Post by tigerhead on Jun 2, 2020 8:59:43 GMT -6
I received some very sad news yesterday. My nephew was electrocuted and died while doing some welding at his dad's house. I don't have any details yet, but I suspect he was probably running an AC welder when this happened. The reason I say that is because he wasn't a professional welder, and the electrocution potential is much higher with an AC machine than with DC. Also, when you're not making a living welding, the cost of the more expensive DC machines steers most people toward buying the cheaper AC machines.
For all of you with no formal safety training, who have gone out and purchased your own machine so you can try your hand at welding, or save a few bucks, please be aware of the dangers. READ THE SAFETY LITERATURE, not just the instructions for the welding. Even a DC machine can kill under the right, or wrong, conditions. Never allow yourself to get too comfortable with welding. Maintain the insulation on the leads and rod holder. Never weld with wet gloves. Never put yourself in the loop between the electrode and the ground. That's no different than grabbing two bare wires in a live circuit. If you don't understand the hazards, educate yourself or throw that machine in the garbage and hire a professional welder.
For all of you with no formal safety training, who have gone out and purchased your own machine so you can try your hand at welding, or save a few bucks, please be aware of the dangers. READ THE SAFETY LITERATURE, not just the instructions for the welding. Even a DC machine can kill under the right, or wrong, conditions. Never allow yourself to get too comfortable with welding. Maintain the insulation on the leads and rod holder. Never weld with wet gloves. Never put yourself in the loop between the electrode and the ground. That's no different than grabbing two bare wires in a live circuit. If you don't understand the hazards, educate yourself or throw that machine in the garbage and hire a professional welder.
