Description

This Standard specifies safety requirements for arc welding and allied processes, to prevent electric shock and minimize associated hazards, describes practices and safeguards that should be adopted by welders (including requirements for cable connections for alternating and direct current power sources, and requirements for any ancillary equipment) and gives examples of ways that shocks have been received and actions that may be taken in the event of a welder receiving an electric shock. 

Scope

For the purposes of this Standard the term ‘direct current’ (d.c.) is considered to be a direct current with a sinusoidal ripple content of not more than 10% r.m.s. Any d.c. power source with a sinusoidal ripple content of more than 10% shall be considered as an a.c. power source (eg. a single phase unfiltered full wave rectified d.c. power source has a nominal sinusoidal ripple content of 48%).

This Standard does not cover electrical safety requirements when welding is carried out underwater.

NOTES:

1. Other aspects of welding safety are covered in other Standards.
2. Typical electrical hazards are described in Appendix A.
3. Some fatal electrical accidents are reported in Appendix B.