4
GASES, DUST, AND FUMES
Gases and fumes produced during the cutting process can be dangerous to your health.
•Keep all fumes and gases away from the breathing area. Keep your head out of the cutting fume plume.
•Use an air-supplied respirator if ventilation is not adequate to remove all fumes and gases.
•The kinds of fumes and gases from cutting depend on the kind of metal being cut, coatings on the metal, and the
different processes. You must be very careful when cutting or welding any metals which may contain the following:
Antimony Cadmium Lead Selenium
Arsenic Chromium Manganese Silver
Barium Cobalt Mercury Vanadium
Beryllium Copper Nickel
Always read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) supplied with the material you are cutting. The MSDS will give you the
information regarding the kind and amount of fumes and gases that may be produced from cutting and those that may be
dangerous to your health
•For information on how to test for fumes and gases in your workplace refer to publications section of this manual.
•Use special equipment, if needed, to capture fumes and gases.
•Do not use in an area where combustible or explosive gases or materials are located.
•Phosgene, a toxic gas, is generated from the vapors of chlorinated solvents and cleansers. Remove all sources of these
vapors.
•This product, when used for welding or cutting, produces fumes or gases which contain chemicals known to the State
of California to cause birth defects and, in some cases, cancer. (California Health & Safety Code Sec. 25249.5 et seq.)
•Some dust created by cutting, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
•Lead from lead-based paint.
•Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products.
•Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber (CCA).
•Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to
these chemicals: work in a well-ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks
that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
•Avoid prolonged contact with dust from cutting, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities. Wear protective
clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth, eyes, or lay on the skin
may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.
PLASMA ARC RAYS
Plasma Arc Rays can injure your eyes and burn your skin. The plasma arc process produces very bright ultraviolet and
infrared light. These arc rays will damage your eyes and burn your skin if you are not properly protected.
•To protect your eyes, always wear a welding helmet or shield. Also, always wear safety glasses with side shields,
goggles or other protective eye wear.
•Wear welding gloves and suitable clothing to protect your skin from the arc rays and sparks.
•Keep helmet and safety glasses in good condition. Replace lenses when cracked, chipped or dirty.
•Protect others in the work area from the arc rays. Use protective booths, screens or shields.
•Use the shade of lens as suggested in the following per ANSI/ASC Z49.1:
HEAVY COMPONENTS
Use caution when lifting or moving the saddle machine. Use team lifting when necessary to avoid personal injury. When
using a mechanical device to move a machine follow all manufacturers’ safety guidelines. Pipe being operated on with the
machine may be heavy. Use all lifting guidelines outlined in Occupational Safety & Health Administration technical manual
Sect. 7, Ch. 1.5. See publications section for additional information.
