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respirator with air supply or remove the coating from the material in the area to be cut.
-The fumes emitted from some metals when heated are extremely toxic. Refer to the material safety
data sheet for the manufacturer’s instructions.
-Do not weld/cut near materials that will emit toxic fumes when heated. Vapors from cleaners,
sprays and degreasers can be highly toxic when heated.
UV and IR Arc Rays
The plasma cutting arc produces ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays that can cause
injury to your eyes and skin. Do not look at the plasma cutting arc without proper eye
protection.
- Always use safety glasses, a shield or a helmet that meets ANSI Z49.1 standard for plasma
cutting.
- Cover all bare skin areas exposed to the arc with protective clothing and shoes. Flame-retardant
cloth or leather shirts, coats, pants or coveralls are available for protection.
-Use screens or other barriers to protect other people from the arc rays emitted from your plasma
cutting arc.
-Warn people in your cutting area when you are going to strike an arc so they can protect
themselves.
Fire Hazards
Do not cut on containers or pipes that contain or have had flammable, gaseous or liquid
combustibles in them. Plasma cutting creates sparks and heat that can ignite flammable
and explosive materials.
-Do not operate any plasma cutter in areas where flammable or explosive materials are present.
-Remove all flammable materials within 35 feet of the plasma cutting arc. If removal is not possible,
tightly cover them with fireproof covers.
-Take precautions to ensure that flying sparks do not cause fires or explosions in hidden areas,
cracks or areas you cannot see.
-Keep a fire extinguisher close in the case of fire.
-Wear garments that are oil-free with no pockets or cuffs that will collect sparks.
-Do not have on your person any items that are combustible, such as lighters or matches.
-Keep the work lead connected as close to the plasma cutting area as possible to prevent any
unknown, unintended paths of electrical current from causing electrical shock and fire hazards.
Hot Materials
Plasma cut materials are hot and can cause severe burns if handled improperly.
-Do not touch plasma cut materials with bare hands.
- Do not touch torch tip after cutting until it has had time to cool down.
Sparks/Flying Debris
Plasma cutting creates hot sparks that can cause injury. Chipping slag off cuts can
create flying debris.
-Always wear protective apparel: ANSI-approved safety glasses or shield, a welder’s hat and
ear plugs to keep sparks out of ears and hair.
