Sources of danger when arc welding
A series of hazard sources can arise when arc welding.
It is therefore particularly important for the welder to
observe the following rules in order not to endanger
themselves and others and to avoid injuring persons
and damaging the device.
• Work on the mains voltage side, e.g. on cables,
connectors, sockets, etc., may only be carried out by
a specialist. This applies in particular when creating
intermediate cables.
• In the event of an accident, disconnect the welding
power source from the mains immediately.
• If electrical contact voltages occur, switch off
the device immediately and have it checked by a
specialist.
• Always ensure that the electrical contacts on the
welding current side are good.
• Always wear insulated gloves on both hands when
welding. These protect rays electric shocks (off-load
voltage of the welding current circuit), harmful rays
(heat and UV rays) and smouldering metal and slag
splashes.
• Wear sturdy, insulated footwear; the shoes should
also insulate when wet. Low shoes are not suitable
as smouldering metal drops that fall cause burns.
• Wear suitable clothing, no synthetic clothing.
• Do not look into the arc with unprotected eyes,
only use a welding shield with protective glass in
accordance with DIN. The arc also emits UV rays
in addition to light and heat rays which cause glare
and burns. These invisible ultraviolet rays cause
very painful conjunctivitis that is only noticeable
a few hours later if the protection is insufficient.
Furthermore, UV rays cause harmful, sunburn-like
effects to unprotected parts of the body.
• Also, persons in the vicinity of the electric arc
must be advised of the hazard and equipped with
the necessary protective equipment. Protective
partitions or walls may have to be erected.
• When welding, especially in small rooms, ensure
that there is a sufficient supply of fresh air as smoke
and harmful gases form.
• Welding work may not be carried out on containers
in which gases, fuels, mineral oils or the like are
stored, even if they have been empty for a long
period as there is a risk of explosion due to residues.
• Special regulations apply in areas where there is a
risk of fire and explosion.
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• Welded joints that are exposed to high stresses and
must meet safety requirements may only be carried
out by specially trained and certified welders.
Examples are: Pressure vessels, rails, trailer
couplings, etc.
• Arc rays can damage the eyes and the skin. Wear a
hat and safety goggles.
• Wear hearing protection and shirts with high, closed
collars.
• Wear welding helmets and ensure that the filter
settings are appropriate.
• Wear full body protection.
m Attention
• It must be ensured that the protective conductor in
electrical systems or devices can be destroyed by
the welding current in the event of negligence, e.g.
the earth clamp is placed on the welding machine
housing which is connected to the protective
conductor of the electrical system. The welding
work is carried out on a machine with a protective
conductor connection. It is therefore possible to
weld to the machine without having to attach the
earth clamp to it. In this case, the welding current
flows from the earth clamp to the machine via the
protective conductor. The high welding current can
cause melting through of the protective conductor.
• The fusing of the supply lines to the mains sockets
must correspond to the regulations. Only fuses
and automatic devices corresponding to the cable
cross-section may be used in accordance with these
regulations. Over-fusing can cause a line fire or fire
damage to the building.
• Do not use the welding device in the rain.
• Do not use the welding device in a humid
environment.
• Only set up the welding device on a flat surface.
• The output is rated at an ambient temperature of
20°C. The welding time may be reduced at higher
temperatures.
Danger due to electric shock
Electric shock from a welding electrode can be fatal.
Do not weld in rain or snow. Wear dry insulating gloves.
Do not touch the electrode with bare hands. Do not
wear wet or damaged gloves. Protect yourself from
electric shock by insulating against the workpiece. Do
not open the housing of the device.
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