Welding safety and info
Note: this rough draft V1.0 needs to be reread over to make sure it’s correct and not missing anything.
THE WILD BISON METAL ART CO. PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING, LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND USER NOTICE
READ BEFORE OPENING, HANDLING, ASSEMBLING, CUTTING, GRINDING, WELDING, MODIFYING OR USING THIS PRODUCT. BY OPENING THIS PACKAGE OR USING ANY CONTENTS YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPT ALL WARNINGS, ASSUME ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ITS USE, AND AGREE THAT SAFE OPERATION IS SOLELY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
This product contains raw steel, reclaimed steel, fabricated steel, metal components, hardware and other materials intended for artistic fabrication and decorative purposes only. Components may contain sharp edges, burrs, rust, oils, dirt, mill scale, paint, powder coating, galvanizing, zinc, primers, plating, unknown coatings, unknown contaminants, previously used materials, recycled materials or unidentified alloys. Because reclaimed materials may vary, The Wild Bison Metal Art Co. cannot guarantee the exact composition, condition, cleanliness, coating or previous use of any component. Never assume any material is safe to weld, cut, grind, heat or modify. If the material cannot be positively identified, do not weld, heat or cut it. Welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, heating, grinding, drilling, sanding and metal fabrication are inherently dangerous activities capable of causing serious injury, permanent disability, illness, fire, explosion, electric shock, eye injuries, burns, respiratory illness, neurological damage, property damage and death. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including ANSI approved welding helmet with proper shade lens, safety glasses with side shields, face shield during grinding, leather welding gloves, flame resistant clothing, flame resistant welding jacket, long sleeves, long pants, leather work boots, hearing protection and respiratory protection appropriate for the materials and processes being used. Never wear synthetic clothing including polyester, nylon or other materials that may melt to the skin. Tie back long hair, remove jewelry and avoid loose clothing around rotating equipment. Always work in a clean, dry, well ventilated area free from combustible materials and maintain adequate lighting. Welding fumes and grinding dust may contain hazardous substances including but not limited to iron oxide, manganese, chromium, hexavalent chromium, nickel, cadmium, lead, mercury, beryllium, copper, aluminum, zinc oxide, silica, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides and other hazardous gases, vapors and particulates capable of causing irritation, nausea, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, metal fume fever, lung disease, nervous system damage, kidney damage, reproductive harm, chronic illness, cancer or death. Always keep your head out of the welding plume and use local exhaust ventilation or approved fume extraction. Where ventilation is inadequate, wear a properly fitted NIOSH approved respirator appropriate for the hazard. Never weld, heat or grind galvanized steel, zinc coated steel, cadmium plated steel, lead painted steel, chrome plated steel, unknown coated metals or chemically contaminated materials without proper identification, coating removal where appropriate, engineering controls and adequate respiratory protection. Welding galvanized steel produces zinc oxide fumes capable of causing metal fume fever with symptoms including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, fatigue, headache and respiratory irritation. Drinking milk is not a substitute for proper ventilation or medical treatment. If symptoms occur during or after welding, stop immediately, move to fresh air and seek medical attention. Never weld, heat, cut or grind sealed containers, pressure vessels, drums, tanks, cylinders, pipes or any container that has held flammable, combustible, toxic or unknown substances unless professionally cleaned, vented and certified safe. Vapors may ignite or explode even when containers appear empty. Never weld near gasoline, solvents, paints, aerosols, compressed gases, combustible dust, paper, wood, cloth or other flammable materials. Keep an approved fire extinguisher readily available and monitor the work area for fire during and after welding. Sparks and hot metal may travel significant distances and ignite hidden combustible materials. Always inspect welding machines, cables, electrode holders, torches, plasma cutters, grinders, extension cords and electrical connections before use. Never use damaged equipment. Never weld in standing water or wet conditions. Follow all equipment manufacturer instructions. Grinding wheels, cutoff wheels and abrasive discs may shatter without warning causing severe injury or death. Always use guards, proper flanges, correct RPM rated accessories and inspect abrasives before use. Never exceed manufacturer speed ratings. Secure workpieces before cutting or grinding. Metal components may become extremely hot during fabrication and remain hot long after work has stopped. Use caution when handling hot materials and allow adequate cooling time. Use proper lifting techniques and assistance when handling heavy components. Sharp edges may cause cuts, punctures and lacerations. Wear gloves when