Laser Safety Awareness

Laser Safety Measures to Protect People and Equipment in the Workplace

At Laser Photonics, we prioritize the safety of our customers and their employees.

Laser cleaning technology, while highly effective and environmentally friendly, requires proper understanding and precautions to ensure safe operation. This page provides essential information on laser safety, comparisons with traditional cleaning methods, and resources for using our systems. Whether you’re new to laser cleaning or an experienced operator, these safety guidelines are crucial for maintaining a secure work environment.

Understanding Laser Classifications

Laser systems are classified based on their potential to cause harm, with Class 1 and Class 4 representing opposite ends of the safety spectrum.

Class 1 lasers are considered safe under all conditions of normal use, posing no more risk than ordinary light.

These often include enclosed laser systems like CD players or laser printers.

Class 4 lasers are more hazardous, capable of causing severe eye and skin damage even from reflected beams

They can also pose fire risks and require strict safety protocols. While Class 4 lasers are powerful tools for industrial applications like cutting and welding, they demand rigorous safety measures to protect operators.

Why Laser Cleaning Technologies Instead Of Abrasive Blasting?

Sandblasting or Traditional Methods

Abrasive blasting can be good for cleaning some surfaces, but it is also dangerous for workers. Breathing in tiny abrasive particles can harm their lungs and lead to serious illnesses like silicosis. The loud blasting noise can lead to hearing loss over time and flying bits of material can cause potential injury to the eyes and skin.

OSHA and EPA Unfriendly
High-Security demands
Difficulty containing hazardous dispersed materials
Special training required
More likely to damage base material
Inability to target specified areas
Large investment into safety precautions
Immobile Process
Difficulty in finding personnel to operate
Costly to maintain
Arising compliance and regulation issues

Laser Cleaning Method

Laser cleaning is a safe and eco-friendly way to remove rust, corrosion and unwanted coatings from surfaces. Laser cleaning systems use focused light instead of harsh chemicals or rough materials, improving safety for workers and the environment. There’s no worry about breathing in harmful abrasives or coming in to contact with dangerous chemicals.

Eco-Friendly
Extremely precise and accurate
Non-toxic, non-abrasive
Minimize contaminated surfaces
Decrease health and safety risks
Improve component marking and tracking
OSHA and EPA friendly
Decontamination and Decommissioning
Easy Cleanup and Maintenance-Free
Quick Implementation
Increased Protection for Workers

About Our Systems

Laser machines for cleaning, cutting, engraving, and marking have interlocked access panels on both sides. An optional Class IV 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 IV, 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 IV laser system.

The optional Class IV Conversion Module includes important safety measures to protect operators during high-power laser cleaning.

These features help ensure safe use while keeping operations efficient. Key safety enhancements include:

In addition to a properly installed exterior exhaust connected to the laser system equipped with the Class IV 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 IV Conversion Module is installed.

THESE SAFETY MEASURES ARE MANDATORY FOR OPERATION OF CLASS IV LASER SYSTEMS UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW IN THE UNITED STATES AS WELL AS UNDER THE LAWS OF MOST FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

Key Safety Requirements for Class IV Lasers in Manufacturing

Laser cleaning systems, particularly Class IV lasers, are subject to strict safety standards and regulations to ensure operator safety and proper use. Understanding and adhering to these guidelines is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment and complying with industry requirements. Below are key safety requirements for Class IV lasers in manufacturing:

1. Laser Safety Officer

A designated Laser Safety Officer (LSO) must be assigned in any facility operating a Class IV 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 IV laser system will be responsible for the creation of a controlled area in which the Class IV laser system will be operated. A controlled area is designed to fully contain the laser radiation that can potentially escape from a Class IV 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 IV 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 IV laser system.

4. Protective Equipment

The Owner of a Class IV 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 IV 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 IV 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 IV 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 IV 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.

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.

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 IV 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 IV 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 IV 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 IV laser system, the optional Class IV laser conversion module must not be used. For more info on laser safety awareness please visit www.lia.org.