LightWELD^® 1500 Class 4 Laser Safety

Curtains/Barriers

Kentek offers several laser curtain and barrier options that meet OSHA, ANSI Z136.1 and international CE requirements. By utilizing Kentek’s interlocked laser curtain systems or interlocked laser barriers you can create specialized work cells that also act as Laser Controlled Areas. This allows the LightWELD^® system to be separate from other applications and keeps operators outside the Laser Control Area from being exposed to the laser hazards. Kentek’s custom laser curtains can be installed using a track system. The track can be installed directly to a hard ceiling, to a Unistrut support grid, or we can provide a system which is built from the ground up using our floor support hardware. If you need a more modular setup, Kentek’s freestanding laser barriers allow for maximum flexibility. Connect multiple barriers together to create the sized cell you require and utilize the interlocked doorway built into a barrier to control access into the work area. Only operators with the proper safety training and PPE should be allowed inside the Laser Controlled Area. Having interlocked laser curtains or barriers adds an additional layer of safety which IPG strongly suggests. An interlocked system ensures that when someone enters the work cell without following the proper protocols, the LightWELD^® system shuts down immediately and the laser is no longer a hazard.

LaserWELD™ Laser Welding Helmets

Laser welding safety requires compliance with laser protection, welding safety, and impact safety standards. Kentek, a leader in laser protective eyewear and laser viewing windows, has developed a line of LaserWELD™ safety products to protect against high laser energy, bright broadband welding light, and the risk of impact. Laser safety eyewear with ANSI Z87+ impact protection must be worn under the LaserWELD™ Helmet at all times.

Eyewear

Anyone inside the Laser Controlled Area (LCA) is required to have the proper PPE with an optical density of 6 or greater at 1070nm, in addition to the proper shade value as defined by the manufacturer. Kentek offers a wide range of both Laser and Welding eyewear and have performed laser hazard calculations and determine which laser eyewear filters are suitable for use with the LightWELD^® system. Kentek recommends our 015C glass filter or our lightweight 5161 polymer filter to be used along with IPG’s Welding Helmet when operating the system.

Fume Extraction

The laser welding process can create fumes containing harmful particles, vapors, and gases causing health concerns. Classified as “non-beam hazards” laser generated airborne contaminants (LGAC) are generated when class 3B or 4 laser beams interact with matter. Generated particulates, vapors and gases depend on the substrate typically occur when exposure reaches 107W/cm² beam irradiance. Fume Extraction systems offer a safe way to remove this potential hazard from the working environment. Systems use multi-stage filtration to remove harmful fumes and return clean air back to the working environment. Purex fume extraction systems allow compliance with local and international health and safety requirements.

Laser Protective Window with UV, VIS and IR Welding Protection

The laser light of the LightWELD^® system is invisible and requires laser safety products that meet ANSI Z136 Laser Safety Requirements. Also needed are welding UV, VIS, and IR ANSI Z87 protection.

Class 4 Laser Welding Safety Sign

ANSI Z136.1 'Safe Use of Lasers' Standard and Laser Safety Officer Training Courses

Before using the LightWELD^® system it is important to understand the safety requirements and hazards associated with operating a laser. Here is a list of items that you will want to check off to ensure compliance with the ANSI Z136.1 (OSHA) laser safety requirements:

1. Familiarize yourself with ANSI Z136.1 'Safe Use of Lasers' (or, if international, your country’s adopted laser safety standards).

   

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2. Have an appointed Laser Safety Officer (LSO).
   Section 4.4.3.3 of the ANSI Z136.1 states: “Education and Training (All Classes except Class 1). Education and training shall be provided for operators, maintenance and service personnel for Class 3B or Class 4 lasers or laser systems…”.
   The LightWELD^® 1500 handheld laser welder is a Class 4 laser system.

   Link to Kentek's LSO training course for handheld laser welding:

   Livestream Laser Safety Officer for Handheld Laser Welding
   

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