Laser Safety

BEHÖVS NY BILD HÄR

Lasers are a harmful risk

Therefore, laser applications are divided into different laser classes. Laser class 1 means a risk-free work environment in terms of radiation risk. Laser class 4 means that the risk of exposure is high and that various protective measures must be taken.

What We Offer

Laser safety has long been neglected, but it is constantly improving and regulations are gradually tightening.

Laser as a processing technology in all possible industrial segments is today perhaps one of the fastest growing technologies in industry. We at LMI AB have been involved since the infancy of laser technology and have deep insight into both the advantages and disadvantages of laser technology. By disadvantages we mean the safety of the laser cell/laser machine. Unfortunately, this is an area that is often overlooked, despite the obvious risks associated with the use of high-performance lasers in industry.

Today, there are rules and regulations for how laser radiation should be handled safely. Where laser systems are used professionally, safety is required that meets the statutory requirements according to the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s regulations AFS 2009:7.

As a pure laser company, we naturally want to contribute to ensuring that safety is followed. For several years, LMI has been a partner of Lasermet Ltd., a world leader in both industrial and medical lasers.

LASERMET LTD

LMI is the distributor for Lasermet Ltd in Sweden and Norway. Lasermet is a world leader in everything related to laser safety systems. This applies to laser safety equipment for industrial environments, medical environments and laboratory environments. Examples of laser safety products are safety glasses, warning signs, screens, gates, roller blinds, curtains, laser interlock systems and measuring instruments. All of these products are certified according to statutory laser safety requirements.

We are happy to visit you to review your laser safety and develop appropriate measures to ensure your equipment is safe. If you would like laser safety training, we can also arrange this.

• Laser safety glasses
• Warning signs
• Protective screens, drapes and curtains
• Interlock system and laser room

LASER CLASSIFICATION AND SAFETY

Lasers and devices with lasers are classified according to their laser power and the risks that exist during normal use.

To use lasers in classes 3B and 4 professionally, a permit from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority is required. A permit is not required for lasers in the lower classes.

All lasers must be marked with their respective class. Lasers in class 2 and higher must also have warning and alert symbols. The marking must be printed in black text on a yellow background.

CLASS 1

Class 1 lasers are harmless even with prolonged exposure. Laser equipment is limited to class 1 with a maximum output power of 0.4 milliwatts if the laser is green or red.

Devices and machinery that are designed to safely contain higher power lasers without risk of exposure are also classified as Class 1. Examples of such devices include CD players, laser printers and laser marking systems found here on our website. Please note that unauthorized modifications to such a system may result in harmful exposure to laser radiation.

CLASS 2

A Class 2 laser has laser light that is visible to the human eye and has a maximum output power of one (1) milliwatt. If an eye is exposed to Class 2 laser light, the natural reflex (blinking, closing the eyelids, looking away, etc.) protects against damage to the retina of the eye.

Prolonged exposure to the eye may damage vision.

CLASS 3R

Class 3R laser devices emit visible radiation with a maximum output power of 5 milliwatts. The natural reflex mentioned for Class 2 should protect against damage to the human eye even with exposure to Class 3R, but in some cases short-term exposure may cause damage.

CLASS 3A

This class is no longer used, as class 3A lasers are now included in class 3R.

CLASS 3B

Laser devices classified as Class 3B require a permit for possession and certain uses. Class 3B devices emit visible radiation with a maximum output of 500 milliwatts. These require a permit because of the risk of damaging the retina despite the natural reflexes. Even reflected light from such a laser can damage the eye, even if it is safe to view the laser beam on a non-reflective surface. Class 3B lasers are found in powerful green laser pointers and are used in entertainment, such as in light shows.

CLASS 4

Requires a permit for use and possession. All laser devices with an output power higher than class 3B, i.e. over 500 milliwatts, are class 4 lasers. This applies to both visible and invisible lasers. Class 4 has no maximum output power limit. Industrial lasers used for cutting, welding, hardening and marking are class 4 lasers. Some lasers used in light shows also fall into this category if their output power exceeds 500 milliwatts.

Depending on the laser type, Class 4 lasers can cause eye and/or skin damage. High-performance lasers, such as those used in cutting machines, can be fatal and can ignite materials.

Class 4 lasers enclosed in safe and approved enclosures are class 1 as long as the machine is used in its intended safe environment.

Depending on the laser type, Class 4 lasers can cause eye and/or skin damage. High-performance lasers, such as those used in cutting machines, can be fatal and can ignite materials.

Class 4 lasers enclosed in safe and approved enclosures are class 1 as long as the machine is used in its intended safe environment.

CLASS 1M AND 2M

Requires a permit for use and possession. All laser devices with an output power higher than class 3B, i.e. over 500 milliwatts, are classified as class 4 lasers. This applies to both visible and invisible lasers. Class 4 has no upper limit on output power. Industrial lasers used for cutting, welding, hardening and marking belong to class 4. Some lasers used in light shows also fall into this category if their output power exceeds 500 milliwatts.

Depending on the laser type, Class 4 lasers can cause eye and/or skin damage. High-performance lasers, such as those used in cutting machines, can be fatal and can ignite materials.

Class 4 lasers enclosed in safe and approved enclosures are class 1 as long as the machine is used in its intended safe environment.