hot sand in the eyes. The doctor will give you eye
fit-up and the control of penetration are not as
drops that will relieve unnecessary suffering.
critical.
8. Wear suitable clothing as protection from
SAFETY
the spatter or molten particles and to shield your
body from rays of the arc.
Safety must be observed in GTA and GMA
welding as in any other welding process. In addition
9. Do not strike an arc on a compressed gas
to the safety precautions listed in chapter 1 of this
cylinder.
manual, the following general precautions should
also be observed:
10. Do not weld in the vicinity of inflammable
or combustible materials. Degreasing of aluminum
1 . The welding area must be properly
with alcohol or other inflammable solvents in an
ventilated without excessive drafts that can affect the
improperly ventilated welding area creates a fire
welding arc and shielding gas. Carbon tetrachloride
hazard.
or other chlorinated hydrocarbons should NOT be
used for cleaning aluminum before welding.
11. Do not weld on containers that have held
Alcohol and acetone are recommended as chemical
combustible or inflammable materials without first
cleaners, but surfaces cleaned with these materials
exercising the proper precautions.
should be thoroughly dried before welding. Welding
should not be done in any area where fumes from
12. Do not weld in confined spaces without
such solvents are present.
adequate ventilation or individual respiratory
equipment. Do not weld on workpieces without
wiping off the degreasing solvent.
the dc generator rectifier for GMA welding is
normally fed from a 220- to 440-volt circuit. These
13. Mark metal "HOT" because aluminum does
voltages can cause severe or fatal injuries: DO NOT
not change color when heated.
work on any wiring in an energized circuit. The
deck where welding is being done must be dry.
14. Do not chip or grind without safety goggles
and a suitable face shield.
a power ground so that welders cannot get a shock
15. Do not move individual cylinders unless the
from stray current.
valve protection cap, where provided, is in place and
tight.
4. Do not lay the torch on the work or
worktable. Hang it up in a safe place so the
electrode is not touching metal that may be
16. Do not drop or abuse cylinders in any way.
grounded.
17. Make certain that cylinders are well fastened
5. Do not change a tungsten electrode before
in their stations so that they will not fall.
it has cooled or while the transformer switch is in
18. Do not use a hammer or wrench to open
the "on" position. Do not change spools of filler
cylinder valves.
19. Never force connections that do not fit.
6. Do not use defective welding cable. If any
of the connections are operating hot, you may have
20. Never tamper with cylinder safety devices.
a poor electrical connection.
21. Always protect hose and welding cable from
7. Use a welding helmet when looking at the
being trampled or run over. Avoid tangles and
arc. Use the correct shade of lens, usually No. 10
kinks. Do not leave the hose and cable so they can
for GTA and No. 12 for GMA. If your eyes
trip people.
become irritated, see the doctor immediately. If not
22. Protect the hose, cable, and cylinders from
treated promptly, the irritation caused by burning
rays of the arc becomes very painful and feels like
flying sparks, hot metal, hot objects, and open
flame.
10-50