Laser cleaning, a cutting-edge technology for removing dirt and contaminants, is gaining popularity in industry. However, exposure to laser beams poses significant risks to the eyes and skin. Strict safety measures are therefore essential. This is why rigorous safety measures are indispensable. Discover in this article the list of equipment and essential precautions for safe laser cleaning!
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safety glasses or face shields : essential to prevent preserve your eyes waste, serious injuries and the risk of blindness. It is crucial that they are adapted to the wavelength of the laser used. Example: glasses for laser M.O.P.A are different from safety glasses for laser CW. One emits a wavelength 1064 nm and the second a wavelength of 1080 nm... Other parameters come into play such as power, pulse duration, frequency... Safety glasses or face shields must comply with EN 207 standard for laser cleaning... Contact us for any quote request
- Safety clothing: opt for lab coats ou suits specially designed to resist work lasers, covering the entire body to prevent skin burns.
- Laser-resistant gloves: these gloves protect your hands from intense heat and laser radiation when handling equipment. These gloves are primarily recommended for CW laseruse, but are also perfectly suitable for M.O.P.A laser.
- Hearing protection: in certain environments, machine noise can be harmful. Appropriate hearing protection ensures optimal comfort and safety.
- Respiratory masks: the projection of particles or vapors into the air makes protective masks indispensable to preserve your respiratory health. Minimum recommended: mask FFP3
- Training and awareness: beyond equipment, adequate training on associated risks and best practices is essential to ensure everyone's safety.
Finally, remember all PPE required by the situation or your client: hard hat, dosimeter (nuclear facility), harness (if working at height), high-visibility vests...
Cryoblaster offers you a range of laser protection accessories...
Passive precautions
Laser curtains constitute physical barriers strategically placed around the work area, allowing the laser beam and its reflections to be contained. This significantly reduces the risk of accidental exposure. Be careful, however, these curtains must comply with EN 12554 standard. The choice of curtain type depends on the type of laser, its power... Contact us for a quote
In parallel, particle extractors play an essential role in capturing and eliminating particles and toxic vapors generated during cleaning, thus ensuring optimal air quality.
Anti-laser protection curtain
Training and safety procedures
- Training programs : Covering laser hazards (see below), PPE usage, emergency procedures, etc., with regular updates to stay informed of the latest standards.
- Monitoring and maintenance of equipment : Regular inspections and maintenance of PPE and passive devices to ensure proper functioning and extend their lifespan.
MANDATORY ATTENTION :
IN FRANCE - Labor Code
- Medical examination for aptitude to use the equipment,
- P.E.R.L Training P.E.R.L (Person Exposed to Laser Risks) for every laser user by an organization qualified to provide LASER training
- Labor law also requires within companies a referent en laser safety (training Competent Person en Laser Safety - Level 3)
Work environment design
- Zoning and physical barriers : Creation of dedicated areas with restricted access to isolate laser cleaning operations. Cryoblaster now equips its laser cleaning equipment with a device that stops the emission of the laser beam in the event of door opening.
- Ventilation system : Installation of adequate ventilation to control fumes and particles generated, thus improving air quality.
By combining PPE, passive precautions, training and appropriate layout, it is possible to create asafe work environment for laser cleaning, while benefiting from this high-performance technology.
For more information on our laser cleaning solutions, contact us at 04 81 61 02 75, or fill out the form.
