FLYING SPARKS can cause injury.
Sparks and hot metal blow out from the cutting arc.
Chipping and grinding cause flying metal.
DWear approved face shield or safety goggles with side shields.
DWear proper body protection to protect skin.
DWear flame-resistant ear plugs or ear muffs to prevent sparks from entering ears.
ARC RAYS can burn eyes and skin.
Arc rays from the cutting process produce intense visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) rays that can burn eyes and skin.
DWear face protection (helmet or shield) with correct shade of filter to protect your face and eyes when cutting or watching. ANSI Z49.1 (see Safety Standards) suggests a No. 9 shade (with No. 8 as mini- mum) for all cutting currents less than 300 amperes. Z49.1 adds that lighter filter shades may be used when the arc is hidden by the workpiece. As this is normally the case with low current cutting, the shades suggested in Table 1 are provided for the operator’s conve- nience.
DWear approved safety glasses with side shields under your helmet or shield.
DUse protective screens or barriers to protect others from flash and glare; warn others not to watch the arc.
DWear protective clothing made from durable, flame-resistant material (leather and wool) and foot protection.
Table 1. Eye Protection For Plasma Arc Cutting
Current Level In Amperes | Minimum Shade Number |
Below 20 | #4 |
20 − 40 | #5 |
40 − 60 | #6 |
60 − 80 | #8 |
NOISE can damage hearing.
Prolonged noise from some cutting applications can damage hearing if levels exceed limits specified by OSHA (see Safety Standards).
DUse approved ear plugs or ear muffs if noise level is high.
DWarn others nearby about noise hazard.
FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous.
Cutting produces fumes and gases. Breathing these fumes and gases can be hazardous to your health.
DKeep your head out of the fumes. Do not breathe the fumes.
DIf inside, ventilate the area and/or use exhaust at the arc to remove cutting fumes and gases.
DIf ventilation is poor, use an approved air-supplied respirator.
DRead the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and the manufac- turer’s instruction for metals to be cut, coatings, and cleaners.
DWork in a confined space only if it is well ventilated, or while wearing an air-supplied respirator. Fumes from cutting and oxygen deple- tion can alter air quality causing injury or death. Be sure the breathing air is safe.
DDo not cut in locations near degreasing, cleaning, or spraying oper- ations. The heat and rays of the arc can react with vapors to form highly toxic and irritating gases.
DDo not cut on coated metals, such as galvanized, lead, or cadmium plated steel, unless the coating is removed from the cutting area, the area is well ventilated, and if necessary, while wearing an air- supplied respirator. The coatings and any metals containing these elements can give off toxic fumes when cut.
DDo not cut containers with toxic or reactive materials inside or containers that have held toxic or reactive materials − they must be emptied and properly cleaned first.
PLASMA ARC can cause injury.
The heat from the plasma arc can cause serious burns. The force of the arc adds greatly to the burn hazard. The intensely hot and powerful arc can quickly cut through gloves and tissue.
DKeep away from the torch tip.
DDo not grip material near the cutting path.
DThe pilot arc can cause burns − keep away from torch tip when trig- ger is pressed.
DWear proper flame-retardant clothing covering all exposed body ar- eas.
DPoint torch away from your body and toward work when pressing the torch trigger − pilot arc comes on immediately.
DTurn off power source and disconnect input power before disas- sembling torch or changing torch parts.
DUse only torch(es) specified in the Owner’s Manual.
CYLINDERS can explode if damaged.
Gas cylinders contain gas under high pressure. If damaged, a cylinder can explode. Since gas cylin- ders are normally part of metalworking processes, be sure to treat them carefully.
DProtect compressed gas cylinders from excessive heat, mechani- cal shocks, slag, open flame, sparks, and arcs.
DInstall and secure cylinders in an upright position by chaining them to a stationary support or equipment cylinder rack to prevent falling or tipping.
DKeep cylinders away from any cutting or other electrical circuits.
DNever allow electrical contact between a plasma arc torch and a cylinder.
DNever cut on a pressurized cylinder − explosion will result.
DUse only correct gas cylinders, regulators, hoses, and fittings de- signed for the specific application; maintain them and associated parts in good condition.
DTurn face away from valve outlet when opening cylinder valve.
DKeep protective cap in place over valve except when cylinder is in use or connected for use.
DRead and follow instructions on compressed gas cylinders, asso- ciated equipment, and CGA publication P-1 listed in Safety Standards.
