6
Wear protective clothing made from durable,
flame-resistant material (leather or wool) and
foot protection.
Wear a helmet or face shield with the correct
filter shade to protect your face and eyes when
cutting or watching someone else cut. ANSI
Z49.1 (see Safety Standards) suggests a #9
shade (with a #8 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 cutting currents,
the shades suggested in Table 1 are provided
for the operator’s convenience.
Table 1
Cutting Current in Amps
Min. Shade Level
Below 20
#4
20-40
#5
40-60
#6
60-80
#7
Harmful Fumes
Plasma cutting produces fumes and gases;
breathing these fumes and gases can be hazardous
to your health.
Keep your head out of fumes; do not breathe
the fumes.
If cutting inside, ventilate the area and/or use
an exhaust system at the arc to remove cutting
fumes and gases.
Do not work in confined spaces. When cutting
in poorly ventilated areas, use an approved
respirator.
Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
and the manufacturers instructions for metals
to be cut, as well as for coating and cleaners
used.
Do not cut in locations near degreasing,
cleaning, or spraying operations. The heat and
rays of the arc can react with vapors and form
highly toxic and/or irritating gases.
Do not cut coated metals, such as galvanized,
lead, or cadmium plated steel, unless you
remove the coating from the workpiece, the
area is well ventilated, or you are wearing an
approved respirator. The coating and any
metals containing these elements can give off
toxic fumes when cut.
Do not cut containers holding toxic or reactive
materials or containers that previously held
toxic or reactive material; the containers must
be emptied and properly cleaned first.
On Overuse & Overheating
Always follow the rated duty cycle of
equipment and allow sufficient cooling
periods.
Ensure adequate airflow to all equipment to
avoid overheating.
Gas Cylinders Can Explode
Gas cylinders can explode if damaged due to high
pressure. Use caution when engaging in
metalworking processes near gas cylinders.
Protect gas cylinders from excessive heat,
mechanical shocks, slag, open flame, sparks,
and welding/cutting arcs.
Install cylinders in an upright position, and
secure cylinders to prevent falling or tipping.
Keep cylinders away from cutting or other
electrical circuits.
Never allow contact between plasma torches
and gas cylinders.
Do not cut on gas cylinders.
Keep cylinder cap over valve except when in
use or connected for use.
Magnetic Fields Can Affect
Pacemakers
If you wear a pacemaker, consult your doctor
before going near plasma cutting operations.
