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Welder - work in progress
Induction Required
This equipment requires an induction prior to use. For your own safety and to avoid damage to the equipment do not attempt to use it until you have been inducted.Burn Hazard
Welding generates heat, resulting in workpieces and equipment which may be very hot. This may pose a burn hazard to the user or those around them, take care during and after use.Fire
The welding process generates sparks and embers which can start fires. Steps must be taken to prevent fires - see safety notes below.Risk of permanent damage to eyesight
The welding process generates intensely bright light, which can cause lasting eyesight damage.PPE Required
This equipment requires the use of eye protection and appropriate clothing.Safety
Avoiding fire and fumes
*Before commencing any welding, ensure the hot works area is clear from flammable items. Do not weld if there are strong, potentially flammable fumes in the space *Do not weld items which could be flammable. No not weld vehicles *Do not weld items which contain surface finishes, which could release flammable or hazardous fumes such as painted or galvanised surfaces. *Keeping workpieces clean can help to minimise sparks and will result in a better weld *Make yourself aware of firefighting equipment in the space (eg, fire extinguishers, just outside of the hot works area. Familiarise yourself with where they are, and how you would operate them. *Have a bucket of sand next to the welding bench, which can quickly and safely extinguish minor flames with minimal cleanup *The roller shutter doors must remain open during welding operations, and kept open until fumes have cleared *Fume extraction must be used at all times, and kept on until fumes have cleared. Check fume extractor has not been used for general extraction or hoovering - open the top and ensure there are no flammable items inside (eg sawdust) *After welding, you MUST remain in the space for at least 1 hour, checking the area for smouldering items or fires. This is non-negotiable - if you cannot wait the hour, do not weld
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Equipment
The Hackspace welder is a Clarke MIG160EN, with an adjustable welding current between 30 and 150 Amps. This is enough to weld 5mm mild steel, and to blow holes through smaller stuff.
Link to manual - https://www.clarkeservice.co.uk/manuals/mig_welders/MIG160EN_Mig_Welder_REV_8.pdf
The welder is stored on the lower shelf of the welding table, in the hotworks area, next to the roller shutter doors. Also on the table are a few welding accessories such as a pair of mig pliers and a chipping hammer
Gas vs Gasless welding
The welder is designed for both gas MIG and Gasless welding, however in the Hackspace all welding shall be the gasless type. This uses wire with a flux core to prevent oxidisation and contamination of the weld pool. Whilst the welder can operate as a standard MIG (ie with Gas) the Hackspace does permit compressed cylinders. The risk assessment for the welding has not considered the use of shielding gas, so for the foreseeable, all welding shall be gasless