| Plasma Cutting Safety Makes Sense |
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| Plasma arc cutting technology has allowed metal workers to rip through any kind of electricity conducting metals for the last 50 years. However, since the mid-1990s, the implication of inverter technology has sparked phenomenal growth in the use of plasma arc cutters in every applicable industry. Inverter technology has allowed these units to be manufactured as a much smaller, compact, light weight, and very portable affordable priced plasma arc cutter. The remarkable speed and efficiency at which the portable plasma arc cutter performs in comparison to the traditional cutting methods of saws, snips, or oxyacetylene torches has inspired everyone from artists to do-it-yourselfrers. Although we are excited to see the growing interest of the many applications of this technology, this also mean that there are many new and inexperienced users. Therefor the Longevity Facility Testing Team has put together this very easy to learn guide to proper plasma arc cutting safety procedures. |
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| Fire Hazards |
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Heat and sparks have the potential to ignite flammable materials both around your work space and on your person. Keep all flammable materials at least 35 feet away from the work space and cover yourself with the proper flame retardant gear. |
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Protect your eyes with approved safety glasses with side shield or use a face shield and helmet in addition to safety glasses. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for the correct safety equipment. |
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Stray sparks and hot metal blown from the work piece can ignite the clothes on your body and cause severe burns. Use clothing made from tightly woven material such as leather, wool, heavy denim, or industrial strength work pants. |
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High top leather boots provide the best protection for your feet. |
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Button shirt cuffs and sleeves. |
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Do not keep matches or butane lighters in your pockets or anywhere in the work area. |
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Do not ever grip the material near the cutting path. |
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A Longevity Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter can cause burns in clothing and skin, so avoid contact before during or just after you press or release the trigger. |
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Keep the torch tip of the Longevity Plasma Cutter pointed away from you at all times. |
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Never use a Longevity Plasma Cutter near flammable gasses, vapors, liquids, dust, or in any location bearing the potential for explosion. |
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In order to significantly decrease the possibility of fire while you are working, always maintain a clean dry work area. |
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| Well Grounded |
| The hazards of electric shock are one of the most serious risks facing a person using any brand of plasma cutter. Contact with equipment or metal parts that are electrically "hot" can cause injury or death from the shock or from a fall that results from reaction to the shock. There are two manners of shock a person can receive. An operator of a plasma cutter or any welding device could potentially suffer a primary voltage shock or a secondary voltage shock. Primary voltage shock comes from touching a lead inside the welding power source while you have your body or hand in contact with the welder case or other grounded metal. Turning the equipment's power switch "off" does not turn power off inside the case. Never remove panels without unplugging the input power cord or turning the power disconnect switch off. Secondary voltage shock comes from touching part of the welding circuit, such as a bare spot on the electrode cable, while also touching the grounded metal work piece. Inspect these items daily and replace, not repair, any worn cables or broken connections. |
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| All Longevity Plasma Cutters feature two built-in safety measures; an internal fan keeps the machine cool and dry, while a fail safe measure forces the machine to properly and safely shut down should there be an intense increase in voltage from your power supply. Always remember to keep the area around the vent of your Longevity Plasma Cutter clear of dust and debris as this will ensure the safe and consistent performance of your Longevity Plasma Cutter. Also, plasma arc cutting torches are typically designed with safety interlock systems that turn off the machine if operators loosen the shield cup or if the tip touches the electrode inside the nozzle. |
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| We all know water can conduct electricity very well and since your Longevity Plasma Cutter uses a plasma arc formed by electrical current igniting an extremely heat intense flame, the best idea is to keep the work area very dry and protected. |
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You want to make sure the work piece is connected to a proper earth ground. Be sure the ground cable is connected flush to an appropriate clean grounding surface as close to the area as possible. And lastly try to find a non flammable, dry piece to stand on while you work. Avoid wood and rubber in and around the work area as much as possible. And whenever possible cover any flammable material with flame retardant protection. |
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| The Longevity Facility Testing Team recommends a thorough sweep of the area at least twice to make sure all potential hazards have been addressed. |
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| Dim the Lights |
| Always take the precaution to warn the people around you and any observer that you are going to ignite your Longevity Plasma Cutter. The plasma arc for both High frequency and Pilot Arc technology exude and incredible amount of visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) light rays the have the potential to burn unprotected eyes and skin. Consult the owner's manual of your Longevity Plasma Cutter in determining the appropriate eye protection. |
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| Clear the Air |
| Because the combination of electricity and compressed air forms an incredibly hot plasma arc when cutting various metals, a lot of different gasses are released by the intensely heated metals. Do not breathe them in! The fumes and gases that result from the welding process can cause acute or chronic health effects if proper precautions are ignored. If you need a better view of the plasma arc cutting process hold your head to the side as opposed to looking directly over it. Also, in this case it is necessary to where an air-supplied respirator that meets current ANSI standards. If the metal being cut is coated (i.e. galvanized steel, lead, or cadmium plated steel) remove the coating from the area being cut. Ventilate the cutting area with an exhaust hood or suction system positioned at or on the plasma arc to maintain a safe breathing area. Natural ventilation may be used under certain conditions. For welding or cutting mild steel, natural ventilation is usually sufficient if a room has at least 10,000 cubic feet per welder, with a ceiling height of at least 16 feet. Cross ventilation should not be blocked, and welding should not be done in a confined space. |
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| Gas Systems |
| A Longevity Plasma Cutter uses compressed air to ignite the plasma arc. However, these units also feature additional settings that allow for TIG welding or stick welding, which may require an alternative gas flow. The care and maintenance of the air flow is equally as important as operating the machine correctly. The Longevity Facility Testing Team has these suggestions: |
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Securely chain any and all cylinders containing gasses to a stationary, upright support or cart at all times. |
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Fasten the threaded protector cap to the top of the cylinder during movement or storage. |
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Immediately remove any faulty air flow regulator for service or repair. |
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Do not attempt to repair a faulty regulator on your own. |
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Use only Longevity Global Inc. recommended ferrules or clamps designed to connect hoses to fittings. |
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Never use ordinary wire for a substitute. |
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Always suspend the hose off the ground to keep it from being run over, stepped on or otherwise damaged. |
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Avoid long runs or coil excess hose to prevent kinks and tangles. |
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Examine all hose regularly for leaks, wear and loose connections. |
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Replace leaky or worn hoses, or repair them by cutting out damaged area and properly splicing in a new section. |
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Never splice hoses with tape. This does not ensure a safe seal. |
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| Conclusion |
| Please realize this article is a guideline for sage practices while operating a Longevity Plasma Cutter and does not cover all the safety issues that may exist. Please take the time to consult your owner's guide and always abide by the correct ANSI regulations and standards. The Longevity Facility Testing Team is always available to answer questions on our free forum and invites any and all topics for discussion to further the advancement of safe practices while using any of the Longevity Global Inc. equipment. Our primary concern is your safety and satisfaction. |
