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Occupational Hazards of Laser Material Processing.

PB89186530

Publication Date	1976
Personal Author	Rockwell, R. J.; Wilson, R. M.; Jander, S.; Dreffer, R.
Page Count	38
Abstract	The study was undertaken to define the nature and magnitude of laser material processing uses and to examine the potential respirable hazards that might be released as part of the interaction plume from some of the more commonly used industrial materials. A workforce of greater than 14,000 people were to some extent using lasers on a daily basis for material processing applications on over 70 different materials. Lasers were used in the areas of drilling or welding of metals, ceramics, plastics, and diamonds. They were used for material cutting and scribing on natural and synthetic fabrics, paper, metals, and plastics. They were used in electronic component controlled fracturing of crystals and glass and material heating of metals, chemicals, and other substances. Eighteen laser beam related accidents that were related to ocular and skin hazards were reported. A general synopsis of current laser safety practices at industrial laser installations was also included. Laboratory experiments confirmed that hazardous gases can be produced in carbon-dioxide (124389) cutting of plastics. In addition, respirable particulates were released in sufficient quantities in ruby laser drilling of metals to constitute a hazard. The authors conclude that proper ventilation of laser material processing systems is essential.
Keywords	Environmental surveys Industrial medicine Laser beams Laser welding Exposure Toxicity Airborne wastes Inspection Hazardous materials Ventilation Hazards Vapors Particles Toxic substances Occupational safety and health Airborne pollutants
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NTIS Subject Category	57U - Public Health & Industrial Medicine 94D - Job Environment 41I - Job Environment 41M - Optics & Lasers 68G - Environmental Health & Safety 68A - Air Pollution & Control
Corporate Authors	Cincinnati Univ., OH. Coll. of Medicine.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH.
Document Type	Technical Report
Title Note	Final rept. 1 Oct 72-31 Jan 75,
NTIS Issue Number	198917

Occupational Hazards of Laser Material Processing.

Occupational Hazards of Laser Material Processing.
PB89186530

Publication Date	1976
Personal Author	Rockwell, R. J.; Wilson, R. M.; Jander, S.; Dreffer, R.
Page Count	38
Abstract	The study was undertaken to define the nature and magnitude of laser material processing uses and to examine the potential respirable hazards that might be released as part of the interaction plume from some of the more commonly used industrial materials. A workforce of greater than 14,000 people were to some extent using lasers on a daily basis for material processing applications on over 70 different materials. Lasers were used in the areas of drilling or welding of metals, ceramics, plastics, and diamonds. They were used for material cutting and scribing on natural and synthetic fabrics, paper, metals, and plastics. They were used in electronic component controlled fracturing of crystals and glass and material heating of metals, chemicals, and other substances. Eighteen laser beam related accidents that were related to ocular and skin hazards were reported. A general synopsis of current laser safety practices at industrial laser installations was also included. Laboratory experiments confirmed that hazardous gases can be produced in carbon-dioxide (124389) cutting of plastics. In addition, respirable particulates were released in sufficient quantities in ruby laser drilling of metals to constitute a hazard. The authors conclude that proper ventilation of laser material processing systems is essential.
Keywords	Environmental surveys Industrial medicine Laser beams Laser welding Exposure Toxicity Airborne wastes Inspection Hazardous materials Ventilation Hazards Vapors Particles Toxic substances Occupational safety and health Airborne pollutants
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NTIS Subject Category	57U - Public Health & Industrial Medicine 94D - Job Environment 41I - Job Environment 41M - Optics & Lasers 68G - Environmental Health & Safety 68A - Air Pollution & Control
Corporate Authors	Cincinnati Univ., OH. Coll. of Medicine.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH.
Document Type	Technical Report
Title Note	Final rept. 1 Oct 72-31 Jan 75,
NTIS Issue Number	198917