906-0002-00 Rev 9 EN
2002
Rofin-Sinar UK Ltd
Safety 1 - 4
x) Always check the safety of the laser system before beginning any
work, especially any safety shutters, beam delivery devices and
nozzle systems.
1.6 Laser Radiation Hazards
The wavelength of the output beam from a Carbon Dioxide (CO
2
) laser can
be in the range 9.3µm to 11.5 µm. The wavelength range is invisible to the
human eye and is in the infra-red part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The
ROFIN SC CO
2
laser emits a high-power beam infra-red radiation
which is
invisible
, but behaves in most other respects like visible light.
The beam is powerful enough, when focused, to cut materials such as
plastic, but is potentially dangerous even without focusing.
CO
2
laser radiation can be absorbed by most dielectrics such as water,
biological tissue, glass and plastic and is instantly absorbed by the first
absorbent material it contacts.
CO
2
laser radiation can be reflected from smooth metallic surfaces, even
though they may be blackened.
CO
2
laser radiation can be focused with lenses in order to be useful for
cutting or marking applications. Beyond the focal point the laser beam
rapidly diverges, causing dissipation of the energy density or intensity of
the beam.
The Laser Aperture is clearly marked with a label stating 'LASER
APERTURE'. Avoid eye or skin exposure to direct or scattered laser
radiation.
The ROFIN SC laser output beam characteristics are described in section
2 (Technical Specification) of this manual.
i) Eye Protection
If laser radiation enters the eye, even after reflection from a metal
object, it can burn the surface of the eye causing permanent damage.
Because the CO
2
laser beam is highly absorbed by water, the cornea
and the sclera are the predominant ocular structures at risk for injury
and may suffer irreversible damage and scarring as a result of direct
or indirect exposure to the CO
2
laser beam. Severity of injury to these
structures depends on how concentrated or diffuse the beam is and
the length of exposure time.
PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE MAY RESULT IF LASER RADIATION
IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE EYE EITHER DIRECTLY OR BY
REFLECTION FROM A METALLIC SURFACE DURING
PROCEDURES INVOLVING ACCESS TO THE LASER OUTPUT.
ALL PERSONNEL MUST WEAR SAFETY SPECTACLES
SUITABLE FOR USE WITH CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS WHEN
THE LASER IS IN A CLASS 4 OPERATIONAL STATE.
PERSONNEL NOT SO PROTECTED MUST BE EXCLUDED FROM
THE AREA OR ROOM CONTAINING THE LASER
.
