SECTION 1:
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.01 Notes, Cautions and Warnings
Throughout this manual, notes, cautions, and warnings are used to highlight important information. These high- lights are categorized as follows:
NOTE
An operation, procedure, or background informa- tion which requires additional emphasis or is help- ful in efficient operation of the system.
CAUTION
A procedure which, if not properly followed, may cause damage to the equipment.
WARNING
A procedure which, if not properly followed, may cause injury to the operator or others in the oper- ating area.
1.02 Important Safety Precautions
WARNINGS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PLASMA ARC EQUIPMENT CAN BE DAN- GEROUS AND HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH.
Plasma arc cutting produces intense electric and magnetic emissions that may interfere with the proper function of cardiac pacemakers, hearing aids, or other electronic health equipment. Per- sons who work near plasma arc cutting applica- tions should consult their medical health profes- sional and the manufacturer of the health equipment to determine whether a hazard exists.
To prevent possible injury, read, understand and follow all warnings, safety precautions and in- structions before using the equipment. Call
GASES AND FUMES
Gases and fumes produced during the plasma cutting process can be dangerous and hazardous to your health.
•Keep all fumes and gases from the breathing area. Keep your head out of the welding fume plume.
•Use an
•The kinds of fumes and gases from the plasma arc depend on the kind of metal being used, coatings on the metal, and the different processes. You must be very careful when cutting or welding any met- als which may contain one or more of the follow- ing:
Antimony | Chromium | Mercury |
Arsenic | Cobalt | Nickel |
Barium | Copper | Selenium |
Beryllium | Lead | Silver |
Cadmium | Manganese | Vanadium |
•Always read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that should be supplied with the material you are using. These MSDSs will give you the information regarding the kind and amount of fumes and gases that may be dangerous to your health.
•For information on how to test for fumes and gases in your workplace, refer to item 1 in Subsection 1.03, Publications in this manual.
•Use special equipment, such as water or down draft cutting tables, to capture fumes and gases.
•Do not use the plasma torch in an area where com- bustible or explosive gases or materials are located.
•Phosgene, a toxic gas, is generated from the vapors of chlorinated solvents and cleansers. Remove all sources of these vapors.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Electric Shock can injure or kill. The plasma arc process uses and produces high voltage electrical energy. This electric energy can cause severe or fatal shock to the op- erator or others in the workplace.
•Never touch any parts that are electrically “live” or “hot.”
•Wear dry gloves and clothing. Insulate yourself from the work piece or other parts of the welding cir- cuit.
•Repair or replace all worn or damaged parts.
•Extra care must be taken when the workplace is moist or damp.
Date: 6/22/99 | 1 | GENERAL INFORMATION |