Job Safety Analysis: Plasma Cutting

Print
Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect work area and equipment Fire hazards, damaged cables, poor ventilation Remove combustibles, inspect power cords and torch leads, ensure proper ventilation or exhaust
Set up plasma cutter and power source Electric shock, incorrect settings, damaged hoses or leads Verify grounding, check hoses and cables for wear, set amperage and air pressure according to manufacturer instructions
Prepare materials and secure work Sharp edges, dropped materials, unstable work surfaces Wear gloves, clamp or secure materials, maintain stable work table
Don PPE and position shields or screens Eye injury, UV exposure, burns to bystanders Use proper shade goggles or face shield, wear flame resistant clothing, place screens to protect others
Initiate arc and begin cutting Sparks, molten metal, hot slag, fumes, fire Maintain proper distance, direct sparks away from combustibles, use local exhaust or ventilation, keep fire extinguisher handy
Maintain cutting speed and adjust technique Burns, accidental contact with torch, arc flash Keep hands clear of nozzle, make adjustments only when not actively cutting
Handle freshly cut material Burns, dropped items, sharp edges Allow cooling time, use pliers or gloves rated for heat, mark hot materials
Shut down equipment Electric shock, pressure hazards Turn off power, shut off air supply, allow torch to cool, coil cords and leads properly
Clean work area Fire hazards, leftover slag or debris, trip hazards Remove metal scraps and slag, check for smoldering materials, store equipment properly

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Safety glasses with side shields

  • Cutting goggles or face shield with proper shade

  • Flame resistant clothing

  • Welding or cutting gloves

  • Steel toe boots

  • Hearing protection

  • Respirator when cutting coated, painted, or galvanized metals

  • High visibility vest when working around vehicles or equipment

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: General Maintenance and Shop Operations

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.

Job Safety Analysis
Department: __________________________________
Job/Task:   Plasma Cutting
Location: __________________________________
Date: ____ /____ /____
Supervisor: __________________________________
Crew: __________________________________
Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect work area and equipment Fire hazards, damaged cables, poor ventilation Remove combustibles, inspect power cords and torch leads, ensure proper ventilation or exhaust
Set up plasma cutter and power source Electric shock, incorrect settings, damaged hoses or leads Verify grounding, check hoses and cables for wear, set amperage and air pressure according to manufacturer instructions
Prepare materials and secure work Sharp edges, dropped materials, unstable work surfaces Wear gloves, clamp or secure materials, maintain stable work table
Don PPE and position shields or screens Eye injury, UV exposure, burns to bystanders Use proper shade goggles or face shield, wear flame resistant clothing, place screens to protect others
Initiate arc and begin cutting Sparks, molten metal, hot slag, fumes, fire Maintain proper distance, direct sparks away from combustibles, use local exhaust or ventilation, keep fire extinguisher handy
Maintain cutting speed and adjust technique Burns, accidental contact with torch, arc flash Keep hands clear of nozzle, make adjustments only when not actively cutting
Handle freshly cut material Burns, dropped items, sharp edges Allow cooling time, use pliers or gloves rated for heat, mark hot materials
Shut down equipment Electric shock, pressure hazards Turn off power, shut off air supply, allow torch to cool, coil cords and leads properly
Clean work area Fire hazards, leftover slag or debris, trip hazards Remove metal scraps and slag, check for smoldering materials, store equipment properly
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment


Supervisor signature: __________________________________
Employee initials: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________