Product Code: ILSC2007_1203

Laser Processing Safety - Essence of Safety Requirements for Laser Processing, Worldwide and Recent Technology Challenges to Control Measures
Authors:
Thomas Lieb, L*A*I International; Elk Grove CA USA
Presented at ILSC 2007

Historically, CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers and workstations have predominated in our concepts of "high powered lasers". During the last few decades, safety control measures and guidelines have been developed, and the properties of the more prominent laser technologies were, naturally, used as the foundation. From laser bio-effects statements to complete vertical standards for laser processing machines, certain assumptions were made about modal properties and focus ability, and therefore the inherent hazards, based on the commonly present laser types Recently, the prospect of very short-pulse lasers, and the implementation of high powered fiber-lasers (in marking and welding applications) has offered new properties, such as high modal quality and long focal lengths. Are our current understandings of control measures keeping pace with the changing face of laser technology?