OM-244 013 Page 2
SIGNIFICANT DC VOLTAGE exists ininverter power sources AFTER the re-moval of input power.
DTurn Off unit, disconnect input power, check voltage on input ca-
pacitors, and be sure it is near zero (0) volts before touching any
parts. Check capacitors according to instructions in Mainte-
nance Section of Owner’s Manual or Technical Manual before
touching any parts.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
DOn inverter power sources, failed parts can ex-
plode or cause other parts to explode when
power is applied. Always wear a face shield
and long sleeves when servicing inverters.
EXPLODING PARTS can injure.
Sparks and hot metal blow out from the cutting arc.
Chipping and grinding cause flying metal.
FLYING SPARKS can injure.
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 from the cutting process produce intense
visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) rays
that can burn eyes and skin.
ARC RAYS can burn eyes and skin.
DWear face protection (helmet or shield) with a proper shade of filter
lenses to protect your face and eyes from arc rays and sparks when
cutting or watching. ANSI Z49.1 (see Safety Standards) suggests a
No. 9 shade (with No. 8 as minimum) 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 pro-
vided for the operator’s convenience.
DWear approved safety glasses with side shields under your helmet
or shield.
DUse protective screens or barriers to protect others from flash, glare
and sparks; warn others not to watch the arc.
DWear protective clothing made from durable, flame-resistant
material (leather, heavy cotton, or wool) and foot protection.
Table 1. Eye Protection For Plasma Arc Cutting
Current Level In Amperes Minimum Shade Number
Below 20
20 40
40 60
60 100
#4
#5
#6
#8
Prolonged noise from some cutting applications can
damage hearing if levels exceed limits specified by
OSHA (see Safety Standards).
NOISE can damage hearing.
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 local forced ventilation at the
arc to remove cutting fumes and gases.
DIf ventilation is poor, wear an approved air-supplied respirator.
DRead and understand the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
and the manufacturer’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 depletion
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 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 injure.
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.
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.
CYLINDERS can explode if damaged.
DProtect compressed gas cylinders from excessive heat, mechani-
cal shocks, physical damage, 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.
DUse the right equipment, correct procedures, and sufficient number
of persons to lift and move cylinders.
DRead and follow instructions on compressed gas cylinders, asso-
ciated equipment, and Compressed Gas Association (CGA)
publication P-1 listed in Safety Standards.