GTA and GMA Welding Do's and Don't's
Gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding, is also called tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, and gas metal arc (GMA) welding. In addition to the safety precautions listed in the previous section, follow these general precautions (Do's and Don't's):
DO's
- Do properly ventilate the welding area without excessive drafts that can affect the welding arc and shielding gas.
- Do make sure the surface where welding is being done is dry.
- Do make sure welding transformers or rectifiers have a power ground so that welders cannot get a shock from stray current. Voltage circuits (220-to 400-volt) can cause severe or fatal injuries.
- Do use a welding helmet when looking at the arc. Use the correct shade of lens, usually No. 10 for GTA and No. 12 for GMA. If your eyes become irritated, see the doctor immediately.
- Do wear suitable clothing to protect yourself from the spatter or molten particles and to shield your body from rays of the arc.
- Do mark metal "HOT" because aluminum does not change color when heated.
- Do make sure you fasten cylinders properly in their stations so they will not fall.
- Do make sure to thoroughly dry the cleaned surfaces with these materials before welding.
- Do protect hose and welding cable from being trampled or run over. Avoid tangles and kinks. Do not leave the hose and cable so they can trip people.
- Do protect the hose, cable, and cylinders from flying sparks, hot metal, hot objects, and open flame.
- Do make sure the connections between the regulators, adaptors, and cylinder valves are gas tight. Test them with soapy water under gas pressure.
- Do release the pressure-adjusting screws of the regulators if you need to temporarily stop welding for an extended length of time.
- Do close the cylinder valves and then release all gas pressure from the regulators and hose if you need to stop welding.
- Do close the cylinder valves, make certain all gas pressures are released from the regulators and hose, and make sure the pressure-adjusting screws are turned in the counterclockwise direction prior to taking down equipment.
- Do use flat black paint on bulkheads and overhead of weld areas to reduce ultraviolet light reflected from GTA or GMA welding areas.
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4-5. Why is it necessary to mark aluminum "HOT" when welding?
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