While industrial laser marking is one of the safest methods available, it still comes with dangers to the operators and workers if they do not follow certain rules. Learn the essentialsafety guidelines for industrial laser markingto prevent injuries and accidents at work below.
Only Allow Trained Operators
Only those trained and educated in working with the laser marking system should use them. While laser marking machines are safe and simple to use in the right hands, they can be a danger to workers and the workplace in untrained hands.
No worker should be put on a laser marking system before they’ve been extensively trained in the dangers and uses of the system. If you only have a limited number of trained operators, consider training more staff in case one worker is injured or unable to work.
Always Wear Personal Protective Equipment
It’s also crucial that operators of the laser marking systems and those working nearby have sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep themselves safe. The most common injuries associated with laser marking are eye and skin injuries from exposure, but such injuries are still rare.
Operators should protect their eyes with durable protective eyewear and wear them any time they operate the machine. Workers should also have flame-resistant clothing to protect their skin from burns and the fire hazards presented by the laser.
Install Warning Signs and Labels
Anothersafety guideline for industrial laser markingis to always adequately label the system with the dangers the system poses. Any worker approaching the area or passing through should be warned of present dangers via a hazard sign of the system nearby.
Workplaces should post a danger sign about the risks invisible laser light poses to one’s eyes, a sign enumerating potential harm to the human body, and a warning note that everyone in the vicinity of the system should use PPE eyewear when using or servicing the laser.
Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
Maintenance is just as important to the worker and laser safety as it is to the productivity and longevity of the system. When a laser marking system is well-serviced and maintained, it’ll work better and more accurately and, therefore, be safer.
Ensure that every laser marking system has a detailed maintenance log and calendar that shows how often it should be serviced to keep up with the schedule.
Where To Find Laser Marking Systems
If your workplace could benefit from alaser marking machine, Tri-Star Technologies can help! Find various types of laser marking systems in our inventory for your workplace, or contact our helpful staff if you have questions about which system would be best for your application.
FAQs
CAUTION: When using UV laser equipment, full protective equipment must be worn, including protective eyewear and clothing. In addition, you should ensure that the operating area is clean and free of any combustible materials, and that you follow strict safety procedures.
What are the safety requirements for laser marking? ›
CAUTION: When using UV laser equipment, full protective equipment must be worn, including protective eyewear and clothing. In addition, you should ensure that the operating area is clean and free of any combustible materials, and that you follow strict safety procedures.
What are the safety protocols for laser safety? ›
Never intentionally look directly into the beam of a laser. Do not stare at the light from any laser. Allow yourself to blink if the light is too bright. Do not view a Class 3R or higher powered laser with optical instrumentation.
What are the precautions for laser engraving? ›
Put on the required PPE: Safety glasses to protect eyes from particles and debris, and heat- resistant gloves to protect skin from burns. Always supervise the laser cutting or engraving process in case combustible materials ignite.
What is the ISO standard for laser marking? ›
ISO 11252:2004 specifies the minimum documentation and information for marking and labelling, to be provided with laser devices (including laser diodes). The documentation is presented on two levels: as a technical data sheet and as an instruction manual.
Does OSHA require a laser safety officer? ›
The recognized industry standard for the safe use of lasers, American National Standard for Laser Safety [ANSI Z136. 1-2007], requires a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) when workers use Class IIIB or Class IV lasers – unless the lasers are enclosed in a Class I enclosure so they don't expose workers to damaging radiation.
What are the hazards of laser marking? ›
The most common injuries associated with laser marking are eye and skin injuries from exposure, but such injuries are still rare. Operators should protect their eyes with durable protective eyewear and wear them any time they operate the machine.
What is the biggest safety issue with lasers? ›
Improperly used laser devices are potentially dangerous. Effects can range from mild skin burns to irreversible injury to the skin and eye. The biological damage caused by lasers is produced through thermal, acoustical and photochemical processes.
Which safety regulation relates to laser safety? ›
In fact, some applications may be so well engineered that users are not even aware that the equipment contains a laser. The principal legislation that applies to laser safety is the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation (AOR) Regulations 2010.
What is the American national standard for safe use of lasers? ›
ANSI Z136. 1-2022: American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers sets recommended guidelines for the safe use of lasers that operate at wavelengths between 180 nm and 1000 μm. The standard specifies both the environment in which the laser is being used and any environment around the path of the beam.
High upfront costs for the hardware (approximately 85-120 K). The contrast of the marked information varies and can only be reliably captured with high-quality camera systems that not every customer possesses.
What safety measures must be implemented when a laser is in use? ›
Laser safety control measures include administrative controls, such as procedures, training, warning signs, and personal protection, and engineering controls, which may include protective housing, interlocks, beam stops, barriers, and curtains.
Should you wear a mask when laser engraving? ›
I would mask for the engraving. Cleaning smoke and char residue afterward is not always successful. If you do laser cuts and care about how the back side of the board looks I would mask there too.
What is the basic of laser marking? ›
To create a lasting mark, laser marking systems generate focused beams of light that contain high levels of energy. When a laser beam hits a surface, its energy is transferred in the form of heat, creating black, white, and sometimes colored marks.
What is the tolerance of a laser marking? ›
Part Marking Tolerances
| Part Marking Process | Tolerance |
|---|
| Laser Marking | ± 0.020" | 0.508mm |
| Engrave and Fill | ± 0.020" | 0.508mm |
| Dot Peening positional | ± 0.125" | 3.18mm |
| Rubber stamp | ± 0.25" | 6.35mm |
1 more rowThe objectives of this part of IEC 60825 are the following: - to introduce a system of classification of lasers and laser products according to their degree of optical radiation hazard in order to aid hazard evaluation and to aid the determination of user control measures; - to establish requirements for the ...
What are the safety rules for laser pointers? ›
Many pointers that do not have warning labels have not had a hazard analysis performed and may be more powerful than expected. Never stare into the beam of a laser. Always point the laser away from an audience and keep your finger away from the power button when facing people. Avoid shining laser at shiny objects.
What is required on laser label? ›
All laser equipment requires three types of radiation hazard labels: warning label (hazard symbol) explanatory label (a written description of the hazard, which may include directions to avoid exposure) aperture label (to identify where the radiation is being emitted).
What are three safety rules for using laser levels? ›
Do not look into a laser beam. Don't look down specular reflections (e.g.: from mirrors or other reflective surfaces). Don't stare at diffuse reflections. Don't look back along the optical path through an experiment with the laser energised.
