The Eureka-project EU 643 Eureka-project Title: Safety in the industrial applications of lasers

Abstract

Investigations and developments concerning environmental, operational and occupational safety have become more and more important because of the increasing innovative dynamics in the field of laser technologies, laser applications and processed materials evaluations. There are several potentials for danger regarding production processes by lasers or laser applications, such as the primary laser radiation emission, electric stray fields, secondary emissions like aerosols and gases, the process gas itself, etc. These hazards, influenced by laser type, machining process, operational system, processed material and marginal conditions (place of installation, characteristics of utilization, etc.) place demands on the necessary safety precautions.The aims of this project are to: 1) Identify and assess primary (laser radiation) and secondary (e.g. dust, aerosol and gas emissions) resulting from laser processing, including a medical evaluation. 2) Develop equipment for the measurement and control of laser radiation and emissions. 3) Undertake a survey of the state of the art of safety in Europe in laser material processing, which should result in greater professionalism with regard to laser safety (e.g. training programs). 4) Cooperate with European norms and standards organizations, in order to recommend appropriate norms and standards for laser safety. In order to increase the use of lasers in European industry, and to make it more competitive on the world market, there is a growing need to evaluate the potential risks from industrial applications of lasers and to develop necessary safety techniques and equipment. This project should result in safe equipment and workstations for industrial applications of lasers.Investigations and developments concerning environmental, operational and occupational safety have become more and more important because of the increasing innovative dynamics in the field of laser technologies, laser applications and processed materials evaluations. There are several potentials for danger regarding production processes by lasers or laser applications, such as the primary laser radiation emission, electric stray fields, secondary emissions like aerosols and gases, the process gas itself, etc. These hazards, influenced by laser type, machining process, operational system, processed material and marginal conditions (place of installation, characteristics of utilization, etc.) place demands on the necessary safety precautions.The aims of this project are to: 1) Identify and assess primary (laser radiation) and secondary (e.g. dust, aerosol and gas emissions) resulting from laser processing, including a medical evaluation. 2) Develop equipment for the measurement and control of laser radiati...