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4.c. When not cutting or gouging, make certain no part of the elec-
trode circuit is touching the work or ground. Accidental contact
can cause overheating and create a fire hazard.
4.d. Do not cut or gouge tanks, drums or containers until the proper
steps have been taken to insure that such procedures will not
cause flammable or toxic vapors from substances inside. They
can cause an explosion even though they have been “cleaned.”
For information purchase “Recommended Safe Practices for
the Preparation for Welding and Cutting of Containers and
Piping That Have Held Hazardous Substances”, AWS F4.1 from
the American Welding Society (see address above).
4.e. Vent hollow castings or containers before heating, cutting or
gouging. They may explode.
4.f. Do nor fuel engine driven equipment near area where plasma
cutting or gouging.
4.g. Sparks and spatter are thrown from the plasma arc. Wear safe-
ty glasses, ear protection and oil free protective garments such
as leather gloves, heavy shirt, cuffless trousers, high shoes
and a cap over your hair. Wear ear plugs when cutting or goug-
ing out of position or in confined places. Always wear safety
glasses with side shields when in a cutting or gouging area.
4.h. Connect the work cable to the work as close to the cutting or
gouging area as practical. Work cables connected to the build-
ing framework or other locations away from the cutting or goug-
ing area increase the possibility of the current passing through
lifting chains, crane cables or other alternate circuits. This can
create fire hazards or overheat lifting chains or cables until they
fail.
FOR ELECTRICALLY
powered equipment.
6.a. Turn off input power using the disconnect
switch at the fuse box before working on the
equipment.
6.b. Install equipment in accordance with the U.S. National
Electrical Code, all local codes and the manufacturer’s rec-
ommendations.
6.c. Ground the equipment in accordance with the U.S. National
Electrical Code and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
CYLINDER may explode
if damaged.
5.a. Use only compressed gas cylinders contain-
ing the correct gas for the process used and
properly operating regulators designed for the
gas and pressure used. All hoses, fittings, etc.
should be suitable for the application and maintained in good
condition.
5.b. Always keep cylinders in an upright position securely chained
to an undercarriage or fixed support.
5.c. Cylinders should be located:
• Away from areas where they may be struck or subjected to
physical damage.
• A safe distance from plasma cutting or gouging, arc weld-
ing operations and any other source of heat, sparks,
or flame.
5.d. Never allow any part of the electrode, torch or any other elec-
trically “hot” parts to touch a cylinder.
5.e. Keep your head and face away from the cylinder valve outlet
when opening the cylinder valve.
5.f. Valve protection caps should always be in place and hand
tight except when the cylinder is in use or connected for use.
5.g. Read and follow the instructions on compressed gas cylin-
ders, associated equipment, and CGA publication P-l,
“Precautions for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in
Cylinders,”available from the Compressed Gas Association
1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
Apr. ‘93
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
may be dangerous
8.a. Electric current flowing through any conduc-
tor causes localized Electric and Magnetic Fields
(EMF). Cutting or gouging current creates EMF
fields around torch cables and cutting machines.
8.b. EMF fields may interfere with some pace-
makers, so operators having a pacemaker
should consult their physician before cutting or
gouging.
8.c. Exposure to EMF fields during cutting or gouging may have
other health effects which are now not known.
8d. All operators should use the following procedures in order to
minimize exposure to EMF fields from the cutting or gouging
circuit:
8.d.1. Route the torch and work cables together - Secure
them with tape when possible.
8.d.2. Never coil the torch cable around your body.
8.d.3. Do not place your body between the torch and
work cables. If the torch cable is on your right side,
the work cable should also be on your right
side.
8.d.4. Connect the work cable to the workpiece as close as
possible to the area being cut or gouged.
8.d.5. Do not work next to cutting power source.
PLASMA ARC can injure.
7.a. Keep your body away from nozzle and
plasma arc.
7.b. Operate the pilot arc with caution. The pilot arc is capable of
burning the operator, others or even piercing safety clothing.
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SAFETY
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