically continuous
throughout its length.The shielding should be connected to the welding power source so
that good electrical contact is maintained between the conduit and the welding power
source enclosure.
B) Maintenance of the arc welding equipment.
The arc welding equipment should be routinely maintained according to the
manufacturer s recommendations. All access and service doors and covers should be
closed and properly fastened when the arc welding equipment is in operation. The arc
welding equipment should not be modified in any way, except for those changes and
adjustments covered in the manufacturer s instructions. In particular, the spark gaps of
arc striking and stabilising devices should be adjusted and maintained according to the
manufacturer s recommendations.
C) Welding cables.
The welding cables should be kept as short as possible and should be positioned close
together, running at or close to the floor level.
D) Equipotential bonding .
Bonding of all metallic objects in the surrounding area should be considered. However,
metallic objects bonded to the work piece will increase the risk that the operator could
receive an electric shock by touching these metallic objects and the electrode at the
same time.The operator should be insulated from all such bonded metallic objects.
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