Tweco 35A CutSkill - Manual (Page 5)

cutskill 35A
Manual 0-5104 1-1 GENERAL
SECTION 1:
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.01 Notes, Cautions and Warnings
Throughout this manual, notes, cautions, and warnings are used to
highlight important information. These highlights are categorized
as follows:
NOTE
An operation, procedure, or background information
which requires additional emphasis or is helpful in
efficient operation of the system.
CAUTION
A procedure which, if not properly followed, may cause
damage to the equipment.
!
WARNING
A procedure which, if not properly followed, may
cause injury to the operator or others in the operat-
ing area.
1.02 Important Safety Precautions
!
WARNING
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 determine whether a hazard
exists.
To prevent possible injury, read, understand and fol-
low all warnings, safety precautions and instructions
before using the equipment. Call 1-603-298-5711 or
your local distributor if you have any questions.
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 welding 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 welding any metals which may contain one or more of the
following:
Antimony Chromium Mercury
Arsenic Cobalt Nickel
Barium Copper Selenium
Beryllium Lead Silver
Cadmium Manganese Vanadium
• 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.
• For information on how to test for fumes and gases in your
workplace, refer to item 1 in Subsection 1.03, Publications
in this manual.
• Use special equipment, such as water or down draft cutting
tables, to capture fumes and gases.
• Do not use the plasma torch in an area where combustible
or explosive gases or materials are located.
• Phosgene, a toxic gas, is generated from the vapors of chlo-
rinated 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.)
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.”
• Wear dry gloves and clothing. Insulate yourself from the
work piece or other parts of the welding circuit.
• Repair or replace all worn or damaged parts.
• Extra care must be taken when the workplace is moist or
damp.
• Install and maintain equipment according to NEC code, refer
to item 9 in Subsection 1.03, Publications.
• Disconnect power source before performing any service or
repairs.
• Read and follow all the instructions in the Operating Manu-
al.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Fire and explosion can be caused by hot slag, sparks, or the plasma
arc.
• Be sure there is no combustible or flammable material in the
workplace. Any material that cannot be removed must be
protected.
• Ventilate all flammable or explosive vapors from the work-
place.
• Do not cut or weld on containers that may have held com-
bustibles.
• Provide a fire watch when working in an area where fire
hazards may exist.
• Hydrogen gas may be formed and trapped under aluminum
workpieces when they are cut underwater or while using a
water table. DO NOT cut aluminum alloys underwater or on
a water table unless the hydrogen gas can be eliminated or
dissipated. Trapped hydrogen gas that is ignited will cause
an explosion.