Laser Safety

Lasers can be hazardous. Therefore, laser applications are categorised in different classes. Class 1 means the environment is safe in regards to laser radiation, whereas Class 4 means the risk of exposure is high and certain precautions must be undertaken.

LMIAB offers solutions for guaranteeing that the work environment fulfills current safety directives and norms.

Laser safety is something that has been overlooked for a long time, not receiving the attention it needs. Today laser safety is taken much more seriously, and continues to become more prioritised therefore demands are rising.

Laser processing technology in all sorts of industrial segments today is perhaps one of the fastest growing technologies. The staff at LMI AB has been involved since the childhood of laser technology and has a deep understanding of the pros and cons with the technology. Unfortunately, a downside of the laser is that the security aspect is often neglected and doesn't recieve the same attention as other machinery, despite the hazards involved with using lasers.

Today, there are regulations and rules on how security needs to be handled when using lasers. Wherever lasers are used professionally demand that the equipment fulfills requirements in Arbetsmiljöverkets regulatory documents AFS 2009:7.

As a company focusing purely on laser technology, we are naturally very keen on laser security which is taken seriously. LMI is a partner with Lasermet, a world leader in both industry and medical laser security. 

Lasermet Ltd

LMI is the new distributor of Lasermet Ltd. in Sweden and Norway. Lasermet is the world leader in everything safety related with laser systems. Examples are safety equipment for lasers in industrial environments, medical environments and laboratory environments.
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Products include laser safety goggles, warning signs, screen walls, locks, blinds, curtains, laser interlock systems and measuring instruments. All these products are certified with respect to the statutory safety requirements for the laser.

We would be happy to look over your laser safety and take appropriate steps to ensure that you have a safe equipment. If you need training in laser safety, we can also arrange this. 

• Safety Goggles
  
• Active warning signs
  
• Screens, curtains and drapes
• Interlock systems and measuring equipment

Laser Classification and Safety

Lasers and devices with lasers, are classified by their laser power and what the risks are in normal use. 

​​​​​​​n order to use lasers in Class 3B and 4 professionally, a permission is required from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority. No permit is required for lasers in the lower classes.

All lasers must be labeled with their respective class. Lasers class 2 and above must also have warnings and alert symbols. The label should be printed with black text on a yellow background.

Class 2

A Class 2 laser device has laser light visible to the human eye and has a maximal output power of one (1) milliwatt. If an eye is exposed to Class 2 laser light, the natural reflex (shutting eyelids, facing away from the light etc) prevents the laser from harming the retina of the eye.

Exposure to the eye for extended periods may damage sight. 

Class 3R

Class 3R laser devices emit visible radiation with a maximum output power of 5 milliwatts. The natural reaction discussed in Class 2 should prevent damage to the human eye even with class 3R lasers, but in some cases short exposure to the eye can cause damage.

Class 3A

This class is no longer used, as class 3A lasers are now included under Class 3R.
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Class 3B

Laser devices classified as Class 3B require a permit for possession and certain applications.
Devices in class 3B has visible radiation with a max. output power of 500 milliwatts. These require a permit because of their potential to cause damage to the retina despite natural reflexes.
​​​​​​​Even reflected light from such a laser device can harm the eye, although observing the laser beam on a non-reflective surface is safe. Class 3B lasers are found in powerful green laser pointers as well as in entertainment purposes as light shows.

Class 4

Requires permit for use and possession.
Any laser device with greater output power than class 3B ie 500 milliwatts, is a class 4 laser. This applies to visible as well as invisible lasers. Class 4 does not have a maximum output power. Industrial lasers used for cutting, welding, hardening and also marking are Class 4 lasers. Some of the lasers used to light shows also fall under this category if their output power exceeds 500 milliwatts.

Depending on the type of laser, Class 4 lasers can harm the eye and/or skin. High powered lasers, for example those used in cutting appliances, can be lethal and are capable of igniting objects.
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Class 4 lasers contained within safe approved housings belong to Class 1 as long as the machine is operated in its intended safe environmnent.