Let's begin with the area used for such operations. Let's begin with the area used for such operations. The work area must be protected against fire hazards posed by combustible and flammable materials. Combustibles must be located at least 35 feet from the worksite. If this is not possible combustibles must be protected with flame proof covers, or metal, or other fireproof shielding. Floors on which combustible materials such as paper clippings, wood shavings, or textile fibers accumulate must be swept clean for a radius of 35 feet. Keep in mind that welding temperatures are extremely high and welding on metal can create heat transfer from the metal part to combustible materials located nearby.

Welding operations have caused a high number of major fires. Due to the potential for fires, explosions, and health hazards, ARC welding must be carefully controlled. Never weld or cut in the presence of mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts with air, or inside improperly cleaned tanks or equipment which had previously contained such material. Never weld or cut near large quantities of exposed, readily ignitable material, such as bulk sulfur, baled paper, or cotton. Never weld or cut near vapor degreasing operations, or spray booths due to the potential fire hazards. Some chemicals can decompose under the ultraviolet radiation of the welding or cutting operation and become quite dangerous. Always weld only in those areas authorized by management. Protection in the form of curtain or enclosures is required when other persons could be harmed by the effects of the flying slag, or eye hazards.

All ARC welding equipment must be designed to operate in the gases, dusts, and light rays produced by the welding ARC. Under unusual environmental conditions such as the presence of corrosive fumes, steam, or excessive humidity, oil vapors, inclement weather, or seacoast, or shipboard operations special safety features may be required. Remember to follow all printed rules and operating instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Don't operate ARC welders in wet environments, and dry all machines and equipment that have become wet before attempting to weld. Before drying wet equipment make sure you disconnect the primary power first. When making connections in cabling spread out coiled welding cable prior to use, and check weld lead cables for damaged insulation and work lead cables for exposed conductors. Replace all weld leads spliced within 10 feet of the holder. Check electrode holders for loose or exposed connections to reduce the shock hazard. Check for leaks in gas hoses if metal inert gas process is used. Do not coil or loop electrode cable around parts of your body. Grounding is critical. So check to ensure the welding machine frame is grounded with special attention to ground connections. Do not ground to pipelines carrying gases or flammable liquids or conduits carrying electrical conductors. If floor surfaces have been wetted down special precautions must be taken against electrical shock. Do not ground to a building structure remote from the weld. If the process being used requires open circuit or no load voltages higher than the voltages indicated in the graphic shown adequate insulation must be provided to prevent shock. For AC welding under wet conditions such as where perspiration is a problem, a reliable automatic control should be used to reduce the no load voltage. This will prevent shock. Do not change the polarity switch when the machine is under load. The arcing due to high current can burn the switch contact surface or cause serious burns to the welding. Check to machine the welding machine has a power disconnect switch. This allows an immediate shut down in case of an emergency. A machine should not be used unless it has such a switch.