handling unfinished materials. This product is not a toy and is not intended for children. Keep all parts away from children and pets. Small parts may present choking hazards. Adult supervision is required at all times. Finished projects are intended solely as decorative artwork and are not designed, tested or certified for structural, load bearing, lifting, climbing, vehicle, machinery, firearm, pressure vessel, safety equipment, playground, building or life safety applications. Never rely on completed artwork to support weight or protect persons or property. Any modification, alteration, substitution of materials, additional welding, cutting, machining, painting, coating, assembly or installation is performed solely at the user's own risk. The Wild Bison Metal Art Co. has no control over the user's skill level, equipment, materials, environment, fabrication methods, assembly techniques, modifications or finished product and assumes no responsibility for their safe use. Purchaser and user accept full responsibility for proper training, safe work practices, material identification, equipment operation, ventilation, personal protective equipment, regulatory compliance and compliance with all applicable OSHA, ANSI, AWS, local, state and federal safety requirements. To the maximum extent permitted by law, The Wild Bison Metal Art Co., its owners, employees, partners, suppliers, distributors, affiliates and representatives disclaim all warranties except those required by law and shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, exemplary or punitive damages including but not limited to personal injury, illness, disability, death, fire, explosion, equipment damage, property damage, loss of income, business interruption, medical expenses, legal expenses or any other losses arising from the handling, transportation, storage, assembly, welding, cutting, grinding, finishing, modification, installation, display, misuse or use of this product regardless of cause. User assumes all risks associated with use of this product. If you do not agree with these terms or are not qualified to safely perform metal fabrication, do not use this product and return it unused. For additional welding safety information consult ANSI/AWS Z49.1, OSHA Welding, Cutting and Brazing Standards, applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS), equipment manufacturers' operating manuals and all applicable local, state and federal regulations.
WARNING: METAL FABRICATION CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, ILLNESS OR DEATH. IF YOU ARE NOT PROPERLY TRAINED OR EQUIPPED TO SAFELY WELD, CUT OR GRIND METAL, DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT.
THE WILD BISON METAL ART CO.
PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING, LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND USER NOTICE
READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT BEFORE OPENING, HANDLING OR USING THIS PRODUCT
By opening this package, handling its contents, transporting, storing, assembling, cutting, grinding, drilling, sanding, heating, welding, brazing, soldering, machining, painting, coating, modifying, displaying or otherwise using any component of this product, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this notice, accept the inherent risks associated with metal fabrication, and agree that safe handling, preparation and use are solely your responsibility.
This document is intended as a general safety guide and liability notice. It does not identify every hazard associated with welding, cutting, grinding or metal fabrication and is not a substitute for proper training, experience, equipment manuals, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), OSHA regulations, ANSI standards, AWS standards or safe work practices. Failure to read or follow these warnings does not eliminate or reduce the hazards associated with this product.
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION & MATERIAL DISCLAIMER
This product contains raw, fabricated and reclaimed metal components intended solely for artistic fabrication, hobby use and decorative purposes. Components may include, but are not limited to, mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast steel, tool steel, hardware, springs, bearings, fasteners and other ferrous or non-ferrous metals.
Because reclaimed and recycled materials may be used, every piece is unique. Components may vary in composition, condition, cleanliness, hardness, coatings, previous use and structural integrity. Materials may contain sharp edges, burrs, rust, oils, grease, dirt, mill scale, paint, powder coating, galvanizing, zinc coatings, primers, chrome plating, nickel plating, cadmium plating, lead-based paint, unidentified coatings, chemical residues, industrial contaminants or unknown alloys.
Visual inspection alone cannot determine whether a material is safe to weld.
WHEN IN DOUBT, DO NOT WELD IT.
If you cannot positively identify a material, coating or previous use, do not weld, heat, grind or cut it.
2. GENERAL HAZARDS
Metal fabrication is inherently dangerous.
Activities including welding, cutting, grinding, drilling, sanding, heating, brazing and soldering can result in:
• Severe burns, Electric shock, Arc flash, Permanent eye damage, Blindness, Hearing loss, Cuts and puncture wounds, Respiratory illness, Neurological damage, Kidney damage, Reproductive harm, Cancer, Fire, ExplosionProperty damage, Permanent disability, Death.
