14
f. Do not dispose of hot slag in containers hold-
ing combustible materials. Keep a fire extin-
guisher nearby and know how to use it.
g. After welding or cutting, make a thorough
examination for evidence of fire. Be aware
that easily visible smoke or flame may not
be present for some time after the fire has
started. Do not weld or cut in atmospheres
containing
h. Dangerously reactive or flammable gases,
vapors, liquids, and dust provide adequate
ventilation in work areas to prevent accu-
mulation of flammable gases, vapors, and
dust. Do not apply heat to a container that
has held an unknown substance or a com-
bustible material whose contents, when
heated, can produce flammable or explosive
vapors. Clean and purge containers before
applying heat. Vent closed containers, in-
cluding castings, before preheating, weld-
ing, or cutting.
i. Only use compressed air to operate the
Plasma Welder/Cutter. Never use other com-
pressed gases.
WARNING: INHALATION HAZARD; Welding
and Plasma Cutting Produce TOXIC FUMES.
Exposure to welding or cutting exhaust fumes
can increase the risk of developing certain can-
cers, such as cancer of the larynx and lung can-
cer. Also, some diseases that may be linked to
exposure to welding or plasma cutting exhaust
fumes are:
a. Early onset of Parkinson’s Disease
b. Heart disease
c. Ulcers
d. Damage to the reproductive organs
e. Inflammation of the small intestine or stom-
ach
f. Kidney damage
g. Respiratory diseases such as emphysema,
bronchitis, or pneumonia
Use natural or forced air ventilation and wear a
respirator approved by NIOSH to protect against
the fumes produced to reduce the risk of devel-
oping the above illnesses.
9. Avoid overexposure to fumes and gases. Al-
ways keep your head out of the fumes. Do not
breathe the fumes. Use enough ventilation or
exhaust, or both, to keep fumes and gases from
your breathing zone and general area.
• Where ventilation is questionable, have a
qualified technician take an air sampling to
determine the need for corrective measures.
Use mechanical ventilation to improve air
6. Always unplug the tool from its electrical
outlet before performing and inspection, main-
tenance, or cleaning procedures.
7. Prevent eye injury and burns. Wearing and us-
ing the approved personal safety clothing and
safety devices reduce the risk for injury.
a. Wear the approved safety impact eye
goggles with a welding helmet featuring at
least a number 10 shade lens rating.
b. Leather leggings, fire resistant shoes or
boots should be worn when using this prod-
uct. Do not wear pants with cuffs, shirts
with open pockets, or any clothing that can
catch and hold molten metal or sparks.
c. Keep clothing free of grease, oil, solvents,
or any flammable substances. Wear dry, in-
sulating gloves and protective clothing.
d. Wear an approved head covering to pro-
tect the head and neck. Use aprons, cape,
sleeves, shoulder covers, and bibs designed
and approved for welding and cutting pro-
cedures.
e. When welding/cutting overhead or in con-
fined spaces, wear flame resistant ear plugs
or ear muffs to keep sparks out of ears.
8. Prevent accidental fires. Remove any combus-
tible material from the work area.
a. When possible, move the work to a loca-
tion well away from combustible; protect
the combustibles with a cover made of fire
resistant material.
b. Remove or make safe all combustible ma-
terials for a radius of 35 feet (10 meters)
around the work area. Use a fire resistant
material to cover or block all open door-
ways, windows, cracks, and other openings.
c. Enclose the work area with portable fire
resistant screens. Protect combustible walls,
ceilings, floors, etc., from sparks and heat
with fire resistant covers.
d. If working on a metal wall, ceiling, etc.,
prevent ignition of combustibles on the
other side by moving the combustibles to a
safe location. If relocation of combustibles
is not possible, designate someone to serve
as a fire watch, equipped with a fire extin-
guisher, during the cutting or welding pro-
cess and for at least one half hour after the
cutting or welding is completed.
e. Do not weld or cut on materials having a
combustible coating or combustible internal
structure, as in walls or ceilings, without an
approved method for eliminating the haz-
ard.
