Power Tool Guard Safety

Potenital Hazards

An arc welder can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by arc welder users:

• Electric Shock — May be fatal.
  • Install and earth the welding machine according to the applicable regulations.
  • Do not touch live electrical parts or electrodes with bare skin, gloves or wet clothing.
  • Isolate yourselves from both the earth and the workpiece.
  • Make sure your working position is safe.
• Fumes and Gases – May be hazardous to your health.
  • Keep your head away from fumes.
  • Work in the presence of adequate ventilation, and use ventilators around the arc to prevent gases from forming in the work area.
• Arc Rays — May injure the eyes and burn the skin.
  • Protect your eyes with welding masks fitted with filtered lenses, and protect your body with appropriate safety garments.
  • Protect others by installing adequate shields or curtains.
• Risk of Fire and Burns
  • Sparks (sprays) may cause fires and burn the skin; you should therefore make sure there are no flammable materials in the area, and wear appropriate protective garments.
• Noise
  • This machine does not directly produce noise exceeding 80dB. The plasma cutting/welding procedure may produce noise levels beyond said limit; users must therefore implement all precautions required by law.
• Pacemakers
  • The magnetic fields created by high currents may affect the operation of pacemakers. Wearers of vital electronic equipment (pacemakers) should consult their physician before beginning any arc welding, cutting, gouging or spot welding operations.
• Explosions
  • Do not weld in the vicinity of containers under pressure, or in the presence of explosive dust, gases or fumes.
  • All cylinders and pressure regulators used in welding operations should be handled with care.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

A bandsaw can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by band saw users:

PPE

• Always wear approved safety glasses/face shields while using this band saw. Everyday eyeglasses only have impact resistant lenses; they are not safety glasses.
• Before operating this band saw, remove tie, rings, watches and other jewelry, and roll sleeves up past the elbows. Remove all loose clothing and confine long hair. Non-slip footwear or anti-skid floor strips are recommended. Do not wear gloves.
• Wear ear protectors (plugs or muffs) during extended periods of operation.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and work with approved safety equipment, such as face or dust masks that are specifically designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Operation

• Do not use this band saw for other than its intended use.
• Do not operate this machine while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any medication.
• Make certain the switch is in the OFF position before connecting the machine to the power supply.
• Make certain the machine is properly grounded.
• Make all machine adjustments or maintenance with the machine unplugged from the power source.
• Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Form a habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the machine before turning it on.
• Keep safety guards in place at all times when the machine is in use. If removed for maintenance purposes, use extreme caution and replace the guards immediately.
• Make sure the band saw is firmly secured to the floor or bench before use.
• Check damaged parts.
• Provide for adequate space surrounding work area and non-glare, overhead lighting.
• Keep the floor around the machine clean and free of scrap material, oil and grease.
• Make your workshop childproof with padlocks, master switches or by removing starter keys.
• Give your work undivided attention. Looking around, carrying on a conversation and “horseplay” are careless acts that can result in serious injury.
• Maintain a balanced stance at all times so that you do not fall or lean against the blade or other moving parts. Do not overreach or use excessive force to perform any machine operation.
• Use the right tool at the correct speed and feed rate.
• Maintain tools with care. Keep blade sharp and clean for the best and safest performance.
• Make sure the work piece is held firmly against the rip fence or miter gauge as it is fed through the blade.
• Turn off the machine before cleaning. Use a brush or compressed air to remove chips or debris.
• Do not stand on the machine. Serious injury could occur if the machine tips over.
• Never leave the machine running unattended.
• Remove loose items and unnecessary work pieces from the area before starting the machine.

