LASER SAFETY

Laser Safety

At CNC TECH, we offer a unique line of fiber lasers to various end users. As a responsible supplier, we aim to provide essential information about laser safety for both our existing and potential customers. In addition to the information below, we have included links to additional sources for your reference.

When working with lasers or amplified light sources, it is important to understand that they produce light that is not found in nature. A high-intensity light source is input into a laser cavity, resulting in laser emission or light output. However, laser/amplified light is different from sunlight or traditional light bulbs and possesses unique properties that may pose hazards during operation or service.

One significant hazard is the highly intense monochromatic light produced by lasers/amplified light sources, which can be visible or invisible to the human eye. Additionally, laser/amplified light is coherent, meaning that all of the waves are in phase with each other. This coherence makes laser/amplified light much more dangerous than non-coherent light of the same wavelength and intensity.

Furthermore, collimated beams or beams that do not rapidly diverge as they exit the device aperture may pose risks, even at long distances from the aperture. It is important to keep these hazards in mind when working with lasers/amplified light sources.

Laser Safety

LASER SAFETY

HAZARD

When it comes to laser hazards, the primary area of concern is usually the eyes. However, the information below covers not only eye hazards but also other potential hazards associated with laser products.

Different types of lasers operate at various wavelengths, including Ytterbium, Raman, Erbium, and Thulium lasers, which operate at 1060nm, 1400nm, 1550nm, and 2000nm, respectively.

Laser Safety

EYE HAZARDS

Laser exposure can cause ocular damage, which varies depending on the wavelength and output power. Visible and near-infrared beams can penetrate the eye and cause irreversible damage to the retina, optic nerve, and central portions of the eye. Wavelengths above 1400nm can also pose a significant threat to retinal and optic nerve damage.

Invisible beams of other wavelengths can cause damage to the outer sections of the eye, with UV radiation causing corneal and lens damage, middle-infrared radiation having the potential to cause cataracts, and far-infrared radiation being capable of damaging the cornea’s outer surface.

Secondary beams, which are specular reflections of the primary beam from various surfaces, may be present at various angles and can cause eye damage. Although less powerful than the total power emitted from the laser, the intensity of secondary beams may still be enough to cause harm, and therefore should be taken into account when installing laser systems.

ADDITIONAL HAZARDS

Laser systems can also cause burns to the skin, with the severity varying depending on wavelength and power. Some laser systems are components of heavy equipment and require careful operation to prevent harm to the operator and others in the area.

Certain lasers can generate enough power to burn clothing, paper, or ignite flammable substances, and users must exercise caution when using such systems. In high-power laser applications, hot or molten pieces of metal may also be present, requiring care when handling debris.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Laser products use high voltages (both AC and DC), and all electrical cables and connections should be treated as potentially harmful. All parts of the electrical cable, connector, or device housing should be considered dangerous.

LASER SAFETY

When it comes to laser systems, safety is of utmost importance. In addition to general safety guidelines, it’s important to understand laser system classification. Laser systems are categorized based on the wavelength and output power that the user may be exposed to during operation. This classification system helps determine the potential hazards associated with the laser system.
Laser classes range from Class 1 to Class 4, with higher numbers indicating a greater potential hazard. Laser classifications are typically identified on the system itself, with Roman numerals used to indicate the class number. The system’s label includes warnings and information about the wavelength, total output power, and laser classification.

Class 1 lasers are considered intrinsically safe and do not pose any potential health hazards during normal operation.

Class 2 lasers are low power, visible lasers that pose a potential hazard if viewed directly for an extended period. A caution label is required for Class 2 lasers.

Class 3a lasers also require a caution label and may require a danger label in some cases. While the light aversion reflex should protect the user if only viewed momentarily, a hazard may be present if viewed with collecting optics, such as during an optical alignment process.

Class 3b lasers can produce a hazard if viewed directly or through secondary beams. Although the risk of fire or skin hazards is low, laser safety eyewear is recommended while using these lasers.

Class 4 lasers present hazards to both the eye and skin, and potential hazards can be present from direct, secondary, and diffuse reflections. A danger label is affixed to all Class 4 laser systems.

Class 4 lasers can also damage materials in or around the laser area and ignite flammable substances. Laser safety eyewear is required while using these lasers.

Laser Safety

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING A LASER

The subsequent inventory outlines key factors that should be taken into account by laser users or those considering the use of laser systems.

Prior to using the product, it is essential to read and comprehend the User’s Guide, as well as familiarize oneself with the operating and maintenance instructions provided. If there are any ambiguities or uncertainties, contacting the manufacturer should not be delayed.

All individuals present in the vicinity must wear appropriate laser safety eyewear before laser emission is initiated, including those who are not directly involved in operating the laser system.

When the power is on, one should never look directly into the laser output port. The laser and all optical components employed with it should be set up away from eye level.

Fibers or collimators should not be installed or terminated while the laser is active. When working with the output, such as mounting the fiber or collimator into a fixture, the laser should always be switched off. If necessary, the output should be aligned at low output power before gradually increasing the output power.

The interaction between the laser and the material being processed can generate high-intensity UV and visible radiation. As a result, laser enclosures should be in place to prevent eye damage from visible radiation.

To avoid additional safety hazards posed by gases, sparks, and debris generated from laser interaction with the work surface, ensure that the work surface is properly vented.

The laser should be used in a room with access controlled by door interlocks, warning signs should be posted, and access to the area should be limited to individuals who are trained in laser safety while operating the laser.

It is best to avoid using the laser in a darkened environment. Enabling the laser without a coupling fiber or equivalent attached to the optical output connector should also be avoided.

The operator of the laser bears the responsibility of notifying others about laser usage and controlling the laser area.

PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR

Laser safety eyewear has two important pieces of information labeled on them: the optical density and the wavelength coverage range. When selecting laser safety eyewear, the optical density (OD) is a critical parameter to consider. The formula for calculating optical density is shown as: Optical Density = -1 (Light Transmission), where Tl is the light transmission. Using this formula, it can be observed that for every increase in OD, there is a 10-fold increase in protection (resulting in 10-fold decrease in laser transmission). Therefore, it is recommended that end-users of laser systems review their specific application to determine the appropriate eyewear requirements. It is also crucial to understand the potential hazards that may arise from the end use application.

CNC TECH advises laser users to investigate and comply with any local, state, federal, or governmental requirements related to the installation or use of lasers or laser systems. Additionally, facility or building requirements may also apply and should be taken into consideration.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information regarding Laser Safety please refer to the list below, which contains some available information:

Laser Institute of America (LIA)

13501 Ingenuity Drive, Suite 128
Orlando, Florida 32826

Phone: 407.380.1553, Fax:407.380.5588
Toll Free: 1.800.34.LASER

http://www.laserinstitute.org/

American National Standards Institute

ANSI Z136.1 – 2000, American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (Available through LIA)

International Electro-technical Commission

IEC 60825-1, Edition 1.2, 2001-08

Safety of laser products –

Part 1: Equipment classification, requirements and user’s guide.

(Available through LIA)

Laser Safety Equipment

Laurin Publishing

Laser safety equipment and Buyer’s Guides

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