Safety Awareness
Laser Safety For Class 4 Conversion Module
EXPOSURE TO THE LASER MATERIAL PROCESSING BEAM CAN RESULT IN BURNS TO THE SKIN AND CAN CAUSE SEVERE EYE DAMAGE.
Proper use and care of this system are essential to safe operation. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous laser radiation.
WHEN USING THE OPTIONAL CLASS 4 CONVERSION MODULE, PROPER EYEWEAR MUST BE USED AT ALL TIMES WHEN THE BEAM INDICATOR IS ILLUMINATED ON THE CLASS 4 CONTROL PANEL.
Eyewear must be properly-certified for use with and protection from all material processing laser wavelengths in use (10.6 microns, 9.3 microns and 1.06 microns) and must be at least optical density 5+. If unsure of proper eyewear requirements, do not operate the laser system with Class 4 Conversion Module installed and consult your certified Laser Safety Officer or contact LASER PHOTONICS CORPORATION Factory Support Team at [email protected].
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Laser machines for cleaning, cutting, engraving, and marking have interlocked access panels on both sides. An optional Class 4 Conversion Module is available, allowing operation with open side panels, bypassing safety interlocks. This device changes the laser system’s safety classification from Class 1 to Class 4, posing potential hazards due to infrared laser radiation exposure. The system housing won’t fully contain the radiation or potential flames and by-products, risking damage or ignition of nearby flammable materials. Compliance with mandatory safety measures, as outlined by national and international laws, is essential when using a Class 4 laser system.
The manufacturer incorporates specific safety measures into the optional Class 4 Conversion Module:
- Remote Interlock Connection – A means of remotely connecting to the interlock circuit of the laser system allowing the connection of remote switches for deactivating the laser. This feature can be used to connect an interlock switch to the doors of the designated room in which the laser system will be operated so that the laser is automatically deactivated when the doors are open.
- Key Control – A removable key that prevents unauthorized operation of the laser.
- Laser Radiation Emission Warning Device – A visible warning light that indicates when the laser is capable of emitting laser radiation.
- Attenuator – A mechanical device to block the emission of laser radiation. This device takes the form of a shutter which is manually operated.
- Class 4 Warning Label – A Class 4 warning label to indicate the laser system is classified as Class 4.
In addition to a properly-installed exterior exhaust connected to the laser system equipped with the Class 4 Conversion Module, the laser system must be operated only in a continuously well-ventilated area. Certain operational safety measures are the responsibility of the laser system Owner when the optional Class 4 Conversion Module is installed.
THESE SAFETY MEASURES ARE MANDATORY FOR OPERATION OF CLASS 4 LASER SYSTEMS UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW IN THE UNITED STATES AS WELL AS UNDER THE LAWS OF MOST FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
Many of these safety measures are outlined in ANSI Standard Z136.1 American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers or in equivalent standards available in most foreign countries, such as the European Standard EN 60825-1. Other safety measures may be required by state and/or local authorities, for example, the Regulation BGV B2 on laser beams of the German Employer’s Liability Insurance Association, and it is the responsibility of the Owner to understand and adhere to these laws.
A brief synopsis of the most common safety requirements addressed to Owners of a Class 4 laser system is outlined below:
1.
Laser Safety Officer
A designated Laser Safety Officer (LSO) must be assigned in any facility operating a Class 4 laser system. The LSO assumes authority for monitoring and enforcing laser hazard control. Proper training in laser safety is essential, and various avenues, such as the Laser Institute of America (https://www.lia.org/), European Employer’s Insurance Liability Associations, or local laser safety associations, offer recognized training sources to meet these requirements.
2.
Controlled Area
The Owner of a Class 4 laser system will be responsible for the creation of a controlled area in which the Class 4 laser system will be operated. A controlled area is designed to fully contain the laser radiation that can potentially escape from a Class 4 laser system, with measures in place to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the area, including lighted warning signs outside the designated and controlled area and interlocks on entryways.
3.
Training
The LSO will be responsible for designating and training all personnel authorized to operate, maintain, or service a Class 4 laser system. It will also be the responsibility of the LSO to take measures to inform and restrict all unauthorized personnel from access to a Class 4 laser system.
4.
Protective Equipment
The Owner of a Class 4 laser system will be responsible for identifying and providing to all authorized personnel any protective equipment such as specially-designed eyewear, protective equipment, and clothing needed when operating, maintaining, or servicing a Class 4 laser system. Furthermore, the Owner will ensure that no juveniles operate the laser. If the laser is in use, the user will also ensure that mirrors, lenses, and other reflecting materials are fixed and are only moved in a controlled manner.
5.
Regular Audit
The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) is tasked with routinely auditing safety protocols. This involves regularly retraining authorized personnel, serializing and inspecting (and replacing as needed) special eyewear and clothing, and consistently checking all safety measures within the designated area where a Class 4 laser system is in operation. The LSO may need to maintain records as evidence of compliance
6.
Regular Medical Surveillance
The LSO will be responsible for regular medical surveillance of all authorized personnel operating a Class 4 laser system. For example, this includes but is not limited to, mandatory annual eye exams.
7.
Class 4 Lasers systems are not to be used at events
The usage of Class 4 laser systems is strictly prohibited at trade shows or exhibitions due to the heightened safety risks associated with these powerful laser devices. The potential for accidental exposure to high-intensity laser radiation poses a significant threat to the safety of individuals attending such events.
8.
Avoid prolonged exposure to reflected Laser Beam
Prolonged exposure to reflected light from a high power IR (1064nm) laser can cause skin burn. Some individuals are photosensitive or maybe taking prescription drugs that can induce increased photo-sensitivity. It is recommended to use appropriate face, arm, and hand covering to minimize skin exposure.
This list is not all-inclusive. Other mandatory safety measures may be applicable and will vary from state-to-state and country-to-country. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLASS 4 SYSTEM OWNER AND THE OWNER OF THE FACILITY IN WHICH IT WILL BE OPERATED TO IDENTIFY AND COMPLY WITH ALL PERTINENT REGULATIONS. In some states, for example, anyone wishing to operate a Class 4 laser system must register with the state radiation regulatory agency, pay annual fees, and submit to annual inspections. There may be penalties involved in non-compliance. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also adopted rules for the safe use of lasers in the workplace. The LSO must comply with all Rules and Regulations set by law. To reiterate, the safety measures relating to the operation of a Class 4 laser system are mandatory under Federal and State law in the United States as well as in most foreign countries. If an operator/owner is unable or unwilling to comply with all safety measures required for the safe operation of a Class 4 laser system, the optional Class 4 laser conversion module must not be used. For more info on laser safety awareness please visit www.lia.org.
Crystalline Silica Rule History
In approaching the end of 2019, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released its long-term regulatory agenda, setting forth the Agency’s schedule for the next 12 months.
Of the topics slated for the year is the release of OSHA’s proposed rule on Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica, slated to take place in June 2020.
Silica is one of Earth’s most common minerals, found in stone, rock, brick, mortar, and block. Exposure to airborne silica dust occurs in operations involving cutting, sawing, drilling, and crushing of concrete, brick, block and other stone products and in operations using sand products, such as glass manufacturing, foundries, and abrasive blasting.