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SAFETY
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WARNING
PLASMA CUTTING or GOUGING can be hazardous.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. PACEMAKER WEARERS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR DOCTOR BEFORE OPERATING.
Read and understand the following safety highlights. For additional safety information it is strongly recommended that you purchase a copy of “Safety in Welding & Cutting - ANSI Standard Z49.1” from the American Welding Society, P.O. Box 351040, Miami, Florida 33135 or CSA Standard W117.2.
BE SURE THAT ALL INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR PROCEDURES ARE PERFORMED ONLY BY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
1.a. The electrode and work (or ground) circuits are electrically “hot” when the power source is on. Do not touch these “hot” parts with your bare skin or wet clothing. Wear dry,
insulate hands.
1.b. When the power source is operating voltages in excess of 250 volts are produced. This creates the potential for serious electrical shock - potentially even fatal.
1.c. Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulation. When cutting or gouging in damp locations, on metal frame- work such as floors, gratings or scaffolds and when in posi- tions such as sitting or lying, make certain the insulation is large enough to cover your full area of physical contact with work and ground.
1.d. Always be sure the work cable makes a good electrical con- nection with the metal being cut or gouged. The connection should be as close as possible to the area being cut or gouged.
1.e. Ground the work or metal to be cut or gouged to a good elec- trical (earth) ground.
1.f. Maintain the plasma torch, cable and work clamp in good, safe operating condition. Replace damaged insulation.
1.g. Never dip the torch in water for cooling or plasma cut or gouge in or under water.
1.h. When working above floor level, protect yourself from a fall should you get a shock.
1.i. Operate the pilot arc with caution. The pilot arc is capable of burning the operator, others or even piercing safety clothing.
1.j. Also see Items 4c and 6.
FUMES AND GASES can be dangerous.
3.a. Plasma cutting or gouging may produce fumes and gases hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these fumes and gases. When cutting
or gouging, keep your head out of the fumes. Use enough ventilation and/or exhaust at the arc to keep fumes and gases away from the breathing zone. When plasma cutting or gouging on lead or cadmium plated steel and other metals or coatings which produce highly toxic fumes, keep exposure as low as possible and within applicable OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV limits using local exhaust or mechanical ventilation. In confined spaces or in some circumstances, outdoors, a respirator may be required. Additional precautions are also required when welding on galvanized steel.
3.b. The operation of plasma cutting or gouging fume control equipment is affected by various factors including proper use and positioning of the equipment, maintenance of the equip- ment and the specific procedure and application involved. Worker exposure level should be checked upon installation and periodically thereafter to be certain it is within applicable OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV limits.
3.c. Do not use plasma cutting or gouging equipment in locations near chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors coming from degreas- ing, cleaning or spraying operations. The heat and rays of the arc can react with solvent vapors to form phosgene, a highly toxic gas, and other irritating products.
3.d. Gases used for plasma cutting and gouging can displace air and cause injury or death. Always use enough ventilation, especially in confined areas, to insure breathing air is safe.
3.e. Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for this equipment and follow your employer’s safety practices.
ARC RAYS can burn.
2.a. Use safety glasses and a shield with the prop- er filter and cover plates to protect your eyes from sparks and the rays of the arc when performing or observing plasma arc cutting or gouging. Glasses,headshield and filter lens should conform to ANSI Z87. I standards.
2.b. Use suitable clothing including gloves made from durable
2.c. Protect other nearby personnel with suitable
CUTTING SPARKS can 
cause fire or explosion.
4.a. Remove fire hazards from the plasma cut- ting or gouging area. If this is not possible, cover them to prevent the cutting or gouging sparks from starting a fire. Remember that welding
sparks and hot materials from plasma cutting or gouging can easily go through small cracks and openings to adjacent areas. Avoid cutting or gouging near hydraulic lines. Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
4.b. Where compressed gases are to be used at the job site, spe- cial precautions should be used to prevent hazardous situa- tions. Refer to “Safety in Welding and Cutting” (ANSI Standard Z49.1) and the operating information for the equip- ment being used.
