The safety precautions given previously must be strictly adhered to. The following
precautions are additional to, and focus specifically on Plasma Cutters.
ALWAYS
have a fire extinguisher handy when operating the cutter.
ALWAYS
wear protective clothing - overalls, gloves and sturdy footwear, To
avoid the risk of burns,
ALWAYS
ensure that the cutting cable, air compressor hose and electrical
input lead are kept well away from the possible ‘spatter’ of hot metal created
when cutting.
ALWAYS
operate the cutter in a well ventilated area or an area equipped
with a fume extractor. Check the possibility that the material to be cut will
give off toxic gas or fumes. If there is any doubt, a respirator should worn.
NEVER
operate near water or any other liquid.
NEVER
operate near anything flammable. Whilst plasma cutters do not produce
an open flame, they do produce very hot metal during the cutting process, hot
enough to set alight flammable materials, should contact be made.
NEVER
observe the electric plasma arc with the naked eye. Always wear
eye protection such as welding goggles used for oxy-acetylene welding.
Should the cutting cable be burned, replace it
NEVER
attempt to repair it
yourself.
NEVER
operate the machine with the covers removed.
NEVER
dismantle the tip from the torch unless the machine has been
disconnected from the electrical supply.
NEVER
push the torch nozzle down with your hands unless the machine has
been disconnected from the electrical supply.
NEVER
cut fuel or lubricant containers, even if they are empty.
NEVER
cut containers or casings which contain flammable material.
NEVER
cut in environments which are polluted by flammable gas or
combustible vapours, such as petrol etc.
NEVER
point the torch jet at people or animals.
Should you feel sick or develop sore eyes whilst using the plasma cutter,
STOP
WORK IMMEDIATELY
and move to fresh air. Do not resume cutting until you
have provided good ventilation for the cutting area.
When halogenated solvents or degreasing agents are present, the material
to be cut should be cleaned properly to prevent the formation of toxic gases.
Some chlorinated solvents may decompose in the presence of the radiation
given out by the arc and may generate phosphene gas.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR PLASMA CUTTERS
7
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