Be aware

• Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction activities contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, including lead from lead based paint, crystalline silica from bricks, cement and other masonry products, and arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.
• Use recommended accessories; improper accessories may be hazardous.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

A belt and disc sander can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by belt and disc sander users:

• DO NOT operate your machine until it is completely assembled and installed according to the instructions.
• CAUTION: This machine is designed to sand wood or wood-like products only. Sanding or grinding other materials could result in fire, injury or damage to product.
• ALWAYS wear eye protection.
• THIS MACHINE is intended for indoor use only.
• IMPORTANT: Mount and use this machine on horizontal surfaces only. Operating machine when mounted on nonhorizontal surfaces might result in motor damage.
• IF THERE IS ANY TENDENCY for the machine to tip over or move during certain operations such as when sanding long or heavy boards, the machine must be securely fastened to a supporting surface.
• MAKE SURE the sanding belt is tracking correctly in order that it does not run off the pulleys.
• MAKE SURE the sanding belt runs in the proper direction. See directional arrow on back side of belt.
• MAKE SURE the sanding belt or disc is not torn or loose.
• SUPPORT workpiece firmly with the miter gage, backstop or work table when sanding with the belt.
• ALWAYS hold the workpiece firmly on the table when sanding on the disc.
• AVOID kickback by sanding in accordance with directional arrows. Sand on downward side of disc. Sanding on the upward side could cause the workpiece to fly up causing injury.
• ALWAYS maintain a maximum clearance of 1/16″ or less between the table or backstop and the sanding belt or disc.
• NEVER wear gloves or hold the work with a rag when sanding.
• SAND with the grain of the wood.
• DO NOT sand pieces of material that are too small to be safely supported.
• AVOID awkward hand positions where a sudden slip could cause a hand to move into the sanding belt or disc.
• WHEN sanding a large workpiece, provide additional support at table height.
• DO NOT sand with the workpiece unsupported. Support the workpiece with the backstop or table. The only exception is curved work performed on the outer sanding drum.
• ALWAYS remove scrap pieces and other objects from the table, backstop or belt before turning the machine “ON.”
• NEVER perform layout, assembly or set-up work on the table while the sander is operating.
• ALWAYS turn the machine “OFF” and disconnect the cord from the power source before installing or removing accessories.
• NEVER leave the machine work area when the power is “ON” or before the machine has come to a complete stop.
• NEVER use solvents to clean plastic parts. Solvents could possibly dissolve or otherwise damage the material. Only a soft damp cloth should be used to clean plastic parts.
• SHOULD any part of your sander be missing, damaged, or fail in any way, or any electrical components fail to perform properly, shut off switch and remove plug from power supply outlet. Replace missing, damaged or failed parts before resuming operation.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

A bench grinder can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by bench grinder users:

• NEVER reach to pick up a workpiece, a piece of scrap, or anything else that is in or near the grinding path of the wheel.
• AVOID AWKWARD OPERATIONS AND HAND POSITIONS where a sudden slip could cause your hand to move into the wheel. Always make sure you have good balance.
• NEVER stand or have any part of your body in line with the path of the wheel.
• DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN IT ON AND OFF. Have defective switches replaced by an authorized service center.
• DO NOT TURN MOTOR SWITCH ON AND OFF RAPIDLY. This could cause the wheel to loosen and could create a hazard. Should this ever occur, stand clear and allow the wheel to come to a complete stop. Disconnect your grinder from the power supply and securely retighten the wheel nut.
• USE ONLY FLANGES furnished with this bench grinder.
• IF ANY PART OF THIS GRINDER IS MISSING or should break, bend, or fail in any way, or should any electrical component fail to perform properly, shut off the power switch, remove the machine plug from the power source and have damaged, missing, or failed parts replaced before resuming operation.
• MAKE SURE THE GRINDER IS SECURELY MOUNTED as described in the operating instructions before connecting the tool to a power supply.
• DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN WHEEL NUT. Excessive tightening can cause the wheel to crack during operation.
• ALWAYS USE THE GRINDER’S WHEEL GUARDS AND SAFETY SHIELDS.
• INSPECT GRINDING WHEEL for visible defects. Check the wheel for fissures and cracks, and test for normal operation prior to use. Replace cracked wheel immediately.
• ADJUST distance between wheel and work rest to maintain 1/16 in. or less separation as the diameter of the wheel decreases with use. The value of separation used in the marking is to be the separation recommended by the manufacturer but shall not be more than 1/8 in.
• ALWAYS EASE THE WORKPIECE AGAINST ABRASIVE WHEEL when starting to grind. A harsh impact can break the wheel. Use light pressure when starting to grind; too much pressure on a cold wheel can cause the wheel to crack.
• RISK OF INJURY DUE TO ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Do not use in an area where children may be present.
• NEVER START THE GRINDER when the wheel is in contact with the workpiece.
• SECURE WORK. Always hold workpiece firmly against the work rest.
• DO NOT USE THE BENCH GRINDER if the flange nut or clamp nut is missing or if the spindle shaft is bent.
• FREQUENTLY clean grinding dust from beneath grinder.
• STAY ALERT AND EXERCISE CONTROL. Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not operate tool when you are tired. Do not rush.
• IF THE POWER SUPPLY CORD IS DAMAGED, it must be replaced only by the manufacturer or by an authorized service center to avoid risk.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

