In the case of laser radiation, the safety of the eyes must be taken into account. Workers exposed to laser radiation must wear safety goggles. Even when wearing goggles, the laser should never be aimed at the eyes.
The general principles of safety are:
- thorough training of employees on all hazards and safe working methods;
- if the work process allows, shield the laser beam completely from people,
- do not aim the laser beam at a person,
- the laser is used under supervision,
- storage and transport conditions do not damage the laser,
- specific safety requirements depending on the laser class,
- monitoring compliance with safety rules.
The most common means of protection against laser radiation are goggles. Be sure to ensure that the glasses are selected to block out the wavelengths at which the laser operates. Care must be taken to ensure that the goggles protect against all wavelengths generated by the laser. In the case of cheaper spectacles, it has been found that the specification that comes with them does not correspond to their actual protection range (wavelengths). Strong ultraviolet radiation is also a side effect of the CO2 laser welding process. Therefore, the whole process should be completely separated if possible. If shielding is not possible, all persons present must wear personal protective equipment (protective clothing, mask).
source: tooelu.ee
