Protection of personnel, Laser safety officer, Condition of laser beam equipment – Hypertherm HyIntensity Fiber Laser Rev.3 User Manual
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safety
H
ypertherm Fiber Laser
Instruction Manual – 807090 Revision 3
S-3
Protection of personnel
Good housekeeping with areas free from trip and fall hazards shall be maintained in the workplace so that the final laser
cutting system, automated and semi-automated material transport machines, fiber laser and electrical cables, and other
apparatus do not create a hazard to operators, service and other personnel including visitors. Appropriate safeguards
and warning signs shall be provided to prevent slips, falls, electric shock, burns, inhalation of gases and fumes, and
exposure to noise, vibration and heat. Refer to the Safety and Compliance Manual published by Hypertherm for Plasma
Cutting Systems which covers many of the same hazards for metal cutting and protection of personnel in the workplace
except for Laser Safety aspects which are covered in ANSI Z136.1 and IEC EN 60825-al.
Note: The employer should conduct a physical demands analysis to ensure that any personal protective equipment does not
create a health hazard (e.g., neck , back and wrist problems associated with prolonged or repetitive use)
Laser safety officer
A Laser Safety Officer (LSO) shall be appointed at each facility using a fiber laser for welding or cutting. The duties and
responsibilities of the LSO should be as outlined in ANSI Z136.1, Section 1.3 in the US or other laser safety regulations
applicable to the OEM laser cutting systems at the final installation site.
Note: The LSO is responsible for ensuring that all operators are properly trained and fully aware of the safe
operation and hazards of operating a laser welding or cutting system. The LSO is also responsible for
communicating and enforcing safety procedures to ensure all personnel (operator, service and visitors)
understand the theory of operation for the OEM laser cutting end product and site safety instructions
before entering a restricted area or room where a laser can be operating.
The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) shall with support from the final laser cutting system manufacturer conduct a hazard
evaluation at the site that takes at least the following into consideration:
A. the potential hazards produced by the operation of the laser equipment;
B. the inherent hazards in the environment in which the equipment is to be operated;
C. the hazards that may occur with operation of the equipment in that environment; and
D. the individuals who may be affected by the hazards.
After completion of this hazard evaluation, the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) shall define the specific laser safety personal
protective equipment requirements and procedures.
Condition of laser beam equipment
All laser beam equipment shall be maintained in good mechanical and electrical condition by competent or qualified
maintenance personnel as specified by the machine builder. The operator shall report any equipment malfunction,
defect, or safety hazard to the laser safety officer, and the use of the equipment shall be discontinued until its safeness
has been ensured by the laser safety officer. Repairs shall be made only by competent or qualified maintenance
personnel.