Laser Cutter – BOSS CO2 Laser Safety

Always use caution when operating a laser system.

The BOSSLASER LS Series Laser Systems are a Class 4 laser product, as defined in International Standard IEC 60825-1. This laser machine is a Class IV laser machine, laser radiation is a possibility. Failing to follow the proper safety precautions has the potential to cause the following:

•  Materials within the machine and the surrounding areas to catch on fire.
•  When certain materials are processed by a laser machine, those materials can generate or produce toxic or hazardous gas when processed by a laser machine (see Laser Safe Materials section). 
•  Direct exposure to laser radiation, causing harm to the human body.

There are both visible and invisible lasers utilized in this system.
Avoid staring directly into any parts of the laser assembly

• There is an active low-strength visible red dot laser for viewing the cutting position. (similar to a laser pointer) 
• The actual laser that is cutting is invisible to the eye and can cause retinal damage; avoid cutting material with reflective surfaces.  Keep the laser cutter bay door closed during the cutting operation. 
• The laser cutter is designed to disengage the active cutting laser when the bay door to the laser cutter is opened.  Opening the door will stop the laser from cutting, but the head will remain in motion. 

To ensure you are prepared for any possible accidents or emergencies, it is recommended to adhere to the following safety measures:

•  There is a CO2/ABC fire extinguisher on hand and nearby to minimize damage to the machine and the surrounding environment in case of a fire.
•  Do NOT stack flammable or explosive objects on or near the machine.
•  Air Handling Systems are active and engaged during laser cutting operations, this will provide good ventilation within the area while running the laser machine.
•  Only qualified personnel should operate the laser machine at all times, each person who enters the area should have general safety laser knowledge and any person who operates the machine should understand these safety hazards and warnings. 

Warning Logotype – The “DANGER: Visible & Invisible Radiation” warning label can be found on the front right side of the machine. Staring at the laser beam can cause damage to the eyes and touching the laser beam can cause serious injuries. Having the doors closed will protect your eyes and skin from injury.

During normal operation, the output of the embedded laser is contained. The laser cabinet has a main access door with a safety interlock that turns the laser off if it is opened during operation, as well as non-interlocked doors that can be opened during operation. If any non-interlocked doors are opened during operation, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

The visible output beam of the Laser Diode Pointer (Red Dot Pointer) is accessible to the operator. This allows you to visibly track where the laser cutter path is moving prior to cutting.  While this device employs the same technology as the familiar laser pen-pointers, like them it is potentially hazardous if its beam is directed into the eye.

BOSSLASER have made every effort to make the Laser Diode Pointer (Red Dot Pointer) as safe as possible. Its beam path is located well inside the cabinet, and under normal operation, no hazardous levels of laser radiation can escape. 

• Laminated safety glass is employed in the viewing window to block laser radiation from CO2 lasers. This viewing window will block transmission of CO2 laser radiation allowing safe observation of laser processing. Do not operate the laser system if the view port is damaged, with any of the doors removed or if any of the safety interlocks are defeated.
• The intense light that appears during the engraving or cutting process is the product of material combustion or vaporization. DO NOT STARE AT THIS INTENSE LIGHT FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME OR VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS BINOCULARS OR MICROSCOPES.
• This device contains a visible Red Diode Pointer (Class 2) to aid in positioning material to be cut or engraved. DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE RED LASER BEAM OR USE A REFLECTIVE SURFACE TO REDIRECT OR VIEW THE RED LASER BEAM. NEVER ATTEMPT TO VIEW THE RED LASER BEAM USING OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS BINOCULARS OR MICROSCOPES
• The user bay door(s) are safety interlocked which will prevent the CO2 laser beam from firing when the user door(s) are opened. The Red Diode Pointer is NOT safety interlocked and can be automatically activated with the door(s) either open or closed.

EXPOSURE TO THE LASER BEAM MAY CAUSE PHYSICAL BURNS AND CAN CAUSE SEVERE EYE DAMAGE. Proper use and care of this system are essential to safe operation. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

• The invisible high-energy laser beam can cause severe eye damage, including blindness and serious skin burns. Covers are interlocked, such that the laser beam will be disabled when they are opened.
• Improper use of the controls or modification of the safety features may cause serious eye injury and skin burns.

Reflective objects can cause the beam to escape the cutting and therefore should never be placed in the cutting chamber.

• DO NOT modify or disable ANY of the safety features of a laser cutter
• DO NOT operate the laser cutter unless all covers are in place and interlocks are working properly.
• DO NOT attempt to look directly into the laser beam.

DO NOT OPERATE THE LASER SYSTEM IF ANY SAFETY FEATURES HAVE BEEN MODIFIED, DISABLED OR REMOVED. This may lead to accidental exposure to invisible CO2 laser radiation which may cause severe eye damage and/or severe burns to your skin.