Light and visual indication

Set up a light outside the door that the user can switch on before beginning to use the laser to indicate that the laser is in use. A battery-powered LED light may be used.

 

Entry controls

Procedural controls are sufficient to limit entry, whereby a sign and light indicate the presence of an operating Class 4 laser, and there is no direct line of sight from the laser output to the door.

 

The LSO and Your Laser Safety Program

ANSI Z136.1-2022 sets recommended guidelines for the safe use of lasers that operate at wavelengths between 180 nm and 1000 μm. Primary safety responsibility rests with someone designated as the Laser Safety officer, or LSO. This document is designed to assist you in acting as the LSO for one or more xTool M1 Ultra units. It does not provide sufficient information to advise you in acting as the LSO for any other laser.

The LSO verifies the classification of the laser. The LSO determines the level of hazard by considering the details of the laser, and creates a standard operating procedure (SOP) that determines what control measures (like additional interlocks, training, and safety goggles) should be used.

 

The LSO is then responsible for helping and training other laser users, ensuring safe compliance, analyzing any possible hazards, providing safety equipment, ensuring all regulations are complied with including (in the US) CDRH, OSHA, and state regulations, and auditing the use of the laser to make sure it’s used safely.

 

Beyond these responsibilities, the LSO must also recommend and approve signs, labels, protective equipment, facilities, equipment, any modifications, maintain records, approve laser system operation, and investigate accidents should one occur. The LSO is ultimately the one responsible for determining if and how a laser may be safely operated.

 

Hazard Analysis

The LSO must analyze the hazards present in the lasers for which they are responsible. xTool has created a hazard analysis (provided below) of xTool M1 Ultra that you may choose to use in your laser safety program.

 

Standard Operating Procedure

 

Based on the Hazard Analysis, the LSO must create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that describes the control measures required to minimize hazards. xTool has also created a sample SOP (provided below) that you may use or adapt to your xTool M1 Ultra laser safety program.

 

Lasers are a special kind of light source. Most light is made of many different colors, all shining out in lots of directions at once. Laser light is different in three ways.

First, laser light is monochromatic - just one color. Sometimes that color is visible, like the low-power red laser that you can see your xTool machine use to measure material when it’s focusing. Sometimes it’s invisible, like the high-power infrared laser beam your xTool machine uses to cut and engrave material.

In technical discussions, people describe lasers as producing“nonionizing electromagnetic radiation”. That describes a broad category that includes everything from sunshine to radio waves. Instead of talking about color, they use the term“wavelength”. The wavelength of the low-power measuring laser on your xTool machine is 650 nanometers, which is red. The wavelength of the powerful printing laser is 455 nanometers, which is blue.

The second difference between laser light and regular light is that laser light is directional. That means that it can be made to travel in a straight line, in a beam, without spreading out much.

The third difference is that laser light is coherent. That means that each lightwave is synchronized with the others.

It’s very hard to get light to move in a straight line, without spreading out. If the waves aren’t lined up, or if there’s a mix of colors and directions, the beam will spread out. Lasers, however, can stay lined up for a long distance - and, importantly, can be focused down to a point.

Lasers' greatest effectiveness - and danger - as compared to ordinary light comes from lasers ability to be focused.

 

The very first laser used a strobe light and a ruby crystal. The light from the strobe was amplified in the ruby crystal, stimulating it to emit nonionizing electromagnetic radiation at 694 nanometers. The acronym“LASER” comes from this experiment - light amplification through stimulated emission of radiation.

These first lasers were called“solid-state” lasers because the action parts were solid crystals. Shortly after the development of solid-state lasers came gas lasers, which can resemble neon signs. Electricity causes gas in a tube to glow. Specially tuned mirrors amplify the light, and the laser beam emerges.

 

There are four measurements used to describe the effect of a laser.

Joules measure energy. If you shine a light on a gram of water until it absorbs 1 joule of energy, the water will heat by about a quarter of a degree Celsius.

