Plasma Arc Cutter Safety

• Wear protective clothing when using the plasma arc cutter. Clothing should be wool or cotton, long sleeves, leather shoes (High Top), gauntlet gloves and leather apron.


• Never wear synthetic clothing when using the plasma arc cutter, many synthetics are highly flammable.


• Always wear industrial quality eye protection a #5 shaded lens is minimum for the plasma arc cutter process. The shaded lens needed to adequately protect he eyes varies by the thickness of the metal being cut and the intensity of the arc required to make the cut. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for selecting an appropriate shaded lens for given plasma arc cut.


• Make sure that work area is well ventilated when using the plasma arc cutter. The plasma arc cutter process generates lots of fumes and therefore must be well ventilated.


• The operator should position himself/herself so there will be minimum exposure o fumes during the cutting process.


• Use a cutting table which has a down draft to capture fumes. A cutting table with water filtration is also recommended for plasma arc cutting.


• Never use the plasma arc cutter in areas where combustible or explosive gases or materials are located.


• Chlorinated solvents and cleaner vapors in the presence of plasma arc cutter generates a toxic phosgene gas. Avoid plasma arc cutting use in areas which house chlorinated solvents and cleaners.


• Never touch any parts on the plasma arc cutter that are electrically connected. The plasma arc cutter uses high amperage and produces high voltage which can cause severe or fatal electrical shock.


• Disconnect the electrical power before performing any service or repair on the plasma arc cutter.


• Do not use the plasma arc cutter to cut on containers that have held combustible materials.


• Hydrogen gas may be formed and trapped when cutting aluminum in the presence of water. Trapped hydrogen gas in the presence of an are will ignite and explode, make sure fumes are well ventilated when cutting aluminum.


• Hearing protection should be worn when operating the plasma arc cutter.


• Make sure that others in the work area are protected from the plasma arc cutter arc rays and fumes.


• Use pliers or tongs to handle hot metals cut by the plasma arc cutter. Cool and store hot metal before leaving the work area.