Manufacturer Responsibilities

The manufacturers of laser engraving equipment have certain specific defined responsibilities when manufacturing their equipment. They are required to build a system that is safe when operated properly. They are also required to build in automatic safety features so that the Power supplied to the laser is cut off when the top and/or front door is open. Safety labels for all interlocked and non-interlocked covers that allow access to a Laser Beam are also mandated by federal regulations.  Additional labels are required that identify manufacturer, date of manufacture, product description and model and serial numbers. A label identifying that the manufacturer and the machine are in compliance with CDRH laser safety provisions are also required. These labels are required by law and are not to be removed. Manufacturers are also required by law to rate their laser systems as a Class I, II, III or IV. Regulations vary as to the classification of the laser system. Most of today’s low-powered laser engraving systems are classified as Class I enclosed units. However, tampering with the enclosure and/or the built-in safety features may change the classification. If you change the system’s safety features, you are then liable for its safety compliance registration with the CDRH.

Owner/Operator Responsibilities

If you are or are going to be a laser owner, there are laws that apply to you as well.  Additionally, there may also be state and local statutes you need to comply with. Check with OSHA and local authorities to make sure you are compliant. Compliance will allow you to provide your employees, customers, and yourself a safe workplace, as well as avoiding fines and/or other costly penalties. The first step you need take is to appoint a Laser Safety Officer (LSO). According to the ANSI (American National Standards Institute), Standards for the Safe Use of Lasers, "A Laser Safety Officer is a designated individual with the authority and responsibility to monitor and enforce the control of laser hazards, and to effect the knowledgeable evaluation and control of laser hazards. " This person can be you, a responsible employee, or you can hire an outside consultant to be your LSO. At this time, no certification exists for such an individual. You will want to appoint someone who knows your operation fairly well. Knowledge of your operation will allow them to develop a laser safety plan that is right for your company. The first thing that your Laser Safety Officer will want to do is obtain the appropriate manuals, guidelines, and regulations. These can be obtained from OSHA, CDRH, and ANSI, as well as private companies that specialize in laser safety.  You will also want to familiarize yourself with local and state statutes for your area that may include additional requirements.

In addition to legal compliance, there are other areas that need to be properly addressed for the safe and efficient operation of your laser system.

Exhaust

You will need an adequate Exhaust System to remove all vaporized materials to the outside of your facility.  What you get will vary depending on how you will be using your system. Talk to the manufacturers about what they recommend. Most, however, recommend a blower system that will move a minimum of 235 CFM (cubic feet per minute) at 6 inches of static pressure. Check with local heating and air conditioning companies for the best deals.

If you are going to be cutting polymer mat (rubber stamps), consider a charcoal filtration, bubbler, or sprayer type of exhaust system. You might even check with air filtration companies for their recommendations.

 If you are going to be cutting large amounts of acrylic and/or plastics, odor will also become an issue. The best advice is to engrave in a well-ventilated room, and use an exhaust system that works for this type of application.

Paints, varnishes, and other finishes may also produce potentially harmful fumes if concentrated. Other materials definitely should be researched before laser processing.

Some materials put off by-products, which are potentially harmful to exposed persons. In addition, some materials might put off toxic by-products, which will corrode your machine’s parts or electronic connections. If you are unsure as to the makeup of a particular material, ask the manufacturer for a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the material. You may want to experiment first before exposing large amounts of a questionable material to the laser.

Additionally, you will want to make sure that the exhaust system includes ductwork that is adequate to support the type of blower and materials you will be using. Also, make sure all vents and ducts remain open and free of debris.

High Voltage

Potentially dangerous voltages of electricity are present within the system’s electronics and the laser electronics. If you are going to open these enclosures for any reason, unplug the machine first. In addition, a fire extinguisher that is recommended for electrical fires should be close at hand. Make sure you read your manual and/or check with the manufacturer when working with the system’s electronics.  It is also recommended that you have staff that are CPR trained in the event of electrical shock.

Fire Danger

Some materials may be combustible when exposed to a laser Beam.  Therefore, it is recommended that all laser processing be performed under constant supervision. Never leave the machine unattended.  Again, a working fire extinguisher (recommended for electrical fires) should be available at all times.

Maintenance

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining and cleaning your system.  Not only with this enable you to engrave efficiently, it will ensure that your machine runs safely as well.

Conclusion

Whether you are new to laser engraving or a long time user, awareness of potential laser hazards and compliance with national and local regulations will allow you to provide a safe environment for all personnel, visitors and your community at large.