Foam Cutter Safety
The following ideas will help you design a system that is safe.
FOAM CUTTING SAFETY CONCERNS
TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK
1. Have safe habits in handling power.
2. Always use a GFI outlet.
3. Have a warning light to tell you if the power is on.
4. Have easy access switches to turn the power on and off.
5. Use a low voltage power supply.
6. Put the GFI, dimmer, and outlet in a receptacle box with a cover plate and silicone the transformer connection points so you have no exposed high- or low-voltage contact points.
Have your hot cutting wire electrically insulated from the bow so you have less chance of making accidental contact.
Check your work area and remove or cover all grounded tools or equipment that could ground you and complete an electrical circuit through your body.
If your wire breaks do not touch it until the power supply is off and unplugged from the wall because both ends of the wire will still have power!!!
Have everyone else move back because they haven't read these instructions.
TO PREVENT BURNS
Do not touch anything that is hot.
Have a warning light so you know when the foam cutter is on and the wire is hot.
Have adequate working space around the foam cutter.
Watch out for the hot plastic drips that can occur on the wire when cutting
Wear protective gear such as welding gloves if your hands are close to the wire.
Move flammable paper, plastic, cloth and liquids from cutting area.
Slow down and think about what you are doing and what you are about to touch
TO PREVENT INHALATION INJURIES
Only cut in well ventilated areas.
Do not breathe the toxic smoke off the foam cutter.
Use a fan to bring a supply of fresh air around the cutter and/or an exhaust fan to blow the toxic smoke away. I use both.
