SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
These Safety Precautions are for your protection. They summarize
precautionary information from the references listed in Additional
Safety Information section. Before performing any installation or
operating procedures, be sure to read and follow the safety pre-
cautions listed below as well as all other manuals, material safety
data sheets, labels, etc. Failure to observe Safety Precautions can
result in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS - Some welding,
cutting and gouging processes are noisy and require
ear protection. Hot metal can cause skin burns and
heat rays may injure eyes. Training in the proper
use of the processes and equipment is essential to
prevent accidents. Also:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any
work area, even if welding helmets, face shields, or
goggles are also required.
2. Wear ameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt, cuf-
ess trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding helmet or cap
for hair protection, to protect against hot sparks and hot metal.
A ameproof apron may also be desirable as protection against
radiated heat and sparks.
3. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trousers cus,
or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned, and
open pockets eliminated from the front of clothing.
4. Protect other personnel from hot sparks with a suitable non-
ammable partition or curtains.
5. Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or grinding.
Chipped slag may be hot and can travel considerable distances.
Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS - Heat from a ame can act
as an ignition source. Hot slag or sparks can also
cause res or explosions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well away from
the work area or completely cover the materials with
a protective non-ammable covering. Combustible
materials include wood, cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels,
solvents, paints and coatings, paper, etc.
2. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in oors
or wall openings and cause a hidden smoldering re on the
oor below. Make certain that such openings are protected
from hot sparks and metal.
3. Do not weld, cut, or perform any other hot work on materials,
containers, or piping until it has been completely cleaned so that
no substances on the material can produce ammable or toxic va-
pors. Do not do hot work on closed containers. They may explode.
4. Have re extinguishing equipment handy for instant use, such
as a garden hose, a pail of water or sand, or portable re extin-
guisher. Be sure you are trained in its use.
5. After completing operations, inspect the work area to be sure
that there are no hot sparks or hot metal which could cause a
later re. Use re watchers when necessary.
6. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B, “Fire
Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes”, which is
available from the National Fire Protection Association, Bat-
terymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
FUMES AND GASES - Fumes and gases, particu-
larly in conned spaces, can cause discomfort
or injury. Do not breathe fumes or gases from
welding or cutting, Therefore:
1. Always provide adequate ventilation in the work area by natural
or mechanical ventilation means. Do not weld, cut, or gouge
on materials such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper,
zinc, lead, beryllium, or cadmium unless positive mechanical
ventilation is provided. Do not breathe fumes and gases from
these materials.
2. If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation while
operating, this is an indication that ventilation is not adequate. Stop
work at once and take necessary steps to improve ventilation in the
work area. Do not continue to operate if physical discomfort persists.
3. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 listed below for specic ventila-
tion recommendations.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - Faulty or improperly maintained
equipment, such as torches, hoses and regulators, can result in
poor work, but even more important, it can
cause injury or death through res. Therefore:
1. Always have qualified personnel perform the
installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance
work. Do not operate or repair any equipment
unless you are qualied to do so.
2. Keep all oxy-fuel equipment free of grease or oil. Grease, oil,
and other similar combustible materials, when ignited, can
burn violently in the presence of oxygen.
3. Do not abuse any equipment or accessories. Keep equipment
away from heat and wet conditions, oil or grease, corrosive
atmospheres and inclement weather.
4. Keep all safety devices in position and in good repair.
5. Use equipment for its intended purpose. Do not modify it in
any manner.
GAS CYLINDER HANDLING - Gas cylinders, if mishandled, can
rupture or explode violently. Sudden rupture of a cylinder, valve
or relief device can injure or kill you. Therefore:
1. Use the proper gas for the process and use
the proper pressure reducing regulator designed
to operate from the compressed gas cylinder.
Do not use adaptors to mount the regulator on
the cylinder. Maintain hoses and ttings in good
condition. Follow manufacturer’s operating instructions for
mounting the regulator to the gas cylinder.
2. Always secure cylinders in an upright position by chain or
strap to suitable hand trucks, benches, walls, post, or racks.
Never secure cylinders to work tables or xtures where they
may become part of an electrical circuit.
3. When not in use, keep cylinder valves closed. Have the valve
protection cap in place on top of the cylinder if no regulators
is installed. Secure and move cylinders by using suitable hand
trucks. Avoid rough handling of cylinders.
4. Locate cylinders away from heat, sparks, or ame of a welding,
cutting, or gouging operation. Never strike an arc on a cylinder.
5. For additional information, refer to CGA Standard P-1, “Precautions
for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders:, which is
available from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jeerson
Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION - For more information
on safe practices for oxy-fuel welding and cutting
equipment, ask your distributor for a copy of
“Precautions and Safe Practices for Gas Welding,
Cutting, and Heating”, Form 2035. Gas apparatus
safety guidelines are also available on video cas-
settes from your distributor.
The following publications, which are available from the American
Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJuene Road, Miami, FL 33126, are
recommended to you:
1. ANSI/AWS Z49.1 - “Safety in Welding and Cutting”.
2. AWS F4.1 - “Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation
for Welding and Cutting of Containers and Piping That Have
Held Hazardous Substances”
3. AWS SP - “Safe Practices” - Reprint, Welding Handbook.
Used to call attention to immediate hazards
which, if not avoided, will result in immediate,
serious personal injury or loss of life.
Used to call attention to potential hazards
which could result in personal injury or
loss of life.
Used to call attention to hazards which could
result in minor personal injury.
