Safety Guidelines for Industrial Laser Marking
While industrial laser marking is one of the safest methods available, it still comes with dangers to the operators and workers if they do not follow certain rules. Learn the essential safety guidelines for industrial laser marking to prevent injuries and accidents at work below.
Only Allow Trained Operators
Only those trained and educated in working with the laser marking system should use them. While laser marking machines are safe and simple to use in the right hands, they can be a danger to workers and the workplace in untrained hands.
No worker should be put on a laser marking system before they’ve been extensively trained in the dangers and uses of the system. If you only have a limited number of trained operators, consider training more staff in case one worker is injured or unable to work.
Always Wear Personal Protective Equipment
It’s also crucial that operators of the laser marking systems and those working nearby have sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep themselves safe. The most common injuries associated with laser marking are eye and skin injuries from exposure, but such injuries are still rare.
Operators should protect their eyes with durable protective eyewear and wear them any time they operate the machine. Workers should also have flame-resistant clothing to protect their skin from burns and the fire hazards presented by the laser.
Install Warning Signs and Labels
Another safety guideline for industrial laser marking is to always adequately label the system with the dangers the system poses. Any worker approaching the area or passing through should be warned of present dangers via a hazard sign of the system nearby.
Workplaces should post a danger sign about the risks invisible laser light poses to one’s eyes, a sign enumerating potential harm to the human body, and a warning note that everyone in the vicinity of the system should use PPE eyewear when using or servicing the laser.
Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
Maintenance is just as important to the worker and laser safety as it is to the productivity and longevity of the system. When a laser marking system is well-serviced and maintained, it’ll work better and more accurately and, therefore, be safer.
Ensure that every laser marking system has a detailed maintenance log and calendar that shows how often it should be serviced to keep up with the schedule.
Where To Find Laser Marking Systems
If your workplace could benefit from a laser marking machine, Tri-Star Technologies can help! Find various types of laser marking systems in our inventory for your workplace, or contact our helpful staff if you have questions about which system would be best for your application.