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.

Arc-Welders

All arc welding and cutting cables shall be of the completely insulated, flexible type, capable of handling the maximum current requirements of the work in progress, taking into account the duty cycle under which the Arc welder or cutters is working.

Any current-carrying parts passing through the portion of the holder which the Arc welder or cutter grips in his hand, and the outer surfaces of the jaws of the holder, shall be fully insulated against the maximum voltage encountered to ground.

Only cable free from repair or splices for a minimum distance of 10 feet from the cable end to which the electrode holder is connected shall be used, except that cables with standard insulated connectors or with splices whose insulating quality is equal to that of the cable are permitted.

Welding Machines And Cutting Equipments

All arc completely, insulated, flexible type, capable of handling the maximum current requirements of the work in progress, taking into account the duty cycle under which the arc welder or cutter is working.

The unit is to be installed by the manufacturer on the cutting table provided and integrated with the existing equipment by the manufacturer. This equipment must be certified safe for use in explosive operations. As of this date, only one source has been qualified.

The frames of all Arc welding and cutting machines shall be grounded either through a third wire in the cable containing the circuit conductor or through a separate wire which is grounded at the source of the current. Grounding circuits, other than by means of the structure, shall be checked to ensure that the circuit between the ground and the grounded power conductor has resistance low enough to permit sufficient current to flow to cause the fuse or circuit breaker to interrupt the current.

Whenever practicable, all Arc welding and cutting operations shall be shielded by noncombustible or flameproof screens which will protect employees and other persons working in the vicinity from the direct rays of the arc.

When operations are suspended for any substantial period of time, such as during lunch or overnight, welding machines shall be shut off at some point outside the confined space. Where practicable, The electrodes and electrode holders shall be removed from the confined space. Upon completion or discontinuance of welding operations, the welder shall provide some means of warning other workers of the location of hot metal.