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1 Safety Information
1 Safety Information
1.1 Laser Safety
The light source of the vibrometer is a helium neon laser. It is important to
understand that laser light has different properties than ordinary light sources.
Laser radiation is generally extremely intense due to the beam's low
divergence and great care should be taken when handling laser instruments
that the direct or reflected beam does not enter the eye. To ensure this, the
following precautions have been taken:
•
In general, Polytec equipment complies with the standards EN 60825-1
(DIN VDE 0837) and CFR 1040.10 (US).
•
The optical output of the laser is less than 1 mW for the sensor heads
OFV-303/-353 and OFV-511providing the equipment is used in the
manner for which it was intended. This means that the vibrometer
conforms with laser class 2 (II) and is generally very safe. Even when
optimally focused, the laser radiation is not intense enough to harm the
skin.
•
The optical output of the laser is less than 5 mW (
<
1 mW per fibre) for the
sensor head OFV-512 providing the equipment is used in the manner for
which it was intended. This means that the vibrometer conforms with
laser class 3R (IIIa) and is generally very safe. Even when optimally
focused, the laser radiation is not intense enough to harm the skin.
•
The sensor head has been equipped with a beam shutter which can be
used to block the laser beam during the warm-up phase or when the
vibrometer is not in use, although switched on.
•
The emission indicator on the sensor head indicates the activity of the
laser and thus potential harm caused by emitted laser beams.
•
The beam shutter is always less then 2 m away from the aperture of the
laser beam. Special editions of the fiber optical sensor heads with fiber
lengths of 3 m are fitted with an additional emission indicator which is
integrated in the fibers.
•
The laser is switched on via a key switch on the controller. The key can
only be removed when the controller is switched off.
•
It is not necessary to open the housing of the sensor head when using
the vibrometer as intended. Opening the housing will invalidate the
warranty.
Please pay attention to the following safety precautions when using the
vibrometer:
•
Never look directly into the laser beam with the naked eye or with the aid
of mirrors or optical instruments !
•
Only switch the beam shutter to the ON position when you are making
measurements !
•
To position the sensor head, switch the beam shutter to the OFF position.
Only when the sensor head is roughly in place and has been fixed in a
stable position, switch the beam shutter to ON.
•
Do not use any reflective tools, watches etc. when you are working in the
path of the laser beam !
