Safety - Matco Tools MA48 Operator's Manual

Important Safety Precautions
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PLASMA ARC EQUIPMENT CAN BE DANGEROUS AND
HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH.
Plasma arc cutting produces intense electric and magnetic emissions that may interfere with the proper
function of cardiac pacemakers, hearing aids, or other electronic health equipment. Persons who work near
plasma arc cutting applications should consult their medical health professional and the manufacturer of the
health equipment to deter- mine whether a hazard exists.
To prevent possible injury, read, understand and follow all warnings, safety precautions and instructions
before using the equipment.
GASES AND FUMES
Gases and fumes produced during the plasma cutting process can be dangerous and hazardous to
your health.
• Keep all fumes and gases 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 the plasma arc depend on the kind of metal being used, coatings
on the metal, and the different processes. You must be very careful when cutting or cutting any metals which
may contain one or more of the following:
Antimon
Arsenic
Barium
Cadmiu
Always read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that should be supplied with the material you are
using. These MSDSs will give you the information regarding the kind and amount of fumes and gases that
may be dangerous to your health.
• Use special equipment, such as water or down draft cutting tables, to capture fumes and gases.
• Do not use the plasma torch in proximity to combustible or explosive gases or materials.
• Phosgene, a toxic gas, is generated from the vapors of chlorinated solvents and cleansers. Remove
all sources of these vapors.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Electric Shock can injure or kill. The plasma arc process uses and produces high voltage electrical
energy. This electric energy can cause severe or fatal shock to the operator or others in the workplace.
• Never touch any parts that are electrically "live" or "hot."
§1 SAFETY
Chromium Mercury
Cobalt Nickel
Copper Selenium
Manganes Vanadium
Beryllium
Lead
Silver
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