 

Watts measures power. If you turn on a one-watt light for a second, it will put out 1 joule during that time.

 

Joules per square centimeter measure radiant exposure. If you focus down that one-watt light to a square centimeter of paper and shine it for a second, that one joule will spread over the paper, and it will heat up slightly, just like the water. However, if you focus it down to 1/100th the size, the paper may singe and turn brown.

Finally, watts per square centimeter measure irradiance. If you keep shining that one-watt light on the paper, it will keep adding joules of energy. If it’s focused to one square centimeter, it will slowly warm. If it’s focused to 1/100th the size, the paper may catch fire.

 

Laser beams can be hazardous because the energy of the laser can damage the eyes and skin. This can cause damage to both eyes and skin. The risk is higher if the laser is more powerful if it is more focused, and if it stays in one place for a longer time, so all of these factors are considered when assessing safety.

The laser beam can strike a person in one of three ways. First, the laser can be pointed at the person directly. Second, in specular reflection’, the laser can be reflected toward a person. Third, in diffuse reflection’, the laser strikes a surface that is not a mirror and scatters the light in all directions. Because the light from a diffuse reflection is scattered, it is not as hazardous as direct or reflected light - but there may still be enough intensity to cause damage.

 

Lasers are classified by the level of radiation that may be encountered during normal operation.

 

Class 1 lasers are incapable of causing injury during normal operation. Class 1M lasers are the same, except unless magnifying optics are used. The positioning laser spot in xTool M1 Ultra is a Class 1 laser.

 

Class 2 lasers are incapable of causing injury in less than 0.25 seconds. Class 2M lasers are the same, except unless magnifying optics are used.

 

Class 3R lasers are marginally unsafe if the beam is directed at the eye. Class 3B lasers are hazardous if the beam is directed at the eye, but are usually not an eye hazard if the beam is scattered.

 

Class 4 lasers are eye and skin hazards for both direct and scattered exposure. xTool M1 Ultra is a Class 1 laser. When used with its riser base that supports the conveyor feeder, it works as a Class 4 laser.

 

In the US, laser manufacturers like xTool are regulated by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) and are required to follow 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11, which are federal laws. In many other countries (but not the US), both laser manufacturers and laser users are required to follow IEC60825-1:2014.

ANSI Z136.1 is a voluntary standard that describes how to use lasers safely. OSHA (a US federal law that applies to workplaces but not to private homes) requires a safety program like that described in the ANSI standard.

 

There may be other laser regulations depending on your country, state, and even city, and regulations may change. This information is provided to assist you in creating a safety program as described by ANSI Z126.1, but cannot advise you on legal compliance.

 

Non-Beam Hazards

There are additional hazards to your xTool M1 Ultra. Always operate your xTool M1 Ultra following all instructions in the manual and XCS to minimize hazards.

 

Laser Generated Air Contaminants

When using a laser to process materials, a variety of air contaminants may be produced that can be hazardous. The air must be filtered to remove those contaminants. Follow the user manual of xTool M1 Ultra to ensure that all exhaust is either properly treated or discharged outdoors where it can safely dissipate.

 

Process Nonionizing Radiation

Processing metals with a laser may result in the release of ultraviolet light. If your xTool M1 Ultra produces a bright light that cannot be viewed comfortably, look away.

 

Collateral Nonionizing Radiation

The material that produces the laser beam may emit harmful levels of UV and/or IR light. xTool M1 Ultra has been tested to ensure that harmful levels are not present outside the case or when viewed through the lid (PC+ABS).

This program applies to xTool M1 Ultra Laser operated by xTool M1 Ultra Owner. This program is based on the guidance of ANSI Z136.1-2014, the American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers. The proper implementation of this program will assure that laser exposures are always below the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits.

