General Hazards - Novanta v40 User Manual

GENERAL HAZARDS

General hazards
Following are descriptions of general hazards and unsafe practices that could result in death, severe
injury, or product damage. Specific warnings and cautions not appearing in this section are found
throughout the manual.
Do not allow laser radiation to enter the eye by viewing direct or reflected laser energy.
CO2 laser radiation can be reflected from metallic objects even though the surface is darkened. Direct
or diffuse laser radiation can inflict severe corneal injuries leading to permanent eye damage or
blindness. All personnel must wear eye protection suitable for CO2 radiation, e.g., 9.3–10.6 μm when in
the same area as an exposed laser beam.
Eye wear protects against scattered energy but is not intended to protect against direct viewing of
the beam— never look directly into the laser output aperture or view scattered laser reflections from
metallic surfaces.
Enclose the beam path whenever possible. Exposure to direct or diffuse CO
seriously burn human or animal tissue, which may cause permanent damage.
This product is not intended for use in explosive, or potentially explosive, atmospheres!
Materials processing with a laser can generate air contaminants such as vapors, fumes, and/or
particles that may be noxious, toxic, or even fatal. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for materials being
processed should be thoroughly evaluated and the adequacy of provisions for fume extraction,
filtering, and venting should be carefully considered. Review the following references for further
information on exposure criteria:
ANSI Z136.1-2014, Safe Use of Lasers, § 7.3.
U.S. Government's Code of Federal Regulations: 29 CFR §1910, §§ Z.
Threshold Limit Values (TLV's) published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH).
It may be necessary to consult with local governmental agencies regarding restrictions on the venting
of processing vapors.
The use of aerosol dusters containing difluoroethane causes "blooming," a condition that significantly
expands and scatters the laser beam. This beam expansion can affect mode quality and/or cause
laser energy to extend beyond the confines of optical elements in the system, possibly damaging
acrylic safety shielding. Do not use air dusters containing difluoroethane in any area adjacent to CO2
laser systems because difluoroethane persists for long time periods over wide areas.
v40 lasers should be installed and operated in manufacturing or laboratory facilities by trained personnel
only. Due to the considerable risks and hazards associated with the installation and operational use of
any equipment incorporating a laser, the operator must follow product warning labels and instructions to
the user regarding laser safety. To prevent exposure to direct or scattered laser radiation, follow all
safety precautions specified throughout this manual and exercise safe operating practices per ANSI
Z136.1-2014, Safe Use of Lasers at all times when actively lasing.
Due to the specific properties of laser light, a unique set of safety hazards that differ from other light
sources must be considered. Just like light, lasers can be reflected, refracted, diffracted, or scattered.
Warning: Serious Personal Injury
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