Laser Cutting Machine Safety: What You Need to Know

I. Introduction

Brief overview of laser cutting technology

A laser cutting machine is a device which utilizes a high-energy laser beam to cut and process the material. Its working principle is to generate a high-intensity laser beam via the laser.

After being focused by the optical system, the laser beam will be irradiated onto the material surface, making the material melt, vaporize, or reach the ignition point. Meanwhile, the high-pressure gas will blow away the molten material.

The laser cutting machine features high precision, high speed, narrow gap, small heated zone, high flexibility, etc. This makes it widely used in many spheres like metal fabrication, electronics manufacturing, the automotive industry, and aerospace.

The laser cutting machine is mainly divided into three types, namely CO2, fiber, and YAG. The CO2 laser cutting machine is suitable for cutting non-metal materials such as wood, plastics, and acrylic.

Fiber laser fits for metal cutting owing to its advantages of high efficiency and low maintenance cost. YAG laser cutting machine is suitable for marking and fine processing.

Importance of laser cutting machine safety

Laser-cutting machine safety plays a significant role in metal fabrication due to its high energy level and potential risks. If treated improperly, it will lead to severe safety accidents and health hazards.

Today, we will mainly talk about the common hazards and their corresponding measurements, emergency procedures as well as safety features of the laser cutting machine. Firstly, let’s recognize the safety devices on the machine.

II. Safety Features of Laser Cutting Machines

In order to avoid unnecessary accidents and risks, the modern laser cutting machine itself has made some endeavors. Here are the equipped safety devices in detail:

Interlocking device

The laser cutting machine is equipped with interlocking devices. These devices can stop the machine to protect the operator under specific conditions.

Emergency stop button

There is an emergency stop button installed in the laser cutting machine. It is usually installed in the obvious place to facilitate pressing immediately when an emergency occurs.

Once the button is pressed, the machine will stop. The laser and power supply will also stop. This function can prevent the incidents from exaggeration, ensuring the operators’ safety.

Protective cover and shield

The laser cutting machine adopts a protective cover and shield to prevent laser radiation. These protective devices can not only protect the operators from laser harm, but also can prevent splashing metal parts and smoking from hurting the human body.

The modern laser cutting machine’s cover is usually made of transparent materials. This can help the operator observe the cutting process clearly while maintaining security.

Safety warning label

Some eye-catching safety warning labels are pasted on the laser cutting machine to remind the operator of potential dangerous zones, such as laser emission areas or high-temperature areas.

Cooling system

The cooling system is not only used to common operation of the equipment but also is beneficial to prevent machine overheating or malfunctioning. This system can keep the temperature of the laser and other parts in a safe range.

Smoke and dust extraction system

There is some smoke and harmful gases generated during the cutting process. Thus, the laser cutting machine is equipped with a smoke and dust extraction system.

This system can effectively exhaust the smoke and dust generated during the cutting process, preventing environmental pollution while protecting the operators’ health.

Operator training and protective equipment

The laser cutting machine operator needs strict training and wears proper protective equipment, such as protective goggles, and gloves.

III. Common Hazards and Protective Measures in Laser Cutting Machine

Eye and skin injuries

The laser beam is highly intense to direct or reflect onto human skin or eyes, which may cause severe harm.

wears proper protective equipment

Protective measures:

  • Wear protective glasses: the operator should wear specialized design laser protective goggles to prevent harm.
  • Wear protective clothes: long clothes and protective gloves can effectively avoid direct irradiation to the skin.
  • Using a protective shield: the protective shield should be installed around the laser cutting machine, therefore, avoiding laser beam scattering and reflection.

High temperature and fire hazards

The high temperature will generate during the laser cutting process. This may cause fire hazards, especially when cutting flammable materials.

Protective measures:

  • Keep working place clean: clean all the flammable items in the working area to prevent fire hazards.
  • Equipped with fire-fighting equipment: the firefighting equipment should be equipped, such as a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher or dry powder fire extinguisher.
  • Monitor the temperature: the temperature sensors should be used to monitor the temperature of the cutting area. Thus, the operator can find and deal with the overheating circumstance immediately.

Electrical hazards

The laser cutting machine tool often uses a high voltage power supply, thus there is a risk of electric shock and electrical fire.

Protective measures:

  • Check the equipment regularly: check the electrical equipment and wiring, and make sure that they are in good condition. Thus, electrical leakage and short circuits can be avoided.
  • Use the qualified electrical equipment: ensure that all the electrical devices fit the relevant safety criteria, and can be installed and maintained by professional staff.
  • Train the operator: the operator should accept electrical safety training, and ensure that they can master the basic electrical safety knowledge and emergency handling methods.

Inhalation of fumes and particles

There will be a large amount of smoke and fine particles generated during the cutting process. Long-term inhalation will damage the respiratory system.

Protective measures:

  • Install ventilation system: high effective ventilation and smoke exhaust system should be installed in the cutting area, eliminating harmful fumes and particles.
  • Wear a protective mask: the operator should wear a qualified protective mask to prevent harmful substance inhalation.
  • Test air quality regularly: the air quality should be monitored regularly in the workspace to ensure it fits the safety standards.

