SC-6  Safety and Compliance
Safety
A PLASMA ARC CAN CAUSE INJURY AND BURNS
Instant-on torches
• A plasma arc ignites immediately when the torch switch is activated.
The plasma arc will cut quickly through gloves and skin.
• Keep away from the torch tip.
• Do not hold metal near the cutting path.
• Never point the torch toward yourself or others.
ARC RAYS CAN BURN EYES AND SKIN
Eye protection  Plasma arc rays produce intense visible and 
invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) rays that can burn eyes and skin.
• Use eye protection in accordance with applicable national and local 
regulations.
• Wear eye protection (safety glasses or goggles with side shields, 
and a welding helmet) with appropriate lens shading to protect your 
eyes from the arc’s ultraviolet and infrared rays.
Skin protection  Wear protective clothing to protect against burns 
caused by ultraviolet light, sparks, and hot metal.
• Wear gauntlet gloves, safety shoes, and hat.
• Wear flame-retardant clothing to cover all exposed areas.
• Wear cuffless trousers to prevent entry of sparks and slag.
Also, remove any combustibles, such as a butane lighter or matches, 
from your pockets before cutting.
Cutting area  Prepare the cutting area to reduce reflection and 
transmission of ultraviolet light:
• Paint walls and other surfaces with dark colors to reduce reflection.
• Use protective screens or barriers to protect others from flash 
andglare.
• Warn others not to watch the arc. Use placards or signs.
Arc current
Minimum protective shade 
number
(ANSIZ49.1:2012)
Suggested shade 
number for comfort
(ANSI Z49.1:2012)
OSHA 29CFR
1910.133(a)(5)
Europe
EN168:2002
Less than 40 A 5 5 8 9
41 A to 60 A 6 6 8 9
61 A to 80 A 8 8 8 9
81 A to 125 A 8 9 8 9
126 A to 150 A 8 9 8 10
151 A to 175 A 8 9 8 11
176 A to 250 A 8 9 8 12
251 A to 300 A 8 9 8 13
301 A to 400 A 9 12 9 13
401 A to 800 A 10 14 10 N/A
PACEMAKER AND HEARING AID OPERATION
Pacemaker and hearing aid operation can be affected by magnetic 
fields from high currents.
Pacemaker and hearing aid wearers should consult a doctor before 
going near any plasma arc cutting and gouging operations.
To reduce magnetic field hazards:
• Keep both the work lead and the torch lead to one side, away from 
your body.
• Route the torch leads as close as possible to the work lead.
• Do not wrap or drape the torch lead or work lead around your body.
• Keep as far away from the power supply as possible.