Laser Warning Labels
Laser warning labels identify laser-related hazards directly on equipment, enclosures, access panels and other parts of a laser installation. Correct labelling helps operators, service personnel and others quickly understand the type of laser hazard present and the precautions that may be required.
Labels form an important part of the safety information associated with a laser installation and complement engineering controls such as enclosures, interlock systems and other safety functions.
What is a laser warning label?
A laser warning label is a permanent or adhesive marking indicating that laser radiation is present or may be present.
Depending on the equipment and application, labels may contain information such as:
- laser warning symbol
- warning of laser radiation
- laser class
- wavelength or wavelength range
- maximum output power or pulse energy
- laser aperture information
- information relating to access panels and interlocks
- other relevant safety information.
Labelling should be clear, legible and positioned where the information is required.
Where are laser warning labels used?
Laser warning labels can be used on many different parts of a laser system.
Typical locations include:
- laser products and laser sources
- machine enclosures
- doors and service access panels
- removable protective panels
- laser apertures
- optical systems
- locations where hazardous laser radiation may become accessible during service or maintenance.
The appropriate position depends on the design of the equipment and the hazards that need to be communicated.iceras.
Laser classification and labelling
Laser products are classified according to the potential hazard associated with accessible laser radiation. Classification therefore forms an important part of the safety information for a laser product.
Labelling may need to identify the laser class together with other information about the laser radiation.
For industrial systems, it is also important to distinguish between the characteristics of the laser source or embedded laser and the classification of the completed machine. A high-power laser may, for example, be fully enclosed within a machine where accessible laser radiation during normal operation is restricted by the enclosure and safety functions.
Labelling should therefore relate to the actual product and installation.
Labels for apertures, panels and service access
Some hazards only become accessible when an enclosure is opened or a panel is removed.
Specific labelling may therefore be required at locations such as:
- service access panels
- removable panels
- laser apertures
- areas where an interlock may be overridden during servicing.
Such labels help service personnel understand that conditions may change when a protective barrier is opened or removed.
This is particularly important where laser radiation that is normally contained may become accessible during servicing, adjustment or maintenance.normalt är innesluten kan bli åtkomlig under service, justering eller underhåll.
Warning labels or warning signs?
Warning labels and warning signs have related functions but are normally used in different ways.
Warning labels are typically attached directly to laser equipment and provide information about hazards, classification or specific parts of the machine.
Warning signs are more commonly used to identify laser-controlled areas, doors and entrances and to inform people before they enter an area where lasers are in use.
Active warning signs can additionally indicate the current status of the laser installation. A complete laser installation may therefore require both warning labels and warning signs.
Labels should be clear and durable
A warning label needs to remain effective throughout the use of the equipment.
Among other things, it should:
- be clearly visible
- remain legible
- be positioned close to the hazard or function it describes
- be suitable for the environment in which the equipment is used
- not be obscured by other components or installations.
Industrial environments may also require consideration of dirt, cleaning, mechanical wear and other conditions that could affect the readability and durability of the label.
Labelling is part of safety – not the protective measure itself
A warning label communicates a hazard but does not prevent exposure to laser radiation.
Labelling should therefore be used together with the engineering and administrative controls required for the installation, such as:
- protective enclosures
- interlock systems
- laser safety curtains and other barriers
- laser safety windows
- warning systems
- personal protective equipment
- safe working procedures and training.
The label helps people understand the hazard. Engineering controls should primarily be used to limit exposure itself.säkerhetsfunktionerna ska i första hand begränsa själva exponeringen.
Standards and labelling
Laser product classification, safety information and labelling are addressed within the IEC/EN 60825 series, with IEC/EN 60825-1 being central to laser product safety and classification.
The required labels and information depend on the particular laser product, its classification and design. For a specific installation, labelling should therefore be considered together with the overall risk assessment and safety solution.
Laser warning labels from LMI AB
LMI AB offers warning labels for laser equipment and laser installations.
We can help identify suitable labelling based on factors such as laser class, equipment type, location and the information that needs to be communicated.
Need help with the correct laser labelling?
The warning labels required depend on the laser equipment, its classification and the design of the installation.Contact LMI AB and we will help you identify suitable warning labels for your laser installation.
Urban Gärds
Contact person for laser warning labels
Urban helps you identify suitable warning labels for your laser equipment and installation.