SMAW General

Acceptable practices when striking an arc to start your weld to prevent someone from being flashed if they walk into your booth include

• tacking without helmet

• saying "down or cover" before striking the arc

• holding metal to be tacked with bare hands

• not wearing safety glasses

The only person allowed to change the adjustment on the stick electrode welding machines that you are using is:

• operator

• instructor

• students in class

• electrician

When picking up and /or moving hot metal objects, be sure to use:

• gloves

• tongs or pliers

• a C-clamp

• another piece of metal

To avoid accidents while working around the welding bench, always keep electrodes stubs off the:

• table

• floor

• bench

• desk

When welding and using an inert gas (used to protect the weld pool as its cools from impurities and oxygen) such as argon, helium, and carbon dioxide, make sure:

• you have adequate ventilation

• you wear oily gloves

• your work is properly lighted

• you use only tungsten electrodes

If you have to weld outside your booth area what should be done prevent observers, students working next to you, the instructor or visitors who are walking through the shop from being flashed?

• use flash screens to isolate your arc flash

• say "down" before striking the arc

• be aware of people around you

• a and b