Safety in the use of handheld welding and cutting lasers – Risk Analysis and Recommendations.
Safety in the use of handheld welding and cutting lasers – Risk Analysis and Recommendations.
Introduction
It is a fact that in recent years, handheld welding and cutting lasers have gained popularity in various industrial sectors due to their precision and efficiency over conventional technologies.
Unfortunately, the increased interest in these devices also brings with it increased risks associated with their use. The purpose of this article is to discuss the risks associated with the use of handheld welding lasers, especially those from markets with low safety standards, and to provide recommendations for ensuring safe working conditions.
Safety Issues of Handheld Laser Welding Machines
Handheld welding and cutting lasers, especially those imported from China, often have low safety standards. Many of these devices enter the European market without proper safety certifications, posing serious risks to users. Just this week we learned from a customer of ours that after checking the documents of one importer of such equipment, they turned out to be forged certificates!
Main Threats
- Laser Radiation: Exposure to direct or diffuse laser radiation can lead to serious damage to vision, skin and internal tissues. Class 4 laser radiation, commonly used in industry, is particularly dangerous.
- Lack of Adequate Mechanical Safeguards: Many handheld lasers lack adequate protective shielding, increasing the risk of operator contact with the laser beam.
- Inadequate Cooling Systems: Inadequate or insufficient cooling systems can lead to overheating of the device, posing a risk of fire or explosion.
- Inadequate Quality of Materials: Equipment made of low-quality materials can fail more quickly, increasing the risk of accidents during operation.
Recommendations for Safe Use
- Choosing Proven Suppliers: It is crucial to buy equipment from reputable suppliers, such as Ventor Technologie, who ensure high quality products and full compliance with European safety standards. Choosing manufacturers with experience in laser technology who will confirm with a certificate accepted in Europe, as well as a well-known brand, references, and warranty and post-warranty service close to your location.
- Process Automation: The safest solution is to automate welding processes with lasers. Using robots equipped with laser systems in enclosed cabins minimizes the risk to operators. Operators should act as programmers and machine controllers instead of manual welders. This is a key point from my perspective after implementing more than a dozen laser systems for our customers in Poland and Europe. We delivered our robot-based booth systems to our first customers as early as 2006. The first systems were chosen by polytechnics in Poland, then after many years of educating our customers, we started implementations in service businesses and large corporations. However, this is a topic for another article. Automation of welding and laser cutting is the key to your safety!
- Investment in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): If the use of a hand-held laser is essential, it is necessary to equip operators with high-quality personal protective equipment, such as: Specialized laser-resistant welding clothes Welding visors with protective filters Welding gloves and protective footwear After summing up the cost of purchasing the equipment, torch, clothes, all the real protection for your personnel, you may quickly find that the cost is so high that it is worth considering a simple robotic cell for laser welding. What is the cost of security to you? Please already answer this question in your own conscience. The purchase of a robotic cell, of course, is several times more expensive than laser welders imported from distant countries, so we suggest you take a look at the offer of subsidies for innovative solutions for changing conventional technologies to modern ones, as well as attractive leases. You have the need, and we will provide a complete solution with financing to make this need a reality.
Accident Cases and Analysis
An analysis of accidents involving the use of hand-held welding lasers shows that most incidents could have been avoided with proper safeguards and procedures. An article published by the Journal of Laser Applications (2021), identified that as many as 80% of accidents were caused by improper use or lack of certified safety features.
Summary
Handheld welding and cutting lasers, despite their effectiveness, carry significant risks for operators. It is crucial to use equipment from proven suppliers and implement advanced process automation systems.
Ventor Technologie, offers solutions that meet the highest safety standards, ensuring the protection of operators and the efficiency of automated manufacturing processes.
Sources
- “Journal of Laser Applications,” 2021
- European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
- Internal materials of Ventor Technologie and partners from 2005-2024.
This article aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with the use of handheld lasers for welding and cutting, and to promote safe and certified solutions that minimize risks to operators.
