GENERAL INFORMATION
2
6/22/99
• Install and maintain equipment according to NEC
code, refer to item 9 in Subsection 1.3, Publications.
• Disconnect power source before performing any ser-
vice or repairs.
• Read and follow all the instructions in the Operat-
ing Manual.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Fire and explosion can be caused by hot slag, sparks, or
the plasma arc.
• Be sure there is no combustible or flammable mate-
rial in the workplace. Any material that cannot be
removed must be protected.
• Ventilate all flammable or explosive vapors from
the workplace.
• Do not cut or weld on containers that may have held
combustibles.
• Provide a fire watch when working in an area where
fire hazards may exist.
• Hydrogen gas may be formed and trapped under
aluminum workpieces when they are cut under-
water or while using a water table. DO NOT cut
aluminum alloys underwater or on a water table
unless the hydrogen gas can be eliminated or dis-
sipated. Trapped hydrogen gas that is ignited will
cause an explosion.
NOISE
Noise can cause permanent hearing loss. Plasma arc pro-
cesses can cause noise levels to exceed safe limits. You
must protect your ears from loud noise to prevent per-
manent loss of hearing.
• To protect your hearing from loud noise, wear pro-
tective ear plugs and/or ear muffs. Protect others
in the workplace.
• Noise levels should be measured to be sure the deci-
bels (sound) do not exceed safe levels.
• For information on how to test for noise, see item 1
in Subsection 1.3, Publications, in this manual.
PLASMA ARC RAYS
Plasma Arc Rays can injure your eyes and burn your skin.
The plasma arc process produces very bright ultra violet
and infra red light. These arc rays will damage your
eyes and burn your skin if you are not properly protected.
• To protect your eyes, always wear a welding hel-
met or shield. Also always wear safety glasses with
side shields, goggles or other protective eye wear.
• Wear welding gloves and suitable clothing to pro-
tect your skin from the arc rays and sparks.
• Keep helmet and safety glasses in good condition.
Replace lenses when cracked, chipped or dirty.
• Protect others in the work area from the arc rays.
Use protective booths, screens or shields.
• Use the shade of lens as suggested in the following
per ANSI/ASC Z49.1:
Minimum Protective
Suggested
Arc Current
Shade No.
Shade No.
Less Than 300*
8
9
300 - 400*
9
12
400 - 800*
10
14
* These values apply where the actual arc is clearly
seen. Experience has shown that lighter filters
may be used when the arc is hidden by the work-
piece.
1.3 Publications
Refer to the following standards or their latest revisions
for more information:
1. OSHA, SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS,
29CFR 1910, obtainable from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Wash-
ington, D.C. 20402
2. ANSI Standard Z49.1, SAFETY IN WELDING AND
CUTTING, obtainable from the American Welding
Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Rd, Miami, FL 33126
3. NIOSH, SAFETY AND HEALTH IN ARC WELD-
ING AND GAS WELDING AND CUTTING, obtain-
able from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
4. ANSI Standard Z87.1, SAFE PRACTICES FOR OC-
CUPATION AND EDUCATIONAL EYE AND FACE
PROTECTION, obtainable from American National
Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY
10018
5. ANSI Standard Z41.1, STANDARD FOR MEN’S
SAFETY-TOE FOOTWEAR, obtainable from the
American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broad-
way, New York, NY 10018
6. ANSI Standard Z49.2, FIRE PREVENTION IN THE
USE OF CUTTING AND WELDING PROCESSES,
obtainable from American National Standards Insti-
tute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
7. AWS Standard A6.0, WELDING AND CUTTING
CONTAINERS WHICH HAVE HELD COMBUS-
TIBLES, obtainable from American Welding Society,
550 N.W. LeJeune Rd, Miami, FL 33126
