The principle of occupational safety in the use of plasma

Date 06/05/2019

At present, plasma cutting methods are increasingly used in metalworking due to the advantage of faster cutting speed on metal surfaces compared to previous methods such as sawing, cutting and cutting off oxygen gas. Although this method has been around for a long time, the devices have been improved in a compact, easy to carry, and high productivity has only emerged since the 1990s. Currently, this method is used. Widely in the art processing, repairing, fabrication of fishery equipment - agriculture - industry.

When using and operating Plasma cutters, the following safety principles should be ensured:

The risk of burns due to plasma

Metallic molten and combustible slag is blown out of the cutting edge. The metal cutter is heated by it, and the tip of the plasma can also fire and cause a fire. To ensure safety, the workmen should be equipped with protective goggles or protective mask with protective goggles. Protective clothing, shoes and gloves should be made of fire resistant material (usually made from cow or leather). Clothing should be limited to bags in advance, do not put gas lighter in the bag. For shoes, high collar should be used to protect the leg area when working.

Protective gloves are very easy to be cut through the heat of plasma, so do not hold the metal near the cutting area, the tip of the cutting gun are active. Absolutely avoid the direction of arc in your case in all cases.

Ensure that flammable objects are away from the working environment (at least 10 m) so as not to be affected by the heat of the arc and slag. Do not cut closed and pressurized containers, containers because of their high capacity they are used to contain inflammable, explosive and toxic substances. If cut, only carry out after careful inspection. Plasma cutting is not practiced near gasoline, gas or explosive areas.

Ensure good cooling.

Most Plasma cutters are now safely designed to automatically shut off when a porcelain protective shot is lost or when the nozzle hits the electrode. To maintain the arc need a high voltage (110 - 400VDC), if leakage, this voltage is very dangerous, so before the work needs to check the safety cabling system, guns, replace the Details if faulty.

Do not work in wet environment. Grounding cables must be checked before work.

The light of the arc current

Skin and eyes can burn if you have long exposure to plasma arcs that are not protected. It is necessary to wear protective clothing, masks and glasses with appropriate filtering ability. Protective equipment must also be thoroughly inspected before commencing work.

Protection against gas and toxic fumes:

Plasma cutting produces toxic fumes and gas can easily cause health problems if inhaled. In order to avoid inhaling these gases in addition to the respirators (if conditions permit), attention should be paid to the working direction, so it is best to allow the working environment to be well ventilated.

For metals coated with protective coatings such as cadmium or zinc-coated steel, the protective coating should be cleaned prior to cutting because these coatings can generate toxic gases when cut with plasma.

Gas system

Plasma cutting usually uses compressed air from cleaned air or inert gas. The cylinders during use should be fixed in the rack or on the trolley. Before moving, the cap should be tightly secured so as not to be damaged by a collision.

If the fault is detected, the pressure regulator must be replaced immediately. Do not repair the valve yourself, as it can easily lead to deviation.

Only use hose or pipe clamps in a uniform, no temporary replacement. Ground conductors should be raised to avoid overriding on the ground.

Note: No matter what cutting method you use, you also need to ensure the safety and efficiency of labor productivity.