Sealed Beam Path
Operators and maintenance personnel are protected from hazards on the machine by a sealed tube that
encloses the optical assembly of the laser.
This interlock is considered a necessary part of this machine. This interlock that controls access to the optical
assembly of the laser source is needed to protect maintenance personnel. This makes it possible to access the
laser source when maintenance personnel need to align the laser. The laser is only permitted to operate under
normal safety conditions. The hinged movable cover needs to be interlocked to ensure operators are not at
risk of exposure to reflected laser light or toxic fumes.
Operating Modes
Kern’s DHS model is normally operated in Automatic mode. In Manual mode it is possible to fire the laser
source, operate X and Y motion systems and check air pressure. Manual mode can only be used if all safety
interlocks are in operation. Manual Mode is normally used to test or calibrate the laser system.
Access to Manual mode is password protected
There is a need to operate the laser source while aligning the laser beam when the lid over the optical assembly
is open. This is made possible by introducing a Maintenance MANUAL mode of operation that can only be
accessed by entering a password. In Maintenance mode it is possible to operate the laser with the hinged lid
over the optical assembly open, but only under necessary enhanced safety conditions.
Laser Processed Materials and Applicable Standards
Laser material processing can generate by-products as air contaminants that can be noxious, toxic and even
fatal. The resulting vapors, fumes, and/or particles should be thoroughly evaluated and the adequacy of your
provisions for fume extraction, filtering and venting should be carefully considered.
Refer to Section 7.3 of the ANSI Z136.1-2007 “American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers”, to the
exposure criteria in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z from the United States Government, and to the Threshold Limit
Values (TLV’S) published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
It may also be necessary to consult with state or local government agencies regarding restrictions on the
outdoor venting of vapors.
Before cutting or engraving any material, acquire the MSDS Safety Data Sheet for the material to verify the
product is safe to cut or engrave. Fumes from the cut material may be toxic.
CDRH Standards
This laser system complies with the requirements of the current version of the following:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations, Subchapter J, Part
1040.10, Performance Standard for Laser Products.
The above regulation is sometimes referred to as the CDRH regulation, the FDA regulation or 21CFR 1040.
It is recommended to strictly follow the user requirements in the ANSI Z136.1-2007 “American National
Standard for Safe Use of Lasers”. These standards deal with such subjects as the appointment of a laser
safety officer, the operation of the system in a limited access area by trained authorized personnel and the
posting of signs warning of the potential hazard. The ANSI Standard manual is available from the Laser
Institute of America. Call 1-407-380-1553 or visit www.laserinstitute.org
to obtain a copy.
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General