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READ 5EFORE WELDI NG
When operating a welder, certain precautions must
be taken to prevent minor injuries to yourself and
others, Although injuries may not be serious or per-
manent, knowing how to use the protective equip-
ment to safeguard against them is the first step in
learning to weld_
The effects of heat and light given off by the arc, while
electric welding, may be compared to that of the sun's rays_
Even greater precautions are necessary for electric arc
welding. Before starting a weld, caution anyone in the
immediate vicinity against looking at the arc_ in case of
occidental eye injury, contact a physician immediately.
To protect the face and eyes a heat-resisting, fibreglass
helmet is used. The special tens, which allows the user
to view the arc safely, is inserted into the framed opening
of the helmet The clear glass, which should be replaced
from time to time, protects the expensive special lens
from breakage and weld spatter. The helmet is held firmly
in place on the head with an adjustable head band, thereby
leaving both hands free° A close-flttlng skull cap should
be worn with the helmet° As the helmet is used only when
actually welding, a tilting arrangement permits it to be
swung up clear of the face. When the welding is resumed
a slight nod of the head tips the helmet down over the face.
To protect the eyes further while cleaning the weld, goggles
should be worn by the welder and others working around
him_ Animals are also affected by the rays and should be
kept at a safe distance_
To safeguard the hands against heat and weld spatter,
gauntlet-type leather gloves should be worn. A leather
jacket will give better protection against the shower of
sparks than ordinary clothing. High top shoes (not oxfords)
should be worn. If a great deal of welding is to be done,
foundrymen's shoesare best.
Precautions must also be taken to protect property and
equipment against flre_ A large fire extinguisher should be
within easy reach. The welding area should have a concrete
or cinder floor, kept dry and clear of inflammable rubbish.
Sometimes, it is necessary to weld close to a fuel tank. If
practical, remove the part to be welded. If not, drain the
tank and completely fill it with water.
Few tools, in addition to those supplied with the welding
machine, are needed and most of them can be found in
the average shop Two sawhorses supporting a 1/4-inch
steel plate makes an excellent welding table A permanent
bench, using the same steel plate, can be made of angle
iron or pipe. A chipping hammer is used to clean slag off
a weld and pliers will be useful for handling hot metak A
wire brush is used to clean the work before welding and
remove small pieces of slag after chipping_
Small pieces of mild-steel scrap iron, reasonably free of
rust and paint, should be used for practice welding_ Angle
iron, bar stock or plate steel are good examples. Do not
use scrap cast iron, high carbon or hardened steel as these
metals require special electrodes and welding techniques.
These should be set aside for future practice after com-
pleting elementary practice lessons°
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