This symbol appearing in this manual means
Attention! Be Alert! Your safety is involved.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
These Safety Precautions are for your protection. They summarize
precautionary information from the references listed in Additional
Safety Information section. Before performing any installation or
operating procedures, be sure to read and follow the safety pre-
cautions listed below as well as all other manuals, material safety
data sheets, labels, etc. Failure to observe Safety Precautions can
result in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS - Some welding,
cutting and gouging processes are noisy and require
ear protection. Hot metal can cause skin burns and
heat rays may injure eyes. Training in the proper
use of the processes and equipment is essential to
prevent accidents. Also:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any
work area, even if welding helmets, face shields, or
goggles are also required.
2. Wear ameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt, cuf-
ess trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding helmet or cap
for hair protection, to protect against hot sparks and hot metal.
A ameproof apron may also be desirable as protection against
radiated heat and sparks.
3. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves, trousers cus,
or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned, and
open pockets eliminated from the front of clothing.
4. Protect other personnel from hot sparks with a suitable non-
ammable partition or curtains.
5. Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or grinding.
Chipped slag may be hot and can travel considerable distances.
Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS - Heat from a ame can act
as an ignition source. Hot slag or sparks can also
cause res or explosions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well away from
the work area or completely cover the materials with
a protective non-ammable covering. Combustible
materials include wood, cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels,
solvents, paints and coatings, paper, etc.
2. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or crevices in oors
or wall openings and cause a hidden smoldering re on the
oor below. Make certain that such openings are protected
from hot sparks and metal.
3. Do not weld, cut, or perform any other hot work on materials,
containers, or piping until it has been completely cleaned so that
no substances on the material can produce ammable or toxic va-
pors. Do not do hot work on closed containers. They may explode.
4. Have re extinguishing equipment handy for instant use, such
as a garden hose, a pail of water or sand, or portable re extin-
guisher. Be sure you are trained in its use.
5. After completing operations, inspect the work area to be sure
that there are no hot sparks or hot metal which could cause a
later re. Use re watchers when necessary.
6. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B, “Fire
Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes”, which is
available from the National Fire Protection Association, Bat-
terymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
FUMES AND GASES - Fumes and gases, particu-
larly in conned spaces, can cause discomfort
or injury. Do not breathe fumes or gases from
welding or cutting, Therefore:
1. Always provide adequate ventilation in the work area by natural
or mechanical ventilation means. Do not weld, cut, or gouge
on materials such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper,
zinc, lead, beryllium, or cadmium unless positive mechanical
ventilation is provided. Do not breathe fumes and gases from
these materials.
2. If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation while
operating, this is an indication that ventilation is not adequate. Stop
work at once and take necessary steps to improve ventilation in the
work area. Do not continue to operate if physical discomfort persists.
3. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 listed below for specic ventila-
tion recommendations.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - Faulty or improperly maintained
equipment, such as torches, hoses and regulators, can result in
poor work, but even more important, it can
cause injury or death through res. Therefore:
1. Always have qualified personnel perform the
installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance
work. Do not operate or repair any equipment
unless you are qualied to do so.
2. Keep all oxy-fuel equipment free of grease or oil. Grease, oil,
and other similar combustible materials, when ignited, can
burn violently in the presence of oxygen.
3. Do not abuse any equipment or accessories. Keep equipment
away from heat and wet conditions, oil or grease, corrosive
atmospheres and inclement weather.
4. Keep all safety devices in position and in good repair.
5. Use equipment for its intended purpose. Do not modify it in
any manner.
GAS CYLINDER HANDLING - Gas cylinders, if mishandled, can
rupture or explode violently. Sudden rupture of a cylinder, valve
or relief device can injure or kill you. Therefore:
1. Use the proper gas for the process and use
the proper pressure reducing regulator designed
to operate from the compressed gas cylinder.
Do not use adaptors to mount the regulator on
the cylinder. Maintain hoses and ttings in good
condition. Follow manufacturer’s operating instructions for
mounting the regulator to the gas cylinder.
2. Always secure cylinders in an upright position by chain or
strap to suitable hand trucks, benches, walls, post, or racks.
Never secure cylinders to work tables or xtures where they
may become part of an electrical circuit.
3. When not in use, keep cylinder valves closed. Have the valve
protection cap in place on top of the cylinder if no regulators
is installed. Secure and move cylinders by using suitable hand
trucks. Avoid rough handling of cylinders.
4. Locate cylinders away from heat, sparks, or ame of a welding,
cutting, or gouging operation. Never strike an arc on a cylinder.
5. For additional information, refer to CGA Standard P-1, “Precautions
for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders:, which is
available from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jeerson
Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION - For more information
on safe practices for oxy-fuel welding and cutting
equipment, ask your distributor for a copy of
“Precautions and Safe Practices for Gas Welding,
Cutting, and Heating”, Form 2035. Gas apparatus
safety guidelines are also available on video cas-
settes from your distributor.
The following publications, which are available from the American
Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJuene Road, Miami, FL 33126, are
recommended to you:
1. ANSI/AWS Z49.1 - “Safety in Welding and Cutting”.
2. AWS F4.1 - “Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation
for Welding and Cutting of Containers and Piping That Have
Held Hazardous Substances”
3. AWS SP - “Safe Practices” - Reprint, Welding Handbook.
Used to call attention to immediate hazards
which, if not avoided, will result in immediate,
serious personal injury or loss of life.
Used to call attention to potential hazards
which could result in personal injury or
loss of life.
Used to call attention to hazards which could
result in minor personal injury.
This symbol appearing in this manual means
Attention! Be Alert! Your safety is involved.