An individual designated as the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) shall have the responsibility and authority to assure compliance with this program. The LSO shall:

Provide hazard evaluations for xTool M1 Ultra laser

Specify control measures for the xTool M1 Ultra laser and assure implementation

Approve procedures, SOPs, protective equipment, signs and labels

Assure that all laser personnel receive appropriate safety training

Monitor the program and assure compliance

Maintain program records

The LSO shall have final authority in determining xTool M1 Ultra laser control measures and may approve alternate controls when these are appropriate based on the judgment of the LSO. xTool M1 Ultra laser shall be operated only with the approval of the LSO. The LSO shall have the authority to terminate laser operations at any time.

Class 1 laser systems are incapable of producing damaging radiation levels during normal operation and are exempt from any control measures. Class 1 laser systems may contain higher class lasers and may produce laser hazards if operated with interlocks defeated. Only authorized personnel may operate class 1 laser systems with interlocks defeated. Operators of class 1 laser systems with embedded class 3B or class 4 lasers shall receive a laser safety briefing.

 

Class 1M laser systems are incapable of producing hazardous exposure conditions during normal operation unless the beam is viewed with optical instruments. Operators of class 1M laser systems shall receive a laser safety briefing.

 

Class 2 laser systems emit visible light only at a power level of 1 milliwatt or less. The normal aversion response to bright light is adequate protection. Staring into the beam of a class 2 laser is hazardous. Operators of class 2 laser systems shall receive a laser safety briefing.

 

Class 2M laser systems emit visible light only. The normal aversion response to bright light is adequate protection for unaided viewing. However, viewing the beam with optical aids is potentially hazardous. Operators of class 2M laser systems shall receive a laser safety briefing.

 

Class 3R laser systems are potentially hazardous under some viewing conditions, but the probability of an actual injury is small, and the control measures for safe use are straightforward. Most laser pointers fall in this class. Operators of class 3R laser systems shall receive a laser safety briefing. (Most lasers previously classified as class 3a fall in this category.)

 

Class 3B laser systems are eye hazards for intrabeam viewing and specular reflections, even for momentary exposures, but diffuse reflections are not usually hazardous. Class 3B laser systems shall be operated only in laser-controlled areas by authorized operators. Operators of class 3B laser systems shall receive approved laser safety training.

 

Class 4 laser systems are eye hazards and skin hazards for intrabeam exposures, specular reflections, and diffuse reflections. They are also fire hazards and may produce laser-generated air contaminants. Class 4 laser systems shall be operated only in laser controlled areas by authorized operators. Operators of class 4 laser systems shall receive approved laser safety training. Written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is required for Class 4 laser operation.

 

When operating in Class 1 conditions, all users will read and follow the safety manual and XCS software.

If there are bystanders, or children, or if xTool M1 Ultra Laser is used in a public setting where untrained individuals may be present, feed-through beam blocks must be securely installed.

 

The requirements for the xTool M1 Ultra Laser controlled area shall be determined by the LSO. The minimum requirements considered by the LSO for the xTool M1 Ultra Laser controlled area are:

If needed entryway controls to allow only authorized personnel or approved spectators to enter the xTool M1 Ultra Laser control area. (Administrative controls are acceptable.)

Laser safety eyewear available and used in accordance with the SOP for the xTool M1 Ultra Laser.

Beam control (barriers and beam blocks) to limit laser hazards within the controlled area.

Written SOP for the xTool M1 Ultra Laser.

Training of the xTool M1 Ultra Laser operators.

Laser safety eyewear is not normally required for the operation of xTool M1 Ultra when operating in Class 1 conditions as described in the SOP. The LSO will require eyewear or approve laser operation without eyewear based on a hazard evaluation performed by the LSO or the LSO may choose to delegate this responsibility.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYEES WORKING WITH LASERS

Employees who work with the xTool M1 Ultra Laser with the beam exposed shall:

Energize or work with lasers only when authorized to do so.

Comply with laser safety rules and work procedures.

Notify their supervisor or the LSO in case of potential accident or injury or suspected unsafe condition.

 

LASER SAFETY AUDIT

At an interval determined by the LSO, the xTool M1 Ultra Laser will be audited for safety:

 

It will be visually inspected for damage.

