Miller OptX 2kW - Process By-Products and Fume Hazards

Safety and Compliance Information
48
OM-296747A | 4/15/24
2.4.6 Process By-Products and Fume Hazards
When a laser beam reacts with any material, it can generate vapors, fumes, sparks
and particulate debris. By-products from the laser process are often toxic and can
pose additional safety hazards.
• Welding fumes can be comprised of very fine particles and gases. Welding fumes
and gases come from a combination of the material being welded or any filler
material used, shielding gases used, paints, coatings, chemical reactions, and air
contaminants.
• Welding fumes can adversely affect the lungs, heart, kidneys and central
nervous system. Primarily, the released hazardous substances are absorbed
via the respiratory organs (i.e. inhaled).
• When the laser interacts with target materials such as plastics, metals, composites,
the target material can start to vaporize. Often the fumes and mists cannot be
seen, but are very toxic and pose a serious health hazard.
• UV emissions given off during the welding process can react with the oxygen and
nitrogen in the air to form ozone and nitrogen oxides which at high concentrations
can be deadly.
WARNING
Welding process fumes and particles
Damage to body tissues or organs from exposure to fumes and other by-products
produced by the welding process.
 Measures must be taken by the user depending on the material of the work-
piece.
 During welding keep your head away from the fumes.
 Always weld in an area with adequate ventilation.
 Hazardous and toxic fumes, vapors and particles need to be captured and
exhausted from the work area by means of an extraction system.
 Ensure that the work surface is properly vented. The opening of the capturing
unit has to be placed as close as possible to the process zone.
 PPE (respiratory protection) must be worn if released hazardous substances
cannot be extracted close to the process.
WARNING
Risk of asphyxiation in poorly ventilated confined spaces
Shielding gases used during welding can displace the air. Dangerous
concentrations of toxic fumes and gases can build up very quickly causing
unconsciousness and death from suffocation.
 Conduct routine air monitoring to determine the levels of hazardous fumes in
the laser area.
 In confined spaces and other circumstances, the use of a respirator can also be
required.