Scattered and plasma-related optical radiations associated with industrial laser processes

High power laser equipment are increasingly being used for welding, cutting and surface treatment in metal industry. The most common types of lasers for material processing purposes are Nd:YAG-and CO2-lasers. Usually they are open-beam systems belonging to the Safety Class 4. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hazards of optical radiation from these infrared lasers in industrial applications.High power laser equipment are increasingly being used for welding, cutting and surface treatment in metal industry. The most common types of lasers for material processing purposes are Nd:YAG-and CO2-lasers. Usually they are open-beam systems belonging to the Safety Class 4. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hazards of optical radiation from these infrared lasers in industrial applications.