d.
Use pressure charts (available from your supplier) for safe and efficient, recommended pressure
settings on regulators.
e.
Check for leaks on first pressurization and regularly there-after. Brush with soap solution (capful of dish
detergent per gallon of water). Bubbles indicate leak. Clean off soapy water after test; dried soap is
combustible.
4-2.5
User Responsibilities. Remove leaky or defective equipment from service immediately for repair.
4-2.6
Leaving Equipment Unattended. Close gas supply at source and drain gas.
4-2.7
Rope Staging-Support. Rope staging-support should not be used for welding or cutting operation; rope may
burn.
4-3. ARC WELDING
4-3.1
Introduction. Comply with precautions in 4-1, 4-2 and this paragraph. Arc Welding, properly done, is a safe
process, but a careless operator invites trouble. The equipment carries high currents at significant voltages. The arc is
very bright and hot. Sparks fly, fumes rise, ultraviolet and infrared energy radiates, weldments are hot, and compressed
gases may be used. The wise operator avoids unnecessary risks and protects himself and others from accidents.
Precautions are described here and in standards referenced in index.
4-3.2
Burn Protection. The welding arc is intense and visibly bright. Its radiation can damage eyes, penetrate
lightweight clothing, reflect from light-colored surfaces, and burn the skin and eyes. Skin burns resemble acute sunburn,
those from gas-shielded arcs are more severe and painful. DON'T GET BURNED; COMPLY WITH PRECAUTIONS.
(Refer to paragraph 4-2.)
4-3.2.1.
Protective Clothing.
a.
Wear long-sleeve clothing (particularly for gas-shielded arc) in addition to gloves, hat, shoes (1-2A). As
necessary, use additional protective clothing such as leather jacket or sleeves, flame-proof apron, and
fire-resistant leggings. Avoid outer-garments of untreated cotton.
b.
Bare skin protection. Wear dark, substantial clothing. Button collar to protect chest and neck and
button pockets to prevent entry of sparks.
4-3.2.2.
Eye and Head Protection.
a.
Protect eyes from exposure to arc. NEVER look at an electric arc without protection.
b.
Welding helmet or shield containing a filter plate shade no. 12 or denser must be used when welding.
Place over face before striking arc.
c.
Protect filter plate with a clear cover plate.
d.
Cracked or broken helmet or shield should NOT be worn; radiation can pass through to cause burns.
4-7
