Torchmate 4000 Series
2
FUMES AND GASES can be dangerous:
Plasma cutting or gouging may produce fumes and gases hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these fumes
and gases. When cutting or gouging, keep your head out of the fumes. Use adequate ventilation and/or
exhaust at the arc to keep fumes and gases away from the breathing zone.
Use an air-supplied respirator if ventilation is not adequate to remove all fumes and gases.
When plasma cutting or gouging on lead or cadmium plated steel and other metals or coatings which
produce highly toxic fumes, keep exposure as low as possible and within applicable OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV
limits using local exhaust or mechanical ventilation. In confined spaces or in some circumstances, outdoors, a
respirator may be required.
Additional ventilation is required when cutting (zinc) galvanized steel or materials containing or coated with
any of the following:
The operation of plasma cutting or gouging fume control equipment is affected by various factors, including
proper use and positioning of the equipment, maintenance of the equipment, and the specific procedure and
application involved. Worker exposure levels must be checked upon installation and periodically thereafter
to be certain levels are within applicable OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV limits. For information on how to test for
fumes and gases in your work place, refer to the publications section of this manual.
Do not use plasma cutting or gouging equipment in locations near chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors coming
from degreasing, cleaning, or spraying operations. The heat and rays of the arc can react with solvent vapors
to form phosgene, a highly toxic gas, and other irritating products. Remove all sources of these vapors.
Gases used for plasma cutting and gouging can displace air and cause injury or death. Always use enough
ventilation, especially in confined areas, to ensure breathing air is safe. Use an air-supplied respirator if
ventilation is not adequate to remove all fumes and gases.
Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for this equipment and follow your employer’s safety
practices.
This product, when used for cutting, produces fumes or gases which contain chemicals known to the State of
California to cause birth defects and/or cancer.
Some dust created by routing, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals
known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid prolonged contact with this dust.
Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth,
eyes, or lay on the skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
Lead and/or cadmium from lead or cadmium-based paint.
Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products.
Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber (CCA).
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on factors that include: how often you do this type of work,
the duration of the work, the metal alloy(s) being worked and the composition, and the number and types of
other operations taking place in the work area. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals; work in a well
ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as respiratory protection approved for the
contaminants present and their airborne concentrations.
Antimony
Beryllium
Cobalt
Manganese
Selenium
Arsenic
Cadmium
Copper
Mercury
Silver
Barium
Chromium
Lead
Nickel
Vanadium