*In-person training is mandatory

Potential Hazards

• One of the most common causes of accidents that occur on a drill press is poor operator judgment. Often the operator will attempt to hand-hold the stock while drilling. When the drill enters the work, it can catch and twist the stock from the operator, which results in an uncontrolled rotating piece of wood. Other point-of-operation hazards include the rotating drill, which is rarely guarded, and hot chip generation.
• Because the drill press is such a commonly used machine; it often is cluttered with chips and scraps, which create a hazardous work area.

Solutions

• Guarding at the point of operation is difficult because of the nature of the drilling process. The drill gradually feeds into the work, it is changed very often, chips must be able to escape, and the stock must be moved around which all reduce the possibility of using guards at the drill. If guards are used, they probably will have to be removed during the actual drilling process. Whenever possible, a hold-down fixture should be used rather than the hands.
• Automatic machines and high-production machines should use barricades or enclosures to separate the worker from the entire drilling machine.
• Push button controls should be shrouded and an emergency shut-off switch installed near the machine. A main disconnect is necessary.
• Good housekeeping and operator training are absolute musts.

Proper training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the training log.

Revision Date: January 8, 2014

Potential Hazards

An electric air compressor can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by electric air compressor users:

• Wear proper protective clothing and equipment.
• Do not operate with protective covers or guards removed.
• Do not operate with any electrical panels or covers opened.
• Do not operate this unit with any of the safety controls bypassed.
• Do not operate this unit with any components rated less than the maximum operating pressure of the unit.
• Do not direct air stream at people, animals, or any living thing. Use only OHSA approved air blow guns.
• Do not use compressed air from this equipment for breathing.
• Unplug or disconnect unit before cleaning or servicing.
• Do not operate unit with damaged or worn hoses, fittings, clamps, or spuds.
• Do not repair damaged hoses or fittings.
• Do not touch exposed metal such as the compressor pump, motor, tank, connection hoses, or any fluids.
• Do not operate near flammable or combustible materials.
• Do not remove any airline or receiver connections before relieving air pressure in the entire air system and receiver tank(s).
• Do not operate at pressures, temperatures and rotational speeds in excess of the manufacturers’ recommendations.
• Do not spray flammable or toxic liquids in confined areas. Areas must be well ventilated.
• Use this machine only in a well ventilated area.
• To prevent corrosion, drain receiver tank(s) after 4 hours of use or at the end of each day, whichever comes first. Have the receiver tank(s) inspected for corrosion and/or damage periodically.
• Do not use in flammable or combustible atmosphere.
• Keep compressor as far away from spraying area as possible. At least 25 feet minimum.
• Do not leave loose parts, rags, tools, and other foreign matter on the compressor, drive system, or fan blade.
• Always wear hearing protection when operating or working near the unit.
• Do not route hose in a manner that will cause sharp bending, kinking, cutting, abrasion, or exterior damage.
• Do not pull on the hose to move the unit, untangle knots, or any other excessive pulling stress.
• Always release the system pressure prior to service, storage, daily shutdown, and/or disconnecting the hose or from the unit.
• Never leave an operating machine unattended.
• Never allow children or any unauthorized persons to operate the machine.
• Never exceed the pressure rating of air tools, spray guns, air operated accessories, tires and other inflatables could cause them to explode or fly apart.
• Do not touch the exhaust system, cylinder head or crankcase when hot. (If gasoline engine equipped)
• Do not inhale engine exhaust gases. (If gasoline engine equipped)
• Always shut down the unit and refuel away from open fi res or sparks. (If gasoline engine equipped)
• Do not over fill the fuel tank(s). (If gasoline engine equipped)
• Disconnect the spark plug lead before cleaning or servicing. (If gasoline engine equipped)

