© 1998 -2015 Applied Photonics LtdPage4 of 31
Themostsignificanthazard relatingto exposure ofpersonneltothelaser radiationiseyeinjurysince
directorscattered laser radiationproduced bytheequipmentcancause serious andpermanentinjuryto
theeyes including blindness -suchinjurymaybeinstantaneous. Precautions mustbetakento avoid
exposure ofpersonnelto hazardous levelsoflaser radiation.Suchprecautionsmayincludethesetting up
ofatemporaryorpermanentlaser controlled area (eg. alaser laboratory). Other measuresmayalso be
necessary,as determined byappropriateandthoroughassessmentoftherisks (ie. arisk assessment)
conducted bythe personnelresponsibleforthesafeuse ofthelaser equipment.Consultthemanual
supplied withthelaser for further guidance onthe safe use ofthelaser.
Thedoorofthesamplechamberisequipped withadualelectricalinterlock switchwhichisdesigned to
preventactivationofthelaser unless thedoorisfullyclosed. Thedoor interlock switchiselectrically
connected tothe“Interlock In/Out”portontheLIBS moduleviathe9-pin connectorlocated directly
abovethelaser aperture.The“Interlock In/Out”portconnectswiththeSpectroModule-6 (usingthe
suppliedlead) whichinturnisconnected totheinterlock circuits ofthelaser power supply.Thelaser
safetyinterface betweenthe SpectroModule-6 andthe laser power supply depends onthe make andmodel
oflaser being used. Throughoutthis User’s Manual,it is assumed thata QuantelUltra laser withICE 450
powersupplyisbeing used.
Removalofthesamplechamber fromthe LIBS module, ordisconnectionoftheInterlock In/Outlead,
willalsoactivatetheinterlock (ie. preventactivationofthe laser). The SpectroModule-6 is equippedwith
anInterlock Override facility(a keyswitch)whichallows the interlock tobedisabled sothattheLIBS
systemmaybe used withoutasamplechamber (ie. “openbeam”mode). In view ofthis, theLIBS
modules must be categorised as aClass4laserproduct since, bydesign, theproductmaybe used in
suchawaythatthelaser beamisnot contained (ie. “openbeam”mode ofoperation).If,however, the
samplechamberiscorrectly fitted totheLIBS moduleandtheInterlock Overridekeyswitchisswitched
offandthekeyremoved, thenthelaser radiationisadequately contained toClass1AccessibleEmission
Limits bythe designofthe hardware.
IMPORTANT
•READandUNDERSTAND boththisUser’s Manualandtheinstructions provided bythe
manufacturer ofthelaser before operatingtheintegrated LIBS module(LIBS-6 orLIBS-8) and
associated laser equipment.
•ENSURE thatanappropriaterisk assessmenthas beenconducted toestablishwhether ornotthe
laser safetywindows fitted tothemodular sample chambersprovide adequateprotectionagainst
exposure tolaser radiation forthe specific laseryou intend to use with the LIBSequipment.
For advice onthismatter, consult your Laser SafetyOfficer and/or Applied Photonics Ltd.
•ONLY suitablyqualified andauthorised persons should activate the Interlock Override keyswitch.
Thekeyshouldbe removed fromthekeyswitchandheldbytheLaser SafetyOfficer whenthis
feature is not required.
•ALWAYS use appropriatelaser safetyprotectiveeyewear whenoperatingthe LIBS modules and
associated laser equipmentin “open-beam”configuration–youshouldseek advice fromyour
Laser SafetyOfficer onthismatter.
•ALWAYS switchthelaser offwhennot in use andremove the keyfromthe keyswitchofthelaser
powersupplyto preventunauthorised activation.
