Section 1: Safety
Spirit II User’s Manual
This information is subject to the controls of the Export Administration Regulations [EAR]. This information shall not be provided to
non-U.S. persons or transferred by any means to any location outside the United States contrary to the requirements of the EAR.
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Toxic Fume Prevention
Care should be taken to ensure adequate ventilation in the cutting area. Some
materials give off toxic fumes that can be harmful or fatal to people in the vicinity of the
cutting area. Also, some solvents decompose and form harmful gases when exposed
to ultraviolet radiation. These solvents should be removed from the area prior to cutting.
Galvanized metal can produce harmful gases during the cutting process. Ensure proper
ventilation and use breathing equipment when cutting these materials.
Certain metals coated with or containing lead, cadmium, zinc, beryllium, and mercury
produce harmful toxins. Do not cut these metals unless all people subjected to the
fumes wear proper air breathing equipment.
Electric Shock Prevention
The Spirit system uses high open circuit voltages that can be fatal. Extreme care
should be used when operating or performing maintenance on the system. Only
qualified personnel should service the system. Observe the following guidelines to
protect against electric shock:
•
A wall-mounted disconnect switch should be installed and fused according to local
and national electrical codes. The disconnect switch should be located as close as
possible to the power supply so it can be turned off in case of an emergency.
•
The primary power cord should have a 600 volt minimum rating in order to protect
the operator. In addition, it should be sized according to local and national electrical
codes. Inspect the primary power cord frequently. Never operate the system if the
power cord is damaged in any way.
•
Make sure the primary power ground wire is connected to the input power ground
stud on the power supply. Make sure the connection is securely tightened.
•
Make sure the positive output (work ground) of the power supply is connected to a
bare metal area on the cutting table. A driven ground rod should be placed no
further than five feet from this connection. Make sure this ground point on the
cutting table is used as the star ground point for all other ground connections.
•
Inspect the torch leads frequently. Never use the system if the leads are damaged
in any way.
•
Do not stand in wet, damp areas when operating or performing maintenance on the
system.
•
Wear insulated gloves and shoes while operating or performing maintenance on the
system.
•
Make sure the system is switched off at the wall disconnect before servicing the
power supply or torch.