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

An electric mig welder can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by electric mig welder users:

• Avoid electrical shock. Do not permit electrically live parts, cables, or electrodes to contact skin, clothing, or gloves. Protective clothing should be free of holes, dry, and ANSI approved.
• Avoid breathing fumes or gases. They can cause serious health problems. Use an active ventilation system directly above the welding area. Keep your head out of the fumes.
• Avoid eye and body damage. Arc rays and infrared radiation can injure eyes and burn skin. Wear ANSI approved eye and body protection. Do not allow viewing by visitors without proper eye and body protection. Use a Face Shield with arc shaded filter plate.
• Know proper arc welding practices. Read and understand this instruction manual, and well as your employer’s safety practices for arc welding.
• Avoid fire and explosion. Remove flammable and explosive material from at least 35 feet from the welding arc to prevent welding sparks or molten metal from starting a fire.
• Maintenance. For your safety, service and maintenance should be performed regularly by a qualified technician.
• Use proper size and type extension cord. If an extension cord is required, it must be of the proper size and type to supply the correct current to the tool without heating up.
• Pacemaker safety warning. People with pacemakers should consult with their physician(s) before using this product.
• Connect only to a code approved power source. Connect only to a grounding power source conforming to the National Electrical Code and Local Codes.
• Wear proper clothing when welding. Use flameproof, welding-type gloves. Wear cuffless pants and pocketless shirt. Both must be free of oil and grease. Wear hightopped, safety shoes with rubber soles.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

A kiln can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by wire feeder users:

• The stainless steel jacket and some of the other fixtures surrounding the kiln will get hot enough to burn your skin when the kiln is heated. Therefore it is important to be extremely careful when working close to the kiln.
  • Keep small children and pets away from the kiln when it is firing.
  • Be careful when opening the kiln door while the kiln is heated.
• We recommend you use gloves to protect your skin from the hot air that can escape from the chamber of the kiln when opening the lid (or door on frontloading kilns).
  • The elements inside the kiln chamber will cause an electrical shock if touched.
• Never insert metal instruments into the kiln while it is firing. Never insert mandrels into the kiln chamber if the baffles are removed.
  • Always be sure to unplug the kiln before working on the electrical components of the kiln.
  • Plan on being with the kiln when it is scheduled to turn off.
  • Remove all potentially combustible materials from the kiln area.
  • Long term viewing inside the kiln chamber can cause damage to your eyes. Therefore, it is recommended that you use IR and UV protective glasses when looking into the kiln for extended periods of time. Number three welders green or gray glasses will protect your eyes.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

A miter saw can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by miter saw users:

• Wear eye protection.
• Keep hands out of path of saw blade. Avoid contact with any coasting blade. It can still cause severe injury.
• Do not operate saw without guards in place. Check blade guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate saw if blade guard does not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the blade guard into the open position.
• Do not perform any operation freehand. The workpiece must be secured firmly against the turn base and guide fence with a vise during all operations. Never use your hand to secure the workpiece.
• Never reach around saw blade.
• Turn off tool and wait for saw blade to stop before moving workpiece or changing settings.
• To reduce the risk of injury, return carriage to the full rear position after each crosscut operation.
• Always secure all moving portions before carrying the tool.
• Stopper pin which locks the cutter head down is for carrying and storage purposes only and not for any cutting operations.
• Do not use the tool in the presence of flammable liquids or gases. The electrical operation of the tool could create an explosion and fire when exposed to flammable liquids or gases.
• Check the blade carefully for cracks or damage before operation. Replace cracked or damaged blade immediately. Gum and wood pitch hardened on blades slows saw and increases potential for kickback. Keep blade clean by first removing it from tool, then cleaning it with gum and pitch remover, hot water or kerosene. Never use gasoline to clean blade.
• While making a slide cut, KICKBACK can occur. KICKBACK occurs when the blade binds in the workpiece during a cutting operation and the saw blade is driven rapidly towards the operator. If blade begins to bind during a cutting operation, do not continue to cut and release switch immediately.
• Be careful not to damage the arbor, flanges (especially the installing surface) or bolt. Damage to these parts could result in blade breakage.
• Make sure that the turn base is properly secured so it will not move during operation. Use the holes in the base to fasten the saw to a stable work platform or bench. NEVER use tool where operator positioning would be awkward.
• For your safety, remove the chips, small pieces, etc. from the table top before operation.
• Avoid cutting nails. Inspect for and remove all nails from the workpiece before operation.
• Make sure the shaft lock is released before the switch is turned on.
• Be sure that the blade does not contact the turn base in the lowest position. Hold the handle firmly. Be aware that the saw moves up or down slightly during start-up and stopping.
• Make sure the blade is not contacting the workpiece before the switch is turned on.
• Before using the tool on an actual workpiece, let it run for a while. Watch for vibration or wobbling that could indicate poor installation or a poorly balanced blade.
• Wait until the blade attains full speed before cutting.
• Do not attempt to lock the trigger in the “ON” position.
• NEVER hold workpiece on right side of blade with left hand or vice versa. ALWAYS use vise to secure workpiece.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

