Ensuring The Safe Use Of Lasers In Commercial Applications

By Author: Felix Weiner
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Ensuring the Safe Use of Lasers in Commercial Applications
Laser technology has become increasingly important in commercial applications but laser radiation can be hazardous to human health
Laser technology has become increasingly important in various fields, such as medicine, industry, research, and entertainment. However, laser radiation can be hazardous to human health, and its misuse can result in injuries and property damage. For this reason, it is essential to follow laser safety guidelines and standards to ensure the protection of people and the environment. The British Standard BS EN 60825 is one of the critical standards that provide guidelines for laser safety. Therefore, there is an absolute need for laser safety, interlock systems, safety cabinets, and compliance with British Standard BS EN 60825.

Why is Laser Safety Important?
Laser radiation can cause injuries to human skin and eyes, resulting in temporary or permanent damage. The severity of the injury depends on various factors, such as the wavelength, power, and exposure time. For example, exposure to high-power laser radiation can cause ...
... blindness, while low-power radiation can cause skin burns. Furthermore, laser radiation can also ignite combustible materials, leading to fires and explosions.

What is British Standard BS EN 60825?
BS EN 60825 is a British Standard that provides guidelines for laser safety. The standard applies to all laser products, including laser pointers, laser pens, and laser equipment used in medical, industrial, and research settings. The standard covers various aspects of laser safety, such as hazard classification, labelling, and user training. The latest version of the standard, BS EN 60825-1:2014, was published in 2014.

1.Hazard Classification within BS EN 60825
The standard classifies lasers into four hazard classes based on the potential risk of injury to human eyes and skin. The hazard classes are as follows:
Class 1 - Safe: These lasers do not emit hazardous radiation, and their output power is below the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limit.
Class 2 - Low risk: These lasers emit visible radiation that is not harmful to human eyes if the exposure is limited to 0.25 seconds or less. However, prolonged exposure can cause eye damage.
Class 3R - Moderate risk: These lasers emit visible radiation that can cause eye damage if the exposure is prolonged. They are also hazardous if the beam is directed into the eyes through an optical instrument, such as a telescope or microscope.
Class 4 - High risk: These lasers emit radiation that can cause eye and skin damage, and they pose a fire hazard. They require special precautions and protective measures to ensure safe use.

2. Labelling
The standard requires laser products to be labelled with specific information, such as the hazard class, maximum output power, and wavelength. The label must also include warning symbols and instructions for safe use and handling. The label must be easily visible and readable, and it must be attached to the laser product or its packaging.

3. Laser Safety Training
The standard requires laser users to receive appropriate training on laser safety and handling. The training should cover topics such as the hazards of laser radiation, safe operating procedures, and emergency response procedures. The training should also address the specific hazards and precautions associated with the laser product being used. The standard recommends that the training be documented and periodically reviewed.

Interlock Systems
Interlock systems are an essential component of laser safety measures. They are designed to prevent the laser from operating if specific safety conditions are not met. Interlock systems can be mechanical or electrical, and they can be built into the laser product or the laser control system.

Mechanical interlock systems use physical barriers, such as doors or covers, to prevent access to the laser beam. For example, a laser safety cabinet may have a mechanical interlock that prevents the laser from operating if the cabinet door is open. This ensures that the laser beam is confined to the cabinet and does not pose a risk to people or property.

Laser Safety cabinets
Laser safety cabinets are specialized enclosures designed to provide a safe environment for laser systems. They are designed to contain laser radiation and prevent it from escaping into the surrounding area. Laser safety cabinets are typically used for high-power laser systems or for systems that pose a high risk of injury or damage.

Laser safety cabinets are constructed from materials that are resistant to laser radiation, such as metal or plastic. The cabinet walls are typically lined with a laser-absorbing material, such as foam or rubber, to reduce the reflection of laser radiation. The cabinet door may be equipped with an interlock system to prevent the laser from operating if the door is open.