
OM-926 Page 1
SECTION 1 − SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - READ BEFORE USING
pom _4/05
YWarning: Protect yourself and others from injury — read and follow these precautions.
1-1. Symbol Usage
MeansWarning! Watch Out! There are possible hazards
with this procedure! The possible hazards are shown in
the adjoining symbols.
YMarks a special safety message.
.Means “Note”; not safety related.
This group of symbols means Warning! Watch Out! possible
ELECTRIC SHOCK, MOVING PARTS, and HOT PARTS hazards.
Consultsymbols and related instructions below for necessary actions
to avoid the hazards.
1-2. Plasma Arc Cutting Hazards
YThe symbols shown below are used throughout this manual to
call attention to and identify possible hazards. When you see
the symbol, watch out, and follow the related instructions to
avoid the hazard. The safety information given below is only a
summaryof the more complete safety information found in the
SafetyStandards listed in Section 1-5. Read and follow all Safe-
ty Standards.
YOnly qualified persons should install, operate, maintain, and
repair this unit.
YDuring operation, keep everybody, especially children, away.
CUTTING can cause fire or explosion.
Hot metal and sparks blow out from the cutting arc.
Theflying sparks and hot metal, hot workpiece, and
hot equipment can cause fires and burns. Check
and be sure the area is safe before doing any cutting.
DRemoveall flammables within 35 ft (10.7 m) of the cutting arc. If this
is not possible, tightly cover them with approved covers.
DDo not cut where flying sparks can strike flammable material.
DProtect yourself and others from flying sparks and hot metal.
DBe alert that sparks and hot materials from cutting can easily go
throughsmall cracks and openings to adjacent areas.
DWatch for fire, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
DBe aware that cutting on a ceiling, floor, bulkhead, or partition can
cause fire on the hidden side.
DDo not cut on closed containers such as tanks or drums.
DConnectwork cable to the work as close to the cutting area as prac-
tical to prevent cutting current from traveling long, possibly unknown
paths and causing electric shock, sparks, and fire hazards.
DDo not use plasma cutter to thaw frozen pipes.
DNever cut containers with potentially flammable materials inside −
they must be emptied and properly cleaned first.
DDo not cut in atmospheres containing explosive dust or vapors.
DDo not cut pressurized cylinders, pipes, or vessels.
DDo not cut containers that have held combustibles.
DWear oil-free protective garments such as leather gloves, heavy
shirt, cuffless trousers, high shoes, and a cap.
DDo not locate unit on or over combustible surfaces.
DRemove any combustibles, such as a butane lighter or matches,
from your person before doing any cutting.
DFollowrequirements in OSHA 1910.252 (a) (2) (iv) and NFPA 51B
for hot work and have a fire watcher and extinguisher nearby.
Touchinglive electrical parts can cause fatal shocks
or severe burns. The torch and work circuit are
electricallylive whenever the output is on. The input
power circuit and machine internal circuits are also
live when power is on. Plasma arc cutting requires
highervoltages than welding to start and maintain the arc (200 to 400
volts dc are common), but also uses torches designed with safety
interlock systems which turn off the machine when the shield cup is
loosened or if tip touches electrode inside the nozzle. Incorrectly
installedor improperly grounded equipment is a hazard.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
DDo not touch live electrical parts.
DWear dry, hole-free insulating gloves and body protection.
DInsulateyourself from work and ground using dry insulating mats or
covers big enough to prevent any physical contact with the work or
ground.
DDo not touch torch parts if in contact with the work or ground.
DTurn off power before checking, cleaning, or changing torch parts.
DDisconnect input power before installing or servicing this equip-
ment. Lockout/tagout input power according to OSHA CFR
1910.147(see Safety Standards).
DProperlyinstall and ground this equipment according to its Owner’s
Manualand national, state, and local codes.
DCheck and be sure that input power cord ground wire is properly
connectedto ground terminal in disconnect box or that cord plug is
connected to a properly grounded receptacle outlet − always verify
the supply ground.
DWhenmaking input connections, attach proper grounding conduc-
tor first.
DFrequentlyinspect input power cord for damage or bare wiring − re-
place cord immediately if damaged − bare wiring can kill.
DTurn off all equipment when not in use.
DInspect and replace any worn or damaged torch cable leads.
DDo not wrap torch cable around your body.
DGroundthe workpiece to a good electrical (earth) ground if required
by codes.
DUse only well-maintained equipment. Repair or replace damaged
parts at once.
DWear a safety harness if working above floor level.
DKeep all panels and covers securely in place.
DDo not bypass or try to defeat the safety interlock systems.
DUse only torch(es) specified in Owner’s Manual.
DKeep away from torch tip and pilot arc when trigger is pressed.
DClampwork cable with good metal-to-metal contact to workpiece
(not piece that will fall away) or worktable as near the cut as
practical.
DInsulatework clamp when not connected to workpiece to prevent
contact with any metal object.
SIGNIFICANT DC VOLTAGE exists in
inverter power sources AFTER the re-
moval of input power.
DTurn Off unit, disconnect input power, check voltage on input ca-
pacitors, and be sure it is near zero (0) volts before touching any
parts. Check capacitors according to instructions in Mainte-
nance Section of Owner’s Manual or Technical Manual before
touchingany parts.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.