Danger of Laser radiation

Lasers used for welding applications radiate inthe infrared spectra, which are not visible to the humaneye. The intensive fiber laser light radiate in the visible spectrum but invisible for humans, is especially dangerous to the eye. Fibre laser radiation penetrate through to the retina which can be destroyed irrevocably by relatively little radiation.
Misdirected laser radiation can come directly from the laser and threaten the eyes as a result of a faulty parameter setting, an opened cover, a displaced mirror etc. Other hazards include skin burn or inﬂammation from combustible materials as a result of misdirected laserradiation. The greatest hazard, however, usually stems from reﬂected laser radiation: the major share of the laser radiation is reﬂected by coldmaterial ﬁrst. To this we can add reﬂections of work piece edges, as a result of turbulence in the weld pool etc.
Misdirected radiation and reﬂections must be blocked off. That is why the law stipulates that the laser beam and the work zone must be in an enclosure. Beyond that, all those present, and the machine operators in particular, should wear protective goggles that are appropriate for the laser radiation being used. Fbre laser radiation are very dangerous to the eye and require special protective measures andapproved safety goggles.

Standard protective goggles made of glass or acrylic glass are not suitable at all,

as glass and acrylic glass allow ﬁbre laser radiation to pass through!

Laser safety: Laser protection class 4 applies to our Wobble manual laser welding equipment when in operation.

Different measures are therefore required on the customer side to ensure laser safety, such as the appropriate training of employees, wearing special protective equipment and setting up a separate laser safety area.

Every Wobble-3+ comes with 2 pairs of protection glasses.

Laser Eyewear: Picture under is real view thru the glasses = its like looking thru comfortable sun glasses

Keeping an eye on safety

We do care about your eyes!

Easy to wear protection glasses - Comparable to comfortable sunglasses

Full protection of the eyes - Great view!

Finaly you can weld and see what you do before, during and after the welding!

Laser Safety: Under EN 60825-1 classification scheme, lasers are classified into seven hazard classes depending on the accessible emission limits.

The scheme is a measure of the laser’s ability to produce injuries to personnel.

The classes are as follows:

Class 1: the radiation is not dangerous and no protection equipment needed
Class 1M: the radiation is not dangerous when used without optical instruments but may become dangerous when used in combination with optical instruments - no protective equipment required if used without optical instruments
Class 2: The radiation emitted is not dangerous due to aversion responses including the blink reﬂex – no protective equipment needed
Class 2M: The radiation emitted is not dangerous due to aversion responses including the blink reﬂex but may become dangerous when used with optical instruments - no protective equipment required if used without optical instruments
Class 3R: The radiation from these lasers exceeds the maximum permissible exposure values so is dangerous to the eyes and safety glasses are recommended
Class 3B: Direct laser view is dangerous so safety glasses are mandatory ⇒ fiber laser welding
Class 4: Both direct and diffuse radiation is dangerous so personal safety equipment is necessary ⇒ certain fiber laser welders

Wobble-3 Series belongs to Class 4

WOBBLE-3 Series = LASER RADIATION CLASS 4

This is the highest class of laser radiation. Radiation in this class is very dangerous, and viewing of the diffuse reflection may be dangerous. Class 4 laser beams are capable of setting fire to materials onto which they are projected.

Specific Controls and actions to take for Class 4 Lasers

Class 4 lasers are required to have:

 specific safety protocols including remote interlock

 beam stop or attenuator

 warning signs and labelling

 elimination of specular reflections

 use of eye protection where there is a potential eye hazard

 use of protective clothing

 requirement for medical examination immediately if there is a suspected injury

 provision of appropriate training on safe use of equipment including maintenance

 safe work procedures for control of hazards

Considerations for workshop and laboratory design for class 4 lasers include:

 no windows

 an area for storing protective eyewear

 key locks to prevent unauthorised and unprotected personnel from entering

 a non-defeatable door interlock

 signs at entrance to lab/workshop

 laser beam path must be enclosed

 beams must be positively terminated

 laser work area must be free of unnecessary specular surfaces

 curtain materials must be fire resistant

 a clearly visible power cut-off switch which kills power to the laser

 a warning light must be located outside of the lab door to indicate when the laser if firing

 other controls as necessary

Rules of conduct on the safe use of lasers

The following rules are of particular importance:

Never point the laser beam at anyone’s eyes!
Do not look directly into a laser beam!
Always wear protection glasses!
If the laser light accidentally strikes your eyes, close your eyes and immediately move your head out of the laser beam.
Do not use any focusing optical device to look at the laser beam while working with lasers.