Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes

ANSI Z49.1:1999
11.4.9.9 Wearers of Pacemakers. Wearers of pacemakers
or other electronic equipment vital to life shall
check with the life support manufacturers and their clinician
to determine whether a hazard exists.
11.5 Maintenance
11.5.1 General. All arc welding equipment shall be
maintained in safe working order at all times. The welder
or maintenance personnel shall report any equipment defect
or safety hazard to the supervisor, and the use of such
equipment shall be discontinued until its safety has been
assured. Repairs shall be made by qualified personnel only.
11.5.2 Welding Equipment. Welding equipment shall
be maintained in good mechanical and electrical condition
to avoid unnecessary hazards. On rotating electrical
equipment, commutators shall be kept clean to prevent
excessive flashing.
11.5.2.1 Inspection. Welding equipment shall be
inspected frequently to detect accumulations of dust or
lint that would interfere with ventilation or insulation. Electrical
coil ventilation ducts shall be similarly inspected and
cleaned. Fuel systems on engine-driven machines shall be
inspected and checked for possible leaks and accumulations
of water that might cause rusting. Rotating and moving
components shall be kept properly shielded and
lubricated.
11.5.2.2 Welding in the Open. Welding equipment
used in the open shall be protected from inclement weather
conditions. Protective covers shall not obstruct the ventilation
necessary to prevent overheating of the machine.
11.5.2.3 Modifications. When it is necessary to
modify equipment, such as in order to meet noise level
requirements, it shall be determined that the modifications
or additions to the equipment do not cause the electrical
or mechanical ratings to the equipment to be exceeded or
overloaded.
E11.4.9.9 Welders and other persons who must work
in a welding environment should inform their doctors prior
to undergoing device installation procedures.
E11.5.1 Periodic inspections are strongly recommended.
E11.5.2.1 Dirt on electrical equipment can increase
temperature, decrease service life, and possibly lead to
short circuiting.
It is good practice to blow out the entire welding machine
with clean dry compressed air using adequate safety
precautions.
E11.5.2.2 Air filters in the ventilating system of the
electrical components should not be used unless provided
by, or approved by, the manufacturer of the welding machine.
The reduction of air flow resulting from the use of
an air filter on equipment not so designated can subject
internal components to an overheating condition and subsequent
failure.
E11.5.2.3 Modifications should only be performed
by the equipment manufacturer or a qualified service
technician.
11.5.3 Wet Machines. Machines which have become
wet shall be thoroughly dried and properly tested before
being used. When not in use, the equipment shall be adequately
protected or stored in a clean, dry place.
11.5.4 Welding Cable. Welding cable shall be inspected
for wear or damage. Cables with damaged insulation or
connectors shall be replaced or repaired to achieve the
mechanical strength, insulating quality, electrical conductivity,
and water tightness of the original cable. Joining
lengths of cables shall be done by methods specifically
intended for the purpose. The connection methods shall
have insulation adequate for service conditions.
E11.5.4 Disconnected welding cable leads should be
properly stored to prevent inadvertent completion of electrical
circuits.
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