SAFETY
1-2
Hypertherm
Plasma Systems
11-98
SAFETY
RECOGNIZE SAFETY INFORMATION
The symbols shown in this section are used to
identify potential hazards. When you see a safety
symbol in this manual or on your machine, understand
the potential for personal injury, and follow the related
instructions to avoid the hazard.
FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read carefully all safety messages in this manual and
safety labels on your machine.
• Keep the safety labels on your machine in good
condition. Replace missing or damaged labels
immediately.
• Learn how to operate the machine and how to use
the controls properly. Do not let anyone operate it
without instruction.
• Keep your machine in proper working condition.
Unauthorized modifications to the machine may
affect safety and machine service life.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
A signal word DANGER or WARNING is used with a
safety symbol. DANGER identifies the most serious
hazards.
• DANGER and WARNING safety labels are located
on your machine near specific hazards.
• WARNING safety messages precede related
instructions in this manual that may result in injury
or death if not followed correctly.
• CAUTION safety messages precede related
instructions in this manual that may result in
damage to equipment if not followed correctly.
Fire Prevention
• Be sure the area is safe before doing any cutting.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Remove all flammables within 35 feet (10 m) of the
cutting area.
• Quench hot metal or allow it to cool before handling
or before letting it touch combustible materials.
• Never cut containers with potentially flammable
materials inside – they must be emptied and
properly cleaned first.
• Ventilate potentially flammable atmospheres before
cutting.
• When cutting with oxygen as the plasma gas, an
exhaust ventilation system is required.
Explosion Prevention
• Do not use the plasma system if explosive dust or
vapors may be present.
• Do not cut pressurized cylinders, pipes, or any
closed container.
• Do not cut containers that have held combustible
materials.
CUTTING CAN CAUSE FIRE OR EXPLOSION
WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Argon-Hydrogen and Methane
Hydrogen and methane are flammable gases that
present an explosion hazard. Keep flames away from
cylinders and hoses that contain methane or hydrogen
mixtures. Keep flames and sparks away from the torch
when using methane or argon-hydrogen plasma.
WARNING
Hydrogen Detonation with Aluminum Cutting
• When cutting aluminum underwater, or with the
water touching the underside of the aluminum, free
hydrogen gas may collect under the workpiece and
detonate during plasma cutting operations.
• Install an aeration manifold on the floor of the water
table to eliminate the possibility of hydrogen
detonation. Refer to the Appendix section of this
manual for aeration manifold details.
