OM-279 Page 1
SECTION 1 – SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - READ BEFORE USINGpom _nd_5/97
1-1. Symbol Usage
Means Warning! Watch Out! There are possible hazards
with this procedure! The possible hazards are shown in
the adjoining symbols.
YMarks a special safety message.
.Means “Note”; not safety related.
This group of symbols means Warning! Watch Out! possible
ELECTRIC SHOCK, MOVING PARTS, and HOT PARTS hazards.
Consult symbols and related instructions below for necessary actions
to avoid the hazards.
1-2. Plasma Arc Cutting Hazards
YThe symbols shown below are used throughout this manual to
call attention to and identify possible hazards. When you see
the symbol, watch out, and follow the related instructions to
avoid the hazard. The safety information given below is only
a summary of the more complete safety information found in
the Safety Standards listed in Section 1-4. Read and follow all
Safety Standards.
YOnly qualified persons should install, operate, maintain, and
repair this unit.
YDuring operation, keep everybody, especially children, away.
CUTTING can cause fire or explosion.
Hot metal and sparks blow out from the cutting arc.
The flying sparks and hot metal, hot workpiece, and
hot equipment can cause fires and burns. Check
and be sure the area is safe before doing any cutting.
DProtect yourself and others from flying sparks and hot metal.
DDo not cut where flying sparks can strike flammable material.
DRemove all flammables within 35 ft (10.7 m) of the cutting arc. If this
is not possible, tightly cover them with approved covers.
DBe alert that sparks and hot materials from cutting can easily go
through small cracks and openings to adjacent areas.
DWatch for fire, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
DBe aware that cutting on a ceiling, floor, bulkhead, or partition can
cause fire on the hidden side.
DDo not cut on closed containers such as tanks or drums.
DConnect work cable to the work as close to the cutting area as prac-
tical to prevent cutting current from traveling long, possibly
unknown paths and causing electric shock and fire hazards.
DNever cut containers with potentially flammable materials inside –
they must be emptied and properly cleaned first.
DDo not cut in atmospheres containing explosive dust or vapors.
DDo not cut pressurized cylinders, pipes, or vessels.
DDo not cut containers that have held combustibles.
DWear oil-free protective garments such as leather gloves, heavy
shirt, cuffless trousers, high shoes, and a cap.
DDo not locate unit on or over combustible surfaces.
DRemove any combustibles, such as a butane lighter or matches,
from your person before doing any cutting.
Touching live electrical parts can cause fatal shocks
or severe burns. The torch and work circuit are
electrically live whenever the output is on. The input
power circuit and machine internal circuits are also
live when power is on. Plasma arc cutting requires
higher voltages than welding to start and maintain the arc (200 to 400
volts dc are common), but also uses torches designed with safety
interlock systems which turn off the machine when the shield cup is
loosened or if tip touches electrode inside the nozzle. Incorrectly
installed or improperly grounded equipment is a hazard.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
DDo not touch live electrical parts.
DWear dry, hole-free insulating gloves and body protection.
DInsulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulating mats or
covers big enough to prevent any physical contact with the work or
ground.
DDo not touch torch parts if in contact with the work or ground.
DTurn off power before checking, cleaning, or changing torch parts.
DDisconnect input power before installing or servicing this equip-
ment. Lockout/tagout input power according to OSHA CFR
1910.147 (see Safety Standards).
DProperly install and ground this equipment according to its Owner’s
Manual and national, state, and local codes.
DCheck and be sure that input power cord ground wire is properly
connected to ground terminal in disconnect box or that cord plug is
connected to a properly grounded receptacle outlet – always verify
the supply ground.
DWhen making input connections, attach proper grounding conduc-
tor first.
DFrequently inspect input power cord for damage or bare wiring – re-
place cord immediately if damaged – bare wiring can kill.
DTurn off all equipment when not in use.
DInspect and replace any worn or damaged torch cable leads.
DDo not wrap torch cable around your body.
DGround the workpiece to a good electrical (earth) ground if required
by codes.
DUse only well-maintained equipment. Repair or replace damaged
parts at once.
DWear a safety harness if working above floor level.
DKeep all panels and covers securely in place.
DDo not bypass or try to defeat the safety interlock systems.
DUse only torch(es) specified in Owner’s Manual.
DKeep away from torch tip and pilot arc when trigger is pressed.
DClamp work cable with good metal-to-metal contact to workpiece
(not piece that will fall away) or worktable as near the cut as
practical.
DInsulate work clamp when not connected to workpiece to prevent
contact with any metal object.
SIGNIFICANT DC VOLTAGE exists after removal
of input power on inverters.
DTurn OFF inverter, disconnect input power, and discharge input
capacitors according to instructions in Maintenance Section
before touching any parts.