Laser Focus on Safety: Setting Up Your Laser Welding Workspace

All welders know that safety is top priority- but with new technology on the market like the handheld laser welder Theo from Maxphotonics, it's important to understand that this new tech calls for a new set of safety needs! So what are the differences between laser welding and traditional welding when it comes to considering safety? Read on to learn more about laser welding safety protocols and how you can create a safe laser welding workspace at your shop! 

Traditional welding techniques require extensive personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, jackets, long pants, and boots to shield against bright arcs and sparks. And while laser welding doesn't tend to produce a ton of sparks, it is still recommended that you take precautions to cover your extremities. However, the real danger when it comes to handheld laser welders, is actually invisible to the human eye!

What many people don't realize is that the 1.5-kW, 1-µm-wavelength fiber laser coming from your welder is the same class 4 laser that many fabricators use for cutting- the only difference is that the laser on the cutting machine operates within an enclosure, behind laser safe-glass. Just because you cannot see the beam, doesn't mean it won't impact your retina or the retinas of those around you. This invisibility calls for specialized laser-safe eyewear, like laser glasses and welding helmets equipped with laser-safe glass lenses, as well as barriers to protect those who are in the vicinity from exposure. 

Safety in laser welding begins with designing a restricted-access area. Make sure you clearly mark the area, minimizing  unnecessary access and exposure. Appropriate warning signs are crucial at all entry points, clearly indicating that a laser is in use. These signs must comply with safety standards and include information about the type and class of laser, potential hazards, and required PPE. Regulations tend to vary by country and region, so check out your local regulations for guidance. 

Another important way to reinforce this distinction is by creating an enclosure or by using barriers or curtains. Here at Earlbeck, our go to for laser safety options is LaserVision USA! They offer a solution for any space and are able to fully customize to suit your specific needs. Check out our recommendations from them below!

• CURTAINS & COVERS
• BARRIERS
• WELDING BOOTHS
• ENCLOSURES & OTHERS

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LaserVison USA's standard laser safety curtains are a great solution for immediate laser protection! They are easy to use and come in a variety of sizes that can be pieced together for larger coverage. Just simply connect multiple curtains together with hook and loop fasteners to build a curtain that fits your space!

If your laser welding setup is confined to a specific room, then another great option from them are their window covers . They attach around an existing window using grommets, magnets or 3M Dual Locks, making it easy to apply, remove, and store as needed!

But if you’re on the move and looking for a more portable option, then check out the framed laser safety curtain. These can be custom built and feature strong, anodized steel hardware, locking casters, and laser rated-material. ​

Looking for a higher level of protection? Give the portable rigid barriers a try! Built with versatility in mind, these panel systems have unique 360° hinges so you can move and position your barrier according to your needs! Then once you’re done, it’s easy to fold up and store taking up less space than most barrier systems! Ranging from 2-6 panels, these are made with materials that have a laser safety rating of up to 10,000 W/cm2 for 100 seconds.

LaserVision USA's Welding Booths provide essential protection for laser welding jobs. These enclosed spaces protects outsiders from both reflected and direct stray laser beams. Built in windows can provides visibility without risk! Engineered by their top specialists, these welding booths are made from the highest quality laser rated materials on the market. We have one installed at our Baltimore location and we couldn't recommend it more!

They come in either a portable, fold away option, or a heavy duty, floor anchored option in standard sizes. Plus, you can add on custom options like extra windows, a roofing kit, and an interlock system! 

Laser Vision also offers enclosures that come in standard sizes or can be custom built, featuring M5P06 laser safe panels and sturdy aluminum framing.

Common small enclosures include table-top glove boxes, inline enclosures, and processing workstations. While their larger enclosures can incorporate viewing windows, access points, and a variety of door styles- think room dividers, open top machine surrounds, and custom booths!

In addition to those, they offer cabin style fixtures.  These use their highest laser safety rated material with 3 inch thick walls and can incorporate laser safe windows & doors, interlock systems, LED signs and more, making them an ideal choice for permanent, high power laser protection. With worry-free on-site installation included!

Another interesting solution they offer are Optical Table Partitions- table-top paneled solutions that are perfect for surrounding your and partitioning elements. Specific to your needs, with fixed solutions, as well as modular and hinged solutions that allow easy access!

So whether you're looking for something heavy duty with floor anchors, or portable and fold away- LaserVision USA has a solution. Plus their flexibility in standard sizes and customization means you’ll be happy with the outcome. 

We stand behind LaserVision USA's quality craftsmanship so much that we have our own laser enclosure from them-  you can check out Earlbeck’s custom built enclosure when you book your demo with Theo today!

PRO TIP: INTERLOCK SYSTEM

A simple way to guarantee laser safety is a room interlock system. This enhanced security feature essentially functions by completing a  circuit that  sends a signal to the laser welding machine and allows for operation.
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However, if someone tries to enter and opens the door, the system immediately detects this and cuts the power to the laser preventing accidental exposure!​

Once you figure out your barrier set up, there are still other considerations. Even though laser welding is different to traditional welding, effective fume extraction is still crucial for maintaining air quality since both methods still create harmful fumes. Check out our recommendations for PAPRs and other fume mitigating systems like portable fume extractors, booths, downdraft tables, and more!

Additionally, as discussed above, all welding requires appropriate PPE. This includes your standard gloves, jackets, long pants, and boots, plus laser safety glasses with the proper rating and a welding helmet with a laser safe lens. 
 
Fire safety is also an important requirement for any welding job, including laser welding. Make sure your space is equipped with suitable fire extinguishers and be sure that fire detection and suppression systems are in place! And as always, keep flammable materials away from the area you are welding in to minimize fire risks.

Another way to stay safe is to keep your equipment up to par with regular maintenance and inspections. This ensures that equipment functions correctly. Make regular inspections part of your routine to help identify potential issues before they become significant problems.
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And then lastly, and perhaps most important, proper training and awareness! If your staff doesn't know the dangers or can't physically see them, as is the case with laser beams, then how can they be expected to work safely? Shops must designate Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) who understand laser classifications, hazards, and safety protocols in depth. Training for LSOs can be conducted online or in-person, and it’s crucial that they have a full understanding. All operators of the laser welder should also receive safety training- keep your staff informed by investing in training BEFORE implementing laser welding at your business. Regularly reinforce the importance of following safety protocols with refresher training sessions. 

Maintaining a safe welding environment requires both an understanding of the risks involved and the measures necessary to mitigate them. Thinking of incorporating laser welding into your practice but not sure where to start?

​Well, our team is here to assist! We have our very own laser welder, Theo by MaxPhotonics, and an enclosure by LaserVision, and we’re happy to show you firsthand!

Already have your laser welder but need help navigating the rest of it- just fill out the form below to reach out today! We’ll give you the rundown on what you need and help you find the perfect solution for your space!