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Following are descriptions of general hazards and unsafe practices that could result in death, severe
injury, or product damage. Specific warnings and cautions not appearing in this section are found
throughout the manual.
Light hazards
Lasers should be installed and operated in manufacturing or laboratory facilities by trained personnel
only. Due to the considerable risks and hazards associated with the installation and operational use of
any equipment incorporating a laser, the operator must follow product warning labels and instructions to
the user regarding laser safety. To prevent exposure to direct or scattered laser radiation, follow all
safety precautions specified throughout this manual and exercise safe operating practices per ANSI
Z136.1-2014, Safe Use of Lasers always when actively lasing.
Due to the specific properties of laser light, a unique set of safety hazards that differ from other light
sources must be considered. Just like light, lasers can be reflected, refracted, diffracted, or scattered.
A CO2 laser is an intense energy source and will ignite most materials under the proper conditions. Never
operate the laser in the presence of flammable or explosive materials, gases, liquids, or vapors.
Safe operation of the laser requires the use of an external beam block to safely block the beam from
traveling beyond the desired work area. Do not place your body or any combustible object in the path of
the laser beam. Use a water-cooled beam dump or power meter, or similar non-scattering,
Warning: Serious Personal Injury
Enclose the beam path whenever possible. Exposure to direct or diffuse CO2 laser radiation can
seriously burn human or animal tissue, which may cause permanent damage.
This product is not intended for use in explosive, or potentially explosive, atmospheres!
Materials processing with a laser can generate air contaminants such as vapors, fumes, and/or
particles that may be noxious, toxic, or even fatal.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for materials being processed should be thoroughly evaluated and the
adequacy of provisions for fume extraction, filtering, and venting should be carefully considered.
Review the following references for further information on exposure criteria:
ANSI Z136.1-2014, Safe Use of Lasers, § 7.3.
U.S. Government’s Code of Federal Regulations: 29 CFR §1910, §§ Z.
Threshold Limit Values (TLV’s) published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH).
It may be necessary to consult with local governmental agencies regarding restrictions on the venting
of processing vapors.
The use of aerosol dusters containing difluoroethane causes “blooming,” a condition that significantly
expands and scatters the laser beam. This beam expansion can affect mode quality and/or cause
laser energy to extend beyond the confines of optical elements in the system, damaging acrylic
safety shielding. Do not use air dusters containing difluoroethane in any area adjacent to CO2 laser
systems because difluoroethane persists for long time periods over wide areas.