for welding or cutting, (and chipping) to protect the eyes from radiant energy and flying metal. Replace
cover glass when broken, pitted, or spattered.
c.
Avoid oily or greasy clothing. A spark may ignite them.
d.
Hot metal such as electrode stubs and workpieces should never be handled without gloves.
e.
Medical first aid and eye treatment. First aid facilities and a qualified first aid person should be
available for each shift unless medical facilities are close by for immediate treatment of flash burns of
the eyes and skin burns.
f.
Ear plugs should be worn when working on overhead or in a confined space. A hard hat should be worn
when others work overhead.
g.
Flammable hair preparations should not be used by persons intending to weld or cut.
4-2.2
Toxic Fume Prevention
a.
Severe discomfort, illness or death can result from fumes, vapors, heat, or oxygen enrichment or
depletion that welding (or cutting) may produce. Prevent them with adequate ventilation as described in
ANSI Standard Z49.1. NEVER ventilate with oxygen.
b.
Lead -, cadmium -, zinc -, mercury -, and beryllium - bearing and similar materials, when welded (or cut)
may produce harmful concentrations of toxic fumes. Adequate local exhaust ventilation must be used,
or each person in the area as well as the operator must wear an air-supplied respirator. For beryllium,
both must be used.
c.
Metals coated with or containing materials that emit toxic fumes should not be heated unless coating is
removed from the work surface, the area is well ventilated, or the operator wears an air-supplied
respirator.
d.
Work in a confined space only while it is being ventilated and, if necessary, while wearing an air-
supplied respirator.
e.
Gas leaks in a confined space should be avoided. Leaked gas in large quantities can change oxygen
concentration dangerously. Do not bring gas cylinders into a confined space.
f.
Leaving confined space, shut OFF gas supply at source to prevent possible accumulation of gases in
the space if downstream valves have been accidentally opened or left open. Check to be sure that the
space is safe before re-entering it.
g.
Vapors from chlorinated solvents can be decomposed by the heat of the arc (or flame) to form
PHOSGENE, a highly toxic gas, and other lung and eye irritating products. The ultraviolet (radiant)
energy of the arc can also decompose trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene vapors to form
phosgene. DO NOT WELD or cut where solvent vapors can be drawn into the welding or cutting
atmosphere or where the radiant energy can penetrate to atmospheres containing even minute amounts
of trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene.
4-2
