GENERAL INFORMATION
1-2
November 17, 2005
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Electric Shock can injure or kill. The plasma arc pro-
cess uses and produces high voltage electrical en-
ergy. This electric energy can cause severe or fatal
shock to the operator or others in the workplace.
• Never touch any parts that are electrically “live”
or “hot.”
• Wear dry gloves and clothing. Insulate yourself
from the work piece or other parts of the weld-
ing circuit.
• Repair or replace all worn or damaged parts.
• Extra care must be taken when the workplace is
moist or damp.
• Install and maintain equipment according
toH&SE Guidance HSG 118 : Electrical safety in
Arc Welding
• Disconnect power source before performing any
service or repairs.
• Read and follow all the instructions in the Oper-
ating 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
material in the workplace. Any material that can-
not 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 un-
der aluminum workpieces when they are cut un-
derwater 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 dissipated. Trapped hydrogen gas that is ig-
nited will cause an explosion.
NOISE
Noise can cause permanent hearing loss. Plasma arc
processes can cause noise levels to exceed safe lim-
its. You must protect your ears from loud noise to
prevent permanent loss of hearing.
• To protect your hearing from loud noise, wear
protective ear plugs and/or ear muffs. Protect
others in the workplace.
• Noise levels should be measured to be sure the
decibels (sound) do not exceed safe levels.
• For information on how to test for noise, see item
1 in Subsection 1.03, 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 dam-
age your eyes and burn your skin if you are not prop-
erly 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 condi-
tion. 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 follow-
ing per BS EN 169 Personal Eye protection:
Minimum Protective
Suggested
Arc Current
Shade No.
Shade No.
Less Than 300*
8
9
300 - 400*
9
1 2
400 - 800*
1 0
1 4
* 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 workpiece.