Laser radiation protection

Laser radiation not only harms the eye and skin but also brings potential hazards to other organs.

Protective measures:

  • Use low-power laser: use the low-power laser under the premise of meeting the processing requirements, reducing the radius hazard.
  • Set the warning label: set the obvious warning label surrounding the laser cutting machine to remind the operator of laser radiation.
  • Health checking regularly: check the operators’ health regularly, so that the health problems caused by radiation can be found and handled in time.

Harmful gas protection

laser cutting

Some materials will produce harmful gases during the laser cutting process, such as chlorine gas, and fluorine gas. This will cause large damage to the human body's health.

Protective measures:

  • Choose the proper material: try not to use the material that emits the harmful gases. Or deal with the material before cutting.
  • Enhance ventilation: ensure the ventilation is good in the cutting zone, and emit the harmful gases immediately.
  • Use the gas detection equipment: the gas detection equipment should be installed to monitor the harmful gas concentration to prevent excessive levels.

Mechanical injury protection

The laser cutting machine consists of many mechanical parts, such as a cutting head, and transmission device. If treated improperly, it may cause mechanical injury.

Protective measures:

  • Follow the operation regulation strictly: the operator should obey the operation regulation to prevent misuse.
  • Use the safety device: necessary safety devices should be installed, such as an emergency stop button, and protective cover.
  • Maintain the equipment: it is necessary to maintain the equipment regularly, thus ensuring it is in a safe condition.

IV. Compliance with Safety Standards

It is of vital importance for us to know the safety standards during the use of laser cutting machines. This will not only protect the operators’ safety, but also ensure the equipment operation efficiency. Here are the main safety standards:

OSHA

OSHA is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in America. It aims to protect the workers’ safety and health. As for laser cutting machines, the OSHA relevant standards include:

29 CFR 1910.97:this includes the standards for non-ionizing radiation, which covers the safety requirements for laser radiation.

29 CFR 1910.212: this includes general requirements for machines and machinery.

ANSI

ANSI formulates a series of criteria for laser safety, namely:

ANSI Z136.1: the laser safety standards offer a safety using guideline for the laser cutting machine, which covers the classification of laser radiation, control measures and operational requirements.

ANSI Z136.9:this is especially designed for laser uses in industrial and manufacturing environment, which offers detailed safety operation standards.

IEC

IEC 60825-1 is a laser product safety standard, which is widely adopted by the international. This standard regulates the classification of laser equipment and label requirements as well as safety protective measurements.

V. Emergency Procedures

Steps to take in case of an emergency

Keep calm: it is very important to keep calm when an emergency occurs. Staying lucid can help you judge the condition and take appropriate action.

Access the condition: quickly access the properties and severity of the emergency. This includes the danger source, amount of people being affected, and the potential results.

Warning: inform the emergency response team on the spot immediately or dial the emergency services hotline. Remember to offer clear and accurate data, namely types of emergency situation, positions and people being affected.

Evacuation: evacuate to a safe area quickly according to the scheduled evacuation route. Make sure that people who need help like injury or inconvenient to move get the help.

Emergency solutions: take proper emergent measures according to the types of emergency situations. For example, use the fire extinguisher to put out the fire, and close the gas valve to prevent the leaking and spreading.

Waiting for professional help: ensure all the staff are in the safety zone, and wait for further instructions before the professional emergency response team arrives.

ensure all the staff are in the safety zone

First aid and emergency response plans

First aid training: all the workers should accept basic first aid training, including CPR, bleeding control, burn treatment, and fracture management. Training and drills regularly to ensure that all the staff master the necessary first aid skills.

First aid equipment: make sure that the working area is equipped with adequate first aid equipment, such as a first aid kit, and AED. This equipment should be placed in a position that is easy to access, and needs to be scheduled checked, and maintained.

Emergency response team: establish a specialized emergency response team, which is responsible for coordinating and exerting the emergent measurements immediately. The team members should accept professional training, and be familiar with the various emergent programs and the use of equipment.

Emergency communications: establish a reliable emergency communications system to quickly transmit information in an emergency. This can include internal broadcast systems, emergency phone lines, intercoms, etc.

Emergency drills: conduct emergency drills regularly to simulate various emergency situations and test and improve emergency response plans. Drills should include all employees, and the results of the drills should be recorded and analyzed to identify and resolve potential problems.

VI. Conclusion

In this article, we explored the safety features of laser cutting machines, common hazards and their preventive measures, emergency procedures as well as relevant safety standards.

The safety features of laser cutting machines include automated protection systems, emergency stop buttons, and fume extraction devices, all of which provide additional safety for operators.

However, despite these safety measures, operating laser-cutting machines still poses common hazards such as laser radiation, fire risks, and mechanical injuries.

Therefore, understanding and adhering to strict safety standards and operational procedures is crucial to ensure workplace safety and productivity.

Enhance your operations with high-quality laser cutting machines from ADH Machine Tool. With 20 years of experience in manufacturing laser-cutting machines, we are committed to providing the most advanced and reliable equipment.

Visit our laser cutting machine products page to learn more and discover how we can help you boost efficiency and safety in your workplace.

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