906-0002-00 Rev 9 EN
2002
Rofin-Sinar UK Ltd
Safety 1 - 6
iii) Protection against Fire
Combustible objects which are placed in the laser beam path can be
set on fire.
1. A CO
2
laser can ignite most non metallic materials.
2. Never operate the laser in the presence of flammable gases or
liquids.
3. Never operate the laser in the presence of explosive materials.
4. Ensure the laser system is installed with the correct level of safety
interlocking.
1.7 Fume and Vapour Hazard
Laser induced reactions can release hazardous particulate and gaseous
matter. These by-products may be poisonous. Before working on any
material with the laser beam, ensure that all the applicable safety
standards are being followed.
The laser beam provides the user with a ‘hot’ beam that can be used as a
controlled method of heating or burning the surface of certain materials –
like a very fine flame torch.
Some materials break down chemically when they are heated and these
materials can emit hazardous fumes in the form of gases or particulate
matter eg. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polycarbonate.
Standard materials handbooks or the manufacturer of the material should
be contacted before attempting to process such materials with a laser.
In addition, fume extraction is recommended for removing the smoke
plume. Specialist filters can also be used to filter the fume in the workplace.
Filters must be cleaned and/or replaced in accordance with safety
regulations to prevent environmental pollution.
1. Do not attempt to process a material with a laser beam unless the
heating characteristics of the material have been fully investigated
and understood.
2. Provide a method for safely shielding and extracting the fume
produced by the laser process.
3. If you are cutting plastics, filter the cutting vapours downwards.
4. Do not cut PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with a laser beam. The
chemical heat reaction in combination with the humidity in the air
will produce hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is hazardous to
the operator and the laser system.
1.8 Electrical Hazard
Any installation, service or repair work must be undertaken by qualified
ROFIN personnel or by skilled engineers after consultation with the
relevant local ROFIN Service Department. If in doubt contact the Service
Department at the phone number given at the beginning of this manual.
