(1) General. Workers assigned to operate or maintain arc welding equipment shall be acquainted with the requirements of WAC
296-24-68501 through
296-24-68505, 296-24-69501 through 296-24-69507, 296-24-70001 through 296-24-70007 and 296-24-71501 through 296-24-71525; if doing gas-shielded arc welding, also Recommended Safe Practices for Gas-Shielded Arc Welding, A6.1-1966, American Welding Society.
(2) Machine hook up. Before starting operations all connections to the machine shall be checked to make certain they are properly made. The work lead shall be firmly attached to the work; magnetic work clamps shall be freed from adherent metal particles of spatter on contact surfaces. Coiled welding cable shall be spread out before use to avoid serious overheating and damage to insulation.
(3) Grounding. Grounding of the welding machine frame shall be checked. Special attention shall be given to safety ground connections of portable machines.
(4) Leaks. There shall be no leaks of cooling water, shielding gas or engine fuel.
(5) Switches. It shall be determined that proper switching equipment for shutting down the machine is provided.
(6) Manufacturers' instructions. Printed rules and instructions covering operation of equipment supplied by the manufacturers shall be strictly followed.
(7) Electrode holders. Electrode holders when not in use shall be so placed that they cannot make electrical contact with persons, conducting objects, fuel or compressed gas tanks.
(8) Electric shock. Cables with splices within 10 feet of the holder shall not be used. The welder should not coil or loop welding electrode cable around parts of the body.
(9) Maintenance.
(a) The operator should report any equipment defect or safety hazard to the supervisor and the use of the equipment shall be discontinued until its safety has been assured. Repairs shall be made only by qualified personnel.
(b) Machines which have become wet shall be thoroughly dried and tested before being used.
(c) Work and electrode lead cables should be frequently inspected for wear and damage. Cables with damaged insulation or exposed bare conductors shall be replaced. Joining lengths of work and electrode cables shall be done by the use of connecting means specifically intended for the purpose. The connecting means shall have insulation adequate for the service conditions.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-68507, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 73-5, § 296-24-68507, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-68507, filed 5/7/73.]