The most recent user version of the manual will be re-read.

The laser will be powered on and self-checked to confirm whether the safety settings are invalid.

The Laser Safety Program will be reviewed to ensure that the program is current and compliant.

A record of this audit will be completed, printed, signed, dated, and retained

 

RECORDS

The LSO shall maintain records that document the Laser Safety Program. These records shall include:

Laser hazard analysis reports for the xTool M1 Ultra Laser

A list of operators who have been trained and permitted to use the xTool M1 Ultra Laser

Standard Operating Procedures for the xTool M1 Ultra Laser

Approvals of alternate laser control measures, if implemented

Laser Safety Audit checklist

Scope: This SOP applies to the normal operation of the xTool M1 Ultra Laser as specified by the manufacturer.

System Description: Semiconductor laser material processing system.

 

Potential Hazards

A. Eye hazard from the direct, reflected, or scattered beam.

B. Skin hazard and fire hazard.

C. Electrical hazard inside the power supply.

D. Laser Generated Air Contaminants.

Control Measures

A. The LSO will only allow physical access to the laser to users who have been enrolled in the XCS software and thereby received safe operating instructions.

B. All users of the xTool M1 Ultra Laser will follow the user manual and all instructions in the XCS software at all times.

C. The xTool M1 Ultra Laser shall be operated in class 1 conditions per ANSI Z136.1, 4.4.2.7.2.1 (reference Hazard Analysis Report). Class 1 conditions shall be considered fulfilled when operating under the following guidelines.

a. The laser system shall be operated with all manufacturer safety features fully functional.

b. When utilizing the material without the baseplate, use the riser base.

D. Do not place an unprotected eye at the baseplate opening.

E. Keep all combustibles, tools, and reflective surfaces away from the beam path. Make sure you know where the beam is and stay clear.

F. Work involving access to the power supply shall be done by the manufacturer with no exceptions.

G. Maintenance shall be done with the laser system turned off.

H. When functioning normally, the exhaust system will remove LGACs to maintain levels that are not hazardous or irritating.

 

Required Training: When operating in Class 1 conditions, all users will read and obey the safety manual and XCS software. When operating in Class 4 conditions, additional laser safety training is required and must be prepared and administered.

For emergency medical response call ____. Report all incidents to the LSO.

Authorized Personnel

Notes:

The worst case Optical Density (OD) requirement for laser-protective eyewear is 3.67. The eyewear provided by the laser manufacturer is rated at a minimum of OD 4. The exposure duration used to determine the OD is the ANSI default duration for an accidental exposure of 10 seconds.

 

With all the manufacturer safety features fully functioning and the laser operating per the SOP the only source for a possible exposure above the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) is a diffuse reflection that could scatter the laser output through the feed-through opening. Very conservative assumptions are made in this analysis. The exposure duration used is 600 seconds which assumes intentional viewing. The scattered power is assumed to be 45 watts which is an absolute worst case. The viewing angle is assumed to be 80 degrees. Greater viewing angles create a smaller hazard distance. The viewing angle in this case is closer to 85 degrees or more so a conservative assumption is 80 degrees. Given the assumptions, the diffuse nominal hazard zone (NHZ) is about 5 centimeters or just under 2 inches. This NHZ is insignificant. Operating per the SOP the laser system fulfills the ANSI 4.4.2.7.2.1 requirement for operation under class 1 conditions.

This training document is based on existing searchable documents, including but not limited to 21 CFR Part 1040.10, 1040.11, ANSI Z136.1 Standard - Guidance for Implementing a Safe Laser Program, OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Alliance, the U.S. Laser Protocol: the Laser Regulators and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and other publicly available documents and standards issued by the above agencies at the time of this document's development. The documents and standards issued by these organizations and available in the public domain have been prepared, and the courses and presentations of some laser safety experts in the public domain have also been taken into account. The final right of interpretation of this document belongs to xTool.