10
Any person using a laser source should be aware of the risks involved. This awareness is not just a matter
of time spent with lasers; on the contrary, long-term dealing with invisible risks (such as with infrared
sources) tends to dull risk awareness.
Here are some guidelines to follow when dealing with laser sources:
- Use the laser source in a room with access controlled by door interlocks. Post warning signs.
Limit the area access to individuals who are trained in laser safety.
- The operator of the laser should be responsible for notifying the laser usage and for controlling
the laser area.
- All personnel present in the area must be wearing personal protective equipment (in particular
eyewear) before the laser emission is effective. This should include operators that are not
directly using the laser system.
- Use the laser source in a brightly lit room so that the operators work with their pupils narrowed.
- Optical experiments should be carried out on an optical table with all laser beams travelling in
the horizontal plane only, and all beams should be stopped at the edges of the table. Users
should never put their eyes at the level of the horizontal plane where the beams are in case of
reflected beams that leave the table.
- Watches and other jewelry that might enter the optical plane should dropped off. All non-optical
objects that are close to the optical plane should have a mat finish in order to prevent specular
reflections.
- Never look directly into the laser output port (or the delivery fiber) when the power is on.
- Alignment of beams and optical components should be performed at a reduced beam power
whenever possible.
- Do not install or terminate fibers or collimators when the laser is active. Follow the dedicated
instructions in this manual.
- Ensure that the work surface is properly vented. Gases, sparks or debris can be generated from
the interaction between the laser and the work surface, posing additional safety hazards.
PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
The use of eye protection is strongly recommended when operating lasers of any class beyond class 1.
Eyewear is rated for optical density (OD), which is the base-10 logarithm of the attenuation factor by
which the eyewear is reducing beam power. For example, eyewear with OD 3 will reduce the beam
power in the specified wavelength range by a factor of one thousand. In addition, laser eyewear used in
situations where direct beam exposure is possible should be able to withstand a direct hit from the laser
beam without breaking. The protective specifications (wavelengths and optical densities) are usually
printed on the goggles themselves.
Oxxius recommends that the user investigate any local, state, federal or governmental requirements as
well as facility or building requirements that may apply to installing or using a laser or laser system.
STANDARD COMPLIANCE OF THE PLUG-AND-PLAY AND “OEM” VERSIONS
The combiner, in its Plug-and-Play version, complies with all the requirements of the European Laser
Safety Standard 60825-1, dated May 2014, and with US FDA CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11, except for
deviations pursuant to Laser Notice N° 56, dated May 19, 2019. (Laser Notice No. 56).
The combiner, in its “OEM” version, is intended for integration into a larger system under the control of
our customers and should therefore not be used "as is" in another environment such as a laboratory. The
equipment into which the laser is integrated must comply with the laser safety standards listed above.
Therefore, Oxxius bears no responsibility in any lack of compliance with safety standards of the
environment in which the combiner, OEM version, is used.
To Next Page
Loading...