Only individuals with appropriate knowledge, training and equipment should perform these activities.
3. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Always wear appropriate PPE during every phase of fabrication.
Recommended minimum protection includes:
• ANSI-approved welding helmet with the proper shade lens
• ANSI-approved safety glasses with side shields
• Full face shield while grinding, cutting or wire brushing
• Leather welding gloves
• Flame-resistant clothing
• Welding jacket
• Long pants without cuffs
• Closed-toe leather work boots
• Hearing protection
• Respiratory protection appropriate for the hazard
Never wear synthetic clothing such as polyester, nylon or similar materials that may melt onto the skin.
Remove rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches and other jewelry before working.
Tie back long hair.
Avoid loose clothing around rotating equipment.
4. VENTILATION & AIR QUALITY
Always work in a clean, dry, well-lit and well-ventilated area.
Keep your head out of welding fumes whenever possible.
Use local exhaust ventilation or an approved fume extraction system.
If adequate ventilation cannot be provided, wear a properly fitted NIOSH-approved respirator appropriate for the hazard.
Never weld in confined spaces unless properly trained and equipped with appropriate ventilation, atmospheric monitoring and rescue procedures.
Shielding gases including argon, helium and carbon dioxide can displace oxygen and create an asphyxiation hazard. Lack of oxygen can cause unconsciousness or death without warning.
5. WELDING FUMES & TOXIC EXPOSURE
Welding fumes, grinding dust and heated coatings may contain hazardous substances including, but not limited to:
Iron oxide, Manganese, Chromium, Hexavalent chromium, Nickel, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Beryllium, Copper, Aluminum, Zinc oxide, Silica, Carbon monoxide, Ozone, Nitrogen oxides, Other hazardous gases, vapors and airborne particulates
Exposure may cause: Eye irritation, Skin irritation, Respiratory irritation, Headaches, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Metal Fume Fever, Lung disease, Nervous system damage, Kidney damage, Reproductive harm, Chronic illness, Cancer or Death.
Symptoms may appear immediately or may be delayed.
If symptoms develop during or after welding, stop work immediately, move to fresh air and seek medical attention.
6. GALVANIZED & COATED MATERIALS
Never weld, heat or grind galvanized steel, zinc-coated steel, cadmium-plated steel, chrome-plated steel, lead-painted steel, chemically contaminated materials or metals with unknown coatings unless they have been positively identified, properly prepared and appropriate ventilation and respiratory protection are provided.
Heating galvanized steel produces zinc oxide fumes capable of causing Metal Fume Fever.
Symptoms include: Fever, Chills, Headache, Muscle aches, Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue or Difficulty breathing.
Drinking milk is NOT a substitute for proper ventilation, respiratory protection or medical treatment.
Welding stainless steel may produce hexavalent chromium and nickel compounds, which present additional health hazards.
Never weld materials coated with unknown paints, primers or industrial coatings.
Never use chlorinated brake cleaner or chlorinated solvents on materials that will be welded. Heating chlorinated solvents can produce highly toxic phosgene gas.
7. FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS
Welding, cutting and grinding create sparks, molten metal and hot slag capable of traveling more than 35 feet (10.7 m).
Keep gasoline, solvents, paint, aerosols, combustible dust, cardboard, paper, wood, cloth, fuels and other combustible materials away from the work area.
Keep an appropriately rated fire extinguisher immediately accessible.
Maintain a fire watch during work and for at least 30 to 60 minutes after welding or grinding has stopped.
Never weld, heat or cut sealed containers, drums, tanks, pressure vessels, cylinders or pipes unless professionally cleaned, vented and certified safe.
Containers that appear empty may still contain explosive vapors.
8. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Inspect welding machines, plasma cutters, grinders, torches, electrode holders, ground clamps, extension cords and cables before every use.
Never use damaged equipment.
Never weld in standing water or wet conditions.
Disconnect power before servicing equipment.
Remove the electrode holder from the workpiece when not actively welding.
Follow all manufacturer instructions.
9. GRINDING & CUTTING SAFETY
Grinding wheels, cutoff wheels and abrasive discs may fail without warning.
