Injury & Illness Prevention Program

Job Safety Analysis Form

501 Westwood Plaza, 4th Floor • Los Angeles, CA 90095
Phone: 310-825-5689 • Fax: 310-825-7076 • www.ehs.ucla.edu

Picture of task/equipment: Task:

OPERATING A PLASMA ARC
CUTTER
Name of Shop
or Dept:
Job Title(s):
Analyzed by:
Date:
Required PPE:
1. Leather Gloves
2. Respirator (if necessary)
3. Face Shield or Safety Goggles with side shields
4. Flame resistant clothing.
5. Flame resistant Ear Plugs
Required/Recommended Trainings:
Follow standard safety instructions for use of all tools.
TASK HAZARDS CONTROLS
1. Prepare for Use Fires/Explosions Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Remove all flammables or combustibles within 35 feet of the cutting arc.
Do not locate unit on or over combustible surfaces.
Protect compressed gas cylinders from excessive heat, flames, sparks, or arcs.
Secure cylinders in an upright position.
Keep cylinders away from any cutting or other electrical circuits.
Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulating mats or covers.
Properly install and ground the equipment.
Electric Shock Inspect and replace any worn or damaged torch cable leads and other parts.
Do not use equipment if you use a pacemaker.
Inhalation Ventilate the area or use exhaust at the arc to remove the fumes and gases.
2. Use Fires/Explosions Wear oil-free protective garments.
Do not cut where flying sparks can strike flammable material.
Do not cut on or through closed containers with potentially flammable material.
Prevent cutting current from traveling long, unknown paths.
Do not cut pressurized cylinders, pipes, or vessels.
Never allow electrical contact between a plasma torch and a cylinder.
Turn face away from valve outlet when opening cylinder valve.
Wear dry, hole-free insulating gloves and body protection.
Do not touch live electrical parts.
Electric Shock Do not touch torch parts if in contact with the work or ground.
Do not wrap torch cable around your body.
Keep away from torch tip and pilot arc when trigger is pressed.
Wear approved face shield or safety goggles with side shields.
Wear proper body protection to protect skin.
Bodily Injury Wear flame-resistant ear plugs to prevent hearing loss.
Wear a respirator, if necessary.
Keep your head out and do not breathe the fumes.
Inhalation Do not cut in locations where chemical vapors can react with the arcs/heat
creating toxic gases.
Do not cut on coated metals.
Do not cut on containers with toxic or reactive materials inside.
Wear face protection, protective barriers, and protective non-flammable
clothing to protect against arc rays.
 Burns Keep away from the torch tip.
Do not grip material near the cutting path.
3. After Use Electric Shock Turn off power before installing or servicing this equipment, or when not in use.
Turn off power source and disconnect input power before dissembling torch.
Burns Do not touch hot parts after use.
Allow cooling period before working on torch.