(1) General. Workers assigned to operate or maintain arc welding equipment must 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 you must check all connections to the machine to make certain they are properly made. You must firmly attach the work lead to the work; you must free magnetic work clamps from adherent metal particles of spatter on contact surfaces. You must spread coiled welding cable out before use to avoid serious overheating and damage to insulation.

(3) Grounding. You must check grounding of the welding machine frame. You must give special attention to safety ground connections of portable machines.

(4) Leaks. There must be no leaks of cooling water, shielding gas or engine fuel.

(5) Switches. You must determine that proper switching equipment for shutting down the machine is provided.

(6) Manufacturers' instructions. You must strictly follow printed rules and instructions covering operation of equipment supplied by the manufacturers.

(7) Electrode holders. You must place electrode holders when not in use so that they cannot make electrical contact with persons, conducting objects, fuel or compressed gas tanks.

(8) Electric shock. You must not use cables with splices within 10 feet of the holder. 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 you must discontinue the use of the equipment until its safety has been assured. Repairs must be made only by qualified personnel.

(b) You must thoroughly dry and test machines which have become wet before being used.

(c) Work and electrode lead cables should be frequently inspected for wear and damage. You must replace cables with damaged insulation or exposed bare conductors. Joining lengths of work and electrode cables must be done by the use of connecting means specifically intended for the purpose. The connecting means must have insulation adequate for the service conditions.