November 17, 2005
1-1
GENERAL INFORMATION
SECTION 1:
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.01 Notes, Cautions and Warnings
Throughout this manual, notes, cautions, and warn-
ings are used to highlight important information. These
highlights are categorized as follows:
NOTE
An operation, procedure, or background in-
formation which requires additional empha-
sis or is helpful in efficient operation of the
system.
CAUTION
A procedure which, if not properly followed,
may cause damage to the equipment.
WARNING
A procedure which, if not properly followed,
may cause injury to the operator or others
in the operating area.
1.02 Important Safety Precautions
WARNINGS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PLASMA
ARC EQUIPMENT CAN BE DANGEROUS AND
HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH.
Plasma arc cutting produces intense elec-
tric and magnetic emissions that may inter-
fere with the proper function of cardiac
pacemakers, hearing aids, or other elec-
tronic health equipment. Persons who work
near plasma arc cutting applications should
consult their medical health professional and
the manufacturer of the health equipment
to determine whether a hazard exists.
To prevent possible injury, read, understand
and follow all warnings, safety precautions
and instructions before using the equipment.
Contact your local Nexus distributor if you
have any questions.
GASES AND FUMES
Gases and fumes produced during the plasma cut-
ting process can be dangerous and hazardous to your
health.
• Keep all fumes and gases from the breathing area.
Keep your head out of the welding fume plume.
• Use an air-supplied respirator if ventilation is not
adequate to remove all fumes and gases.
• The kinds of fumes and gases from the plasma
arc depend on the kind of metal being used, coat-
ings on the metal, and the different processes.
You must be very careful when cutting or weld-
ing any metals which may contain one or more
of the following:
Antimony
Chromium
Mercury
Arsenic
Cobalt
Nickel
Barium
Copper
Selenium
Beryllium
Lead
Silver
Cadmium
Manganese
Vanadium
• Always read the Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) that should be supplied with the mate-
rial you are using. These MSDSs will give you
the information regarding the kind and amount
of fumes and gases that may be dangerous to
your health.
• The risks from fumes should be assessed in ac-
cordance with the HSE Guidance notes EH54 as-
sessments of exposure to fumes from welding
and allied processes. (ISBN 0717 605701)
• Use special equipment, such as water or down
draft cutting tables, to capture fumes and gases.
• Do not use the plasma torch in an area where
combustible or explosive gases or materials are
located.
• Phosgene, a toxic gas, is generated from the va-
pors of chlorinated solvents and cleansers. Re-
move all sources of these vapors.