A plasma cutter can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by plasma cutter users:

• Electric Shock – May be fatal.
  • Install and earth the welding machine according to the applicable regulations.
  • Do not touch live electrical parts or electrodes with bare skin, gloves or wet clothing.
  • Isolate yourselves from both the earth and the workpiece.
  • Make sure your working position is safe.
• Fumes and Gases – May be hazardous to your health.
  • Keep your head away from fumes.
  • Work in the presence of adequate ventilation, and use ventilators around the arc to prevent gases from forming in the work area.
• Arc Rays – May injure the eyes and burn the skin.
  • Protect your eyes with welding masks fitted with filtered lenses, and protect your body with appropriate safety garments.
  • Protect others by installing adequate shields or curtains.
• Risk of Fire and Burns
  • Sparks (sprays) may cause fires and burn the skin; you should therefore make sure there are no flammable materials in the area, and wear appropriate protective garments.
• Noise
  • This machine does not directly produce noise exceeding 80dB. The plasma cutting/welding procedure may produce noise levels beyond said limit; users must therefore implement all precautions required by law.
• Pacemakers
  • The magnetic fields created by high currents may affect the operation of pacemakers. Wearers of vital electronic equipment (pacemakers) should consult their physician before beginning any arc welding, cutting, gouging or spot welding operations.
• Explosions
  • Do not weld in the vicinity of containers under pressure, or in the presence of explosive dust, gases or fumes.
  • All cylinders and pressure regulators used in welding operations should be handled with care.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

A pottery wheel can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by pottery wheel users:

• Do not overload the wheel head with clay or force it to stop, as this will shorten the life of the motor. Maximum clay weight should not exceed recommended weight for your wheel.
• Do not plug power cord into an extension cord. Plug directly into electrical wall outlet.
• Foot pedal must be fully depressed backwards “off” before turning wheel on.
• When cleaning the wheel, inspecting parts, and between periods of use, always turn off the on/off switch and confirm that the power indicator light is off. Then unplug the wheel from its power source.
• Take care with long hair, jewelry, and loose fitting clothing. Such items may get caught in the moving wheel head causing damage or injury.
• Keep tools and small parts out of reach of small children.
• Do not leave wheel running unattended.
• Repairs and modifications should be made by a qualified technician only.
• Stop operation of the wheel if you see or smell smoke, or if you hear unusual noises.
• Do not remove the control box and panel covers when the wheel is plugged into power. Doing so makes the internal parts vulnerable to damage.
• Do not attempt to move or hold the wheel during operation, or while the power is on as this could cause serious injury.
• Place the wheel on a flat, even surface away from other objects.
• Equipment must be lifted by two people, never attempt to lift the wheel by yourself.
• Never operate the wheel with the belt guard removed.
• Disconnect the power supply whenever conducting repair.
• The socket outlet must be in the vicinity of the machine and under immediate supervision of the service personnel at all times.
• Do not let the wheel stand in water.
• Plug the wheel into a grounded (3-prong) 110 or 230 volt AC outlet, depending on your wheel’s power configuration. If you do not have grounded outlets available and have to use an adaptor, make certain that you connect the green wire from the adaptor to a suitable ground.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

