A written Laser Safety Program is required for any organization using a Class 3B or 4 laser or laser system, according to ANSI Z136.1 "Safe Use of Lasers" standard. Laser Safety Programs is one of the first items addressed in the standard (Section 1.3), and it's usually the first question a knowledgeable OSHA inspector will [...]
Well controlled laser beam hazards are critical. In addition to laser beam hazards, laser non-beam hazards must be considered. Mechanical Hazards Electrical Hazards Smoke and Fumes Process Radiation Let’s take a brief look at each of these laser non-beam hazards. Mechanical Hazards Mechanical hazards are common in industrial laser areas. Industrial laser personnel must often [...]
Times have changed rapidly in the past 6-months with Covid-19 effecting every aspect of our lives both personally and professionally. Conferences, training sessions, meetings and gatherings are all being done virtually instead of in person. This has presented both challenges and opportunities to take a fresh look at how things are getting done efficiently and [...]
Since the Covid-19 pandemic started Kentek has received many inquiries regarding cleaning/disinfecting laser eyewear. Our guidance on cleaning Kentek laser safety eyewear as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19 is consistent with our past recommendations that seek to avoid damage of vital components. Many commercial cleaning agents claim the ability to kill coronaviruses, but [...]
Working for the world’s leading laser safety company we come across lots of laser eye protection questions. This brief post will address some common and general items but always check with your LSO for your specific requirements. ANSI Z136.1 requires laser eye protection for Class 3B and 4 lasers or laser systems within the Nominal [...]
ANSI Z136.1-2014 "Safe Use of Lasers" requires the application of control measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to laser radiation above the MPE. The LSO has the authority to monitor and enforce the control of laser hazards. There are 3 types of controls – Engineering, Administrative (Procedural) and Personal Protective Equipment. Engineering controls are [...]
I spent most of last week at The International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC) which was held in Orlando, FL. It was probably one of the best laser safety conferences I’ve attended and I’ve been to a lot of them dating back to 1997. This was one of the largest ILSC's I can remember and to [...]
In May of 2017 Kentek launched our laser safety showcase van - Photon1. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s really cool! Photon1 is a mobile educational lab demonstrating control measures such as laser curtain systems, interlock systems, enclosures, IR detection devices, alignment tools, laser eyewear and more. Since it's inaugural trip, Photon1 has traveled [...]
When ANSI Z136.1 “Safe Use of Lasers” was revised in 2014, one of the most significant changes was laser sign design. Over the past 20+ years I’ve visited many facilities ranging from universities to industrial plants and medical facilities. I find more often than not laser signs are not compliant with ANSI. So – here’s [...]
I was having a conversation with a colleague last week and the topic of OSHA came up regarding onsite visits and laser safety. An OSHA inspector may be visiting you for any number of reasons and may notice you are using lasers at your facility – a known hazard. OSHA has been known to cite [...]