(2) Aprons or jackets made of asbestos cloth or leather should be worn to
provide protection against spatter of molten metal. This is especially important
when welding in the vertical or overhead position.
(3) The welder should wear high upper shoes and his pants should be without
cuffs so that the molten metal will not be caught in them.
(4) Flameproof gauntlet gloves, preferably of leather, should be worn to
protect the hands and arms from the rays of the arc, molten metal spatter, sparks,
and hot metal. Leather gloves should be of sufficient thickness so that they will
not shrivel in heat, burn through, or wear out quickly. Do not allow oil or grease
to come in contact with the gloves because this will reduce their flame resistance
and cause them to be readily ignited or charred.
c. Protective equipment.
(1) To safeguard the eyes and face from harmful light rays and particles of
hot metal, goggles, spectacles, or helmets with colored lenses should be worn when
welding or cutting by any process. The color of the lenses, usually blue or brown,
is an added protection against the intensity of white light or glare. Colored
lenses make it possible to clearly see the metal and weld.
(2) Do not weld with cracked or defective shields because penetrating rays
from the arc may cause serious burns. Be sure that the colored glass plates are
the proper shade for arc welding. Protect the colored glass plate from spatter by
using a cover glass. Replace these cover glasses when damaged or spotted by molten
spatter.
Note.
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This colored glass must be manufactured in accordance with specifications
detailed in the "National Safety Code for the Protection of the Hands and
Eyes of Industrial Workers, " issued by National Bureau of Standards,
Washington, D.C.
(3) Two basic types of helmets are commonly used to protect eyes and all
parts of the head which might be contacted with injurious rays. One type is worn
on the welder's head and when not in use can be raised out of the way on a hinged
strap. The other is a hand shield type which is held over the face with one hand
by means of a handle. These helmets are made of vulcanized fiber and are dull
black in color to minimize light reflection.
4.
FIRE HAZARDS.
a. During welding and cutting operations sparks and molten spatter are formed
and sometimes fly appreciable distances. For this reason, welding or cutting
should not be done near flammable materials unless every precaution is taken to
prevent ignition.
b. Whenever possible, flammable materials attached to or near equipment
requiring welding, brazing, or cutting should be removed. If removal is not
practical a suitable shield of asbestos or other heat-resistant material should be
used to protect the flammable material. Fire extinguishing equipment for the type
of fire that may be encountered is to be present.
c. When welding or cutting parts of vehicles, the oilpan, gasoline tank, etc,
should be considered fire hazards and effectively shielded from sparks, slag, and
molten metal.
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