Importance of Plasma Cutting Safety

It would be a grave mistake to disregard the important of plasma cutting safety. Just because the plasma cutter is easy to use, that doesn’t make it appropriate for haphazard use. Here are some tips to keep you safe while operating one of these machines.

1. Never operate a plasma cutter in a wet environment. You must understand that the plasma cutter uses electricity to start and stay running. Its electrical circuit lies between the torch and the surface being cut. Anything that comes in contact with the object being cut becomes a part of that electrical circuit including water. Okay, especially water since water conducts electricity just like some metals do. So use a plasma cutter in dry environments only.

Plasma Cutting Safety

2. Do not retrieve cut pieces of metal while you’re cutting. Do not remove work pieces while the grand cable is attached. And do not remove a ground clamp while cutting. Doing so places you at high risk for electrocution. For this very reason, insulated boots and gloves are required equipment in any serious place of business.

3. Make sure the ground cable is well secured onto the piece that’s being cut (NOT the piece that will fall off). Arcing near the ground clamp is a sign that the clamp is damaged, unsafe, and needs replacing. Failing to make a safe and secure connection is a sure-fire way to experience electrical shock. The ground clamp must always remain secured prior to releasing a plasma cutter's trigger.

4. Don't use a plasma cutter without proper eye protection. Eye protection isn't just for shielding flying debris. It’s also for shielding against burning. Plasma cutters produce highly intense ultraviolet and infrared waves that can burn the retina, cause cataracts, and damage the skin even if proper precautions aren’t taken.

5. Keep your plasma cutter away from flammable materials. Don’t store or use your cutter near gasoline or other combustible solutions.

6. If you use a heavy duty plasma cutter - that is, one with a excessive noise level, wear ear protection as well.

7. Use a plasma cutter in a well ventilated area. Plasma cutters melt metal and the gases released are toxic.