Plasma Cutting Eye Protection Requirements

Recommended eye protection for plasma cutting there are a few sources of recommendations that everyone should be aware of.

Plasma cutting eye protection requirements.

Yes plasma arc can burn your eyes. These include osha and ansi. 1 eye protection since the plasma cutting arc produce highly intense flare fumes and rays. It is very important that you wear eye protection gear such as the face welding shield or welding goggle to prevent your eyes from getting burn or damage by these rays.

The combined shade numbers of the lenses in the eyewear and helmet should equal the value shown in the tables below see 29 cfr 1915 153 a 4 and ansi z49 1 2005 safety in welding cutting and allied processes. With the advancement of technology various welding equipment as well as plasma cutters are widely used in the home shops and cutting industries the plasma cutter is not only a useful equipment but can also be a dangerous tool if proper safety precautions aren t taken while working with it. Proper plasma safety requires protecting your eyes face and your exposed skin. You need to shield your eyes and face with proper plasma cutting glasses goggles and or helmet.

Most people use an old welding shield with a 5 lens to protect their eyes during plasma cutting. What kind of eye protection do you need for a plasma cutter. Longevity global inc another manufacturer offers this more specific table for eye protection for plasma arc cutting at lower amperages. Leather gloves an apron and a jacket are also recommended to prevent burns from sparks and hot metal.

The following information comes from the osha fact sheet eye protection against radiant energy during welding and cutting in shipyard employment and also references the ansi numbers. If you only use torch goggles your face and neck will be sunburned after 10 minutes of cutting. It takes a little getting use to the dark shade at first but if you can see at all you ll do ok. 1910 133 a 1 the employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles molten metal liquid chemicals acids or caustic liquids chemical gases or vapors or potentially injurious light radiation.

Plasma cutters give off a very similar arc to welding so it is good practice to wear something like this. If you use only torch goggles or safety glasses you ll get a nice sunburn on your face and neck in as little as 10 minutes of cutting. I wear a 8 shade full face shield plus my clear safety glasses under it. Safety is of utmost priority when performing plasma cutting.

The chart below outlines their recommendations for eye protection when plasma cutting.