A scroll saw can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by scroll saw users:

• FIRMLY CLAMP OR BOLT the tool to a workbench or table at approximately hip height.
• KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA. Do not reach underneath work or in blade cutting path with hands and fingers for any reason. Always turn the power off.
• ALWAYS USE A CLAMP to secure the workpiece when possible.
• BE SURE THE BLADE CLEARS THE WORKPIECE. Never start the saw with the blade touching the workpiece. Allow motor to come up to full speed before starting cut.
• MAKE SURE THE WORK AREA HAS AMPLE LIGHTING to see the work and that no obstructions will interfere with safe operation BEFORE performing any work using the saw.
• ALWAYS TURN OFF THE SAW before disconnecting it to avoid accidental starting when reconnecting to power supply. NEVER leave the saw unattended while connected to a power source.
• TURN OFF TOOL and wait for saw blade to come to a complete stop before moving workpiece or changing settings.
• THIS TOOL should have the following markings:
  • Wear eye protection.
  • Keep hands out of path of saw blade
  • Do not operate saw without guards in place.
  • Do not perform any operation freehand.
  • Never reach around saw blade.
  • Turn off tool and wait for saw blade to stop before moving workpiece or changing settings.
  • Disconnect power (or unplug tool as applicable) before changing blade or servicing.
  • No load speed.
• ALWAYS carry the tool only by the carrying handle.
• IF THE POWER SUPPLY CORD IS DAMAGED, it must be replaced only by the manufacturer or by an authorized service center to avoid risk.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

A slab roller can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by slab roller users:

• NEVER put hands under or near roller when adjusting your shims and canvas or positioning the clay as others may turn the handle or wheel. When rolling the clay, the same applies— KEEP HANDS, HAIR, CLOTHES AWAY FROM ROLLER AND CARRIAGE. MODEL SRC: KEEP HANDS, HAIR AND CLOTHES AWAY FROM CABLES AND MOVING PARTS.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.

Potential Hazards

A wire feeder can be hazardous when improperly used. Incidents could include electric shock, fire, or personal injury.

Solutions

The following general precautions should be observed by wire feeder users:
Protect Yourself and Others

• Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any work area, even if welding helmets, face shields, and goggles are also required.
• Use a face shield fitted with the correct filter and cover plates to protect your eyes, face, neck, and ears from sparks and rays of the arc when operating or observing operations.
• Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve shirt, cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding helmet or cap for hair protection, to protect against arc rays and hot sparks or hot metal. A flameproof apron may also be desirable as protection against radiated heat and sparks.

Fires and Explosions

• Remove all combustible materials well away from the work area or cover the materials with a protective nonflammable covering
• Do not weld, cut or perform other hot work until the workpiece has been completely cleaned so that there are no substances on the workpiece which might produce flammable or toxic vapors.
• Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use, such as a garden hose, water pail, sand bucket, or portable fire extinguisher.

Electrical Shock

• Be sure the power source frame (chassis) is connected to the ground system of the input power.
• Connect the workpiece to a good electrical ground.
• Connect the work cable to the workpiece. A poor or missing connection can expose you or others to a fatal shock.
• Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or damaged cables.
• Keep everything dry, including clothing, work area, cables, torch/electrode holder, and power source.
• Do not stand directly on metal or the earth while working in tight quarters or a damp area; stand on dry boards or an insulating platform and wear rubber-soled shoes.

Electric and Magnetic Fields

• Welders having pacemakers should consult their physician before welding. EMF may interfere with some pacemakers.
  • Route the electrode and work cables together. Secure them with tape when possible.
  • Never coil the torch or work cable around your body.
  • Do not place your body between the torch and work cables. Route cables on the same side of your body.
  • Keep welding power source and cables as far away from your body as possible.

Fumes and Gases

• Always provide adequate ventilation in the work area by natural or mechanical means.
• Do not operate near degreasing and spraying operations.

Cylinder Handling

• Use the proper gas for the process and use the proper pressure reducing regulator designed to operate from the compressed gas cylinder.
• Always secure cylinders in an upright position by chain or strap to suitable hand trucks, undercarriages, benches, walls, post, or racks.

Proper Training on Safety Awareness for each piece of equipment should be documented in the Training Log.