Safety rules
General remarks
This welding machine has been made in accordance with the
state of the art and all recognised safety rules. Nevertheless,
incorrect operation or misuse may still lead to danger for
- the life and well-being of the welder or of third parties,
- the welding machine and other tangible assets belonging
to the owner/operator,
- efficient working with the welding machine.
All persons involved in any way with starting up, operating,
servicing and maintaining the welding machine must
- be suitably qualified
- know about welding and
- follow exactly the instructions given in this manual.
Any malfunctions which might impair machine safety must be
eliminated immediately.
It's your safety that's at stake!
Utilisation for intended purpose only
The welding machine may only be used for jobs as defined by
the "Intended purpose" (see the section headed "Starting to
use the welding machine").
Utilisation in accordance with the "Intended purpose" also
comprises
- following all the instructions given in this manual
- performing all stipulated inspection and servicing work
Obligations of owner/operator
The owner/operator undertakes to ensure that the only persons
allowed to work with the welding machine are persons who
- are familiar with the basic regulations on workplace safety
and accident prevention and who have been instructed in
how to operate the welding machine
- have read and understood the sections on safety and the
warnings contained in this manual, and have confirmed as
much with their signatures
Regular checks must be performed to ensure that personnel
are still working in a safety-conscious manner.
Obligations of personnel
Before starting work, all persons entrusted with carrying out
work on the welding machine shall undertake
- to observe the basic regulations on workplace safety and
accident prevention
- to read the sections on safety and the warnings contained
in this manual, and to sign to confirm that they have
understood these
Personal protective equipment
For your personal safety, take the following precautions:
- Wear stout footwear that will also insulate even in wet
conditions
- Protect your hands by wearing insulating gloves
- Protect your eyes from UV rays with a safety shield containing
regulation filter glass
- Only use suitable (i.e. flame-retardant) clothing
- Where high noise levels are encountered, use ear-protectors
Where other persons are nearby during welding, you must
- instruct them regarding the dangers,
- provide them with protective equipment and/or
- erect protective partitions or curtains.
Hazards from noxious gases and vapours
- Extract all fumes and gases away from the workplace, using
suitable means.
- Ensure a sufficient supply of fresh air.
- Keep all solvent vapours well away from the arc radiation.
Hazards from flying sparks
- Move all combustible objects well away from the welding
location.
- Welding must NEVER be performed on containers that
have had gases, fuels, mineral oils etc. stored in them. Even
small traces of these substances left in the containers are
a major explosion hazard.
- Special regulations apply to rooms at risk from fire and/or
explosion. Observe all relevant national and international
regulations.
Hazards from mains and welding current
- An electric shock can be fatal. Every electric shock is
hazardous to life.
- Magnetic fields generated by high amperages may impair
the functioning of vital electronic devices (e.g. heart
pacemakers). Users of such devices should consult their
doctors before going anywhere near the welding workplace.
- All welding cables must be firmly attached, undamaged and
properly insulated. Replace any loose connections and
scorched cables immediately.
- Have the mains and the appliance supply leads checked
regularly by a qualified electrician to ensure that the PE
conductor is functioning correctly.
- Before opening up the welding machine, make absolutely
sure that this is "dead". Discharge any components that
may store an electrical charge.
- If work needs to be performed on any live parts, there must
be a second person on hand to switch of the machine at the
main switch in an emergency.
Particular danger spots
- Do not put your fingers anywhere near the rotating toothed
wheels of the wirefeed drive.
- Special regulations apply to rooms at risk from fire and/or
explosion. Observe all relevant national and international
regulations.
- Welding machines for use in spaces with increased
electrical danger (e.g. boilers) must be identified by the "S"
(for safety) mark.
- Welding-joins to which special safety requirements apply
must only be carried out by specially trained welders.
- When hoisting the power source by crane, always attach the
chains or ropes to the hoisting lugs at as close an angle to
the vertical as possible. Before hoisting, remove the gas
cylinder and the wirefeed unit.