Danger of Laser radiation
PROTECT YOUR EYES !!!
Lasers used for welding applications radiate in the infrared spectra, which are not visible to the human eye. The intensive fiber laser light radiate in the visible spectrum but invisible for humans, is especially dangerous to the eye. Fibre laser radiation penetrate through to the retina which can be destroyed irrevocably by relatively little radiation.
Misdirected laser radiation can come directly from the laser and threaten the eyes as a result of a faulty parameter setting, an opened cover, a displaced mirror etc. Other hazards include skin burn or inflammation from combustible materials as a result of misdirected laserradiation. The greatest hazard, however, usually stems from reflected laser radiation: the major share of the laser radiation is reflected by cold material first. To this we can add reflections of work piece edges, as a result of turbulence in the weld pool etc.
Misdirected radiation and reflections must be blocked off. That is why the law stipulates that the laser beam and the work zone must be in an enclosure. Beyond that, all those present, and the machine operators in particular, should wear protective goggles that are appropriate for the laser radiation being used. Fibre laser radiation are very dangerous to the eye and require special protective measures and approved safety goggles.
LASER WELDING SAFETY – WE TAKE IT VERY SERIOUS !!!
You too have to take it VERY serious !!!
Never forget your and your colleagues personal safety at laser works.
How to Choose Laser Safety Products for Industrial Use?
The Key Is Not "Certified" It's "Truly Protective"!
As the laser industry continues to grow rapidly, a lack of understanding of laser safety standards has led dangerous misconceptions-such blindly pursuing to as "CE certified" marked products or simply choosing the "lowest price". These practices pose serious safety risks to end-users and the entire industry.
Some manufacturers claim their laser protection products are "CE certified" based on EN12254 test reports. However, EN12254 is not necessarily applicable to high-power industrial laser. EN12254 was developed by CEN/TC85, Eye Protection (secretariat: AFNOR, France) and is a device standard. It's important to verify whether the issuing body is actually qualified to certify devices under this category.
1. Power Threshold Limitations:
EN12254 clearly states that it applies only to low-power lasers with average power < 100W, or single pulse energy < 30J. This means EN12254 has power threshold limitations and is not suitable for high-power applications such as laser welding, cleaning, cutting, or cladding, where lasers typically range from several hundred to several thousand watts.
DIN EN 12254:2012-04 EN 12254:2010-AC 2011 (E) : This European Standard specifies functional requirements and a product labelling applicable to temporary and permanent passive guards (in the following called screens) for protection against laser radiation. This standard includes test methods for testing functional performance and the specification of the user documentation to be supplied with the product.
The screens are designed to protect the user from
- unintentional exposure to direct and/or diffuse laser radiation
- a time-Iimited exposure to laser radiation, based on the functional requirements determined by risk assessment
This European Standard gives guidance on how to select such screens, curtains or walls.
Even if a high energy density is applied to a 1mm spot, the total energy might be low and not cause damage. Conversely, a lower energy density over a large area or long exposure can cause significant harm.
Laser protection should be evaluated based on EN 60825-4, using the expected FEL (Feasible Emission Limit) and ensuring the PEL (Protective Exposure Limit) of the protection product exceeds it.
Each use case requires a specific safety assessmen
Laser radiation of infrared fibre lasers, Yag Lasers, Disk lasers and diode lasers can cause serious and lasting damage to the human eye and skin.
But simple precautions and our inherent safety design make this a safe solution that meets the requirements of globally active customers and their safety organizations.
Lasermach PhotonWeld©Pro Series laser welders and PhotonClean Trident Series are a Class 4 laser system, requiring:
Personal protection (laser safety eye-wear)
Safety curtains or safety walls to block operating area from unprotected by-passers
Safety signing
Laser safety officer (1 day training)
Lasermach PhotonSafe© Protection Series offers superior laser safety:
CE marking and a true CE design based on an in-depth risk analysis following Machinery Directive EC2006/42/EG and the only valid European Laser safety norm for laser welding equipment: EN 60825-1; 60825-4 - Safety of laser products. .
Components with safety performance level D, including Safety PLC instead of custom control board
Interface for connection of external safety devices (E-Stop, interlock and laser warning light)
Protection and safety at laser Welding - Protection and safety at laser Cleaning
Our Range of protection equipment for Laser Welding and Laser Cleaning radiation
Laser Protection Curtains
Laser Welding Curtains - Flexible laser barriers
Laser Protection Walls/shields
Laser Welding Shields/walls - Hard Laser Safety Barrier
Laser Protection Cabins
Laser safety rooms - Laser welding enclosures
Laser Protection Windows
Laser Welding Windows - Laser Welding protection Windows
Laser protection film for windows
Laser Window Foil/film
High Transparent film for protection against scattered radiation, especially from NIR and IR lasers + UV
Laser safety glasses, goggles - Laser protection for the eyes
Laser Welding protection Glasses and -Goggles
Laser safety helmets / faceshields - Laser protection for the eyes
Laser Welding protection faceshields - Laser Safety Face Shields
Laser Protection Clothing
Laser Protection Gloves
Laser Protection Signing
Laser Protection Signage
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
POTENTIAL HAZARDS of Laser Welding
Laser safety: Laser protection class 4 applies to all our manual laser welding equipment when in operation.
Different measures are therefore required on the customer side to ensure laser safety, such as:
- the appropriate training of employees,
- wearing special Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- setting up a separate laser safety area
Laser safety curtains and barriers are designed primarily to prevent accidental emissions and stray light. They are not intended to be targets for laser beams. In practical applications, lasers are directed at the products being processed, not at the safety equipment itself. In essence, while our laser safety products provide significant protection, their purpose is to enhance safety by managing potential hazards rather than directly withstanding high-energy laser exposures. It's vital to use them as part of a comprehensive safety strategy in any laser application environment. If you have any further questions or need more information about our products, feel free to reach out!
Laser welding safety:
Laser protection class 4 applies to our PhotonWeld-Series manual laser welding equipment when in operation.
Various measures are therefore required on the customer side to ensure laser safety,
such as training employees accordingly, wearing special protective equipment and setting up a separate laser safety area.
REMINDER:
Only operators with the proper safety training and PPE should be allowed inside the Laser Controlled Area.