Always use guards.
Inspect abrasive products before use.
Use accessories rated for the grinder's operating speed.
Never exceed the manufacturer's maximum RPM.
Secure workpieces before cutting or grinding.
Grinding, cutting, wire brushing and chipping operations may eject metal fragments at high speed.
Protect yourself and nearby persons from flying debris.
10. ARC RADIATION
Welding arcs produce intense ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR) and visible radiation.
Exposure may cause severe eye injury, permanent vision damage, arc flash and skin burns similar to severe sunburn.
Never look directly at a welding arc without proper eye protection.
Protect nearby persons using welding curtains or screens.
11. HOT METAL & SHARP EDGES
Metal may remain dangerously hot long after fabrication has stopped and may not appear hot.
Allow adequate cooling time.
Use appropriate gloves.
Sharp edges, burrs and unfinished surfaces can cause cuts and puncture wounds.
Use proper lifting techniques when handling heavy materials.
12. NOISE
Grinding, plasma cutting, impact tools and other fabrication equipment may produce noise levels capable of causing permanent hearing loss.
Wear approved hearing protection.
13. COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS
Compressed gas cylinders contain gas under high pressure.
Always store cylinders upright and secured.
Protect cylinders from impact and excessive heat.
Follow all applicable cylinder handling procedures.
14. ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (EMF)
Welding equipment generates electromagnetic fields.
Individuals with pacemakers, implanted defibrillators or other implanted medical devices should consult their physician and device manufacturer before operating or working near welding equipment.
15. CHILDREN & PETS
This product is not a toy.
Keep all parts away from children and pets.
Small parts present choking hazards.
Adult supervision is required whenever minors are present.
16. INTENDED USE
Finished projects created from this product are intended solely as artistic or decorative items.
They are NOT designed, tested or certified for structural, load-bearing, lifting, climbing, vehicle, machinery, firearm, pressure vessel, playground, safety, life-support or critical infrastructure applications.
Never rely on any finished artwork to support people, animals or property.
17. USER RESPONSIBILITY
The purchaser and user are solely responsible for:
• Material identification
• Safe work practices
• Proper ventilation
• Proper PPE
• Equipment maintenance
• Reading applicable SDS documents
• Following equipment manufacturer instructions
• Obtaining proper training
• Compliance with OSHA, ANSI, AWS and all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations
No warning can eliminate every hazard associated with metal fabrication.
If you are uncertain about any material or procedure, stop work until you have obtained additional information or qualified guidance.
18. STORAGE & DISPOSAL
Store materials in a dry location away from children, pets, moisture, corrosive chemicals and ignition sources.
Dispose of scrap metal, grinding dust, contaminated consumables and waste materials in accordance with applicable local, state and federal regulations.
19. FIRST AID
In the event of serious injury, burns, electric shock, eye injury, inhalation of hazardous fumes or suspected chemical exposure, stop work immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
20. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, The Wild Bison Metal Art Co., its owners, officers, employees, partners, affiliates, suppliers, distributors and representatives disclaim all warranties except those required by law, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose where such disclaimers are legally permitted.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, they shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, exemplary or punitive damages, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, disability, death, property damage, fire, explosion, equipment damage, loss of income, business interruption, medical expenses or legal expenses arising from the handling, transportation, storage, assembly, fabrication, welding, cutting, grinding, drilling, sanding, finishing, modification, installation, display, misuse, foreseeable misuse, neglect or use of this product.
If you do not agree with these terms, or if you are not properly trained or equipped to safely perform metal fabrication, do not use this product. Return it unused.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
For additional safety information, consult:
• ANSI/AWS Z49.1 – Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes
• OSHA Welding, Cutting and Brazing Standards
• Applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Equipment manufacturer operating manuals
• All applicable federal, state and local regulations
FINAL WARNING
METAL FABRICATION CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, PERMANENT DISABILITY, CHRONIC ILLNESS OR DEATH. SAFE OPERATION REQUIRES PROPER TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, VENTILATION AND SOUND JUDGMENT. IF YOU ARE NOT PROPERLY TRAINED OR EQUIPPED TO SAFELY WELD, CUT, GRIND OR FABRICATE METAL, DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT.