Category Archives: Laser Safety

LIA Introduces Three Laser Safety and Welding Publications to its Online Store

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For Immediate Release

ORLANDO, FL (August 9, 2016) – Laser Institute of America (LIA) is proud to announce the release of three laser publications now available for purchase in its online store (https://www.lia.org/store), the laser industry’s one-stop-shop for the most valuable and current laser safety and practical applications resources. The publications, which include Laser Safety Tools and Training, Laser Welding, and Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding, represent a handful of several ongoing additions to the critical laser safety and applications publications already available in LIA’s easy-to-navigate online marketplace.

Laser Safety Tools and Training 2nd Edition covers the fundamentals of laser safety information, including the use of critical lasers. Students, entry level users, and laser experts can all benefit from the information found within. The text, written by a laser safety professional, considers the safety of the self, as well as others. Providing materials surrounding laser research standards, lab design, accidents, and protected eyewear.. New to the second edition is the inclusion of Z136.8 Research Laser Standard. Eye exposure limits, new case studies, lab designs, and laser disposal are also covered in the new edition. Laser Safety Tools and Training 2nd Edition is available in the LIA store here: https://www.lia.org/store/LSAFPUB/240

Laser Welding helps to provide a practical understanding of laser welding. Covering basic welding principles, industrial applications, as well as laser welding safety, Laser Welding is ideal for the laser professional looking to expand their knowledge of real world welding-based laser applications. Included in the publication are chapters on welding sheet metal parts, performance control and monitoring, installing and operating a laser, as well as glossary of common terminology.  Laser Welding is available in the LIA store here: https://www.lia.org/store/LSAFPUB/238

Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding (HLAW) provides a comprehensive look at hybrid laser-arc welding practices and technology. This publication is essential for anyone who uses welding technology or wants to learn more about this method that combines laser welding and arc welding. Part One of the text focuses on HLAW characteristics, specifically the properties of joints created by hybrid methods. Assessing the quality of a weld is also covered. Part two discusses the applications pertaining to specific metals such as aluminum, steel, and magnesium alloys. This section will also provide information pertaining to hybrid laser-arc welding applications for ships and automobiles. Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding is available in the LIA store here: https://www.lia.org/store/LSAFPUB/239

To purchase these learning and safety tools, along with a variety of regularly-updated laser safety and practical applications content, please visit www.lia.org/store   — and check back often for more publications and resource updates.

About LIA

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1-407-380-1553.

Weekly Wrap-Up – Week of August 5, 2016

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It was a big week for lasers in the workplace, as we covered recent trends in scanning methods, industrial laser applications, manufacturing, and accident prevention across our website and social media channels.

The Leica Absolute Scanner LAS-20-8. (Image courtesy of Hexagon MI.)

Laser Industry News

A recent study predicts substantial growth for 3D scanners through the end of 2016. Worth noting, however, is the majority market share held by 3D laser scanners. Find out what is driving this new, projected trend here.

This week, we featured another entry in the Laser Accident Series – this time, with a focus on how a lack of laser safety knowledge led to life-changing injuries for two individuals. The Laser Accident Series is a continued emphasis on education and safety through the use of lasers by bringing to light real-life accidents, as reported by OSHA, and caused by lack of proper procedure. Learn more about the injuries and how LIA and OSHA are working to prevent these incidents from occurring here.

If you’re seeking ways to save time and cut costs on your manufacturing processes, be sure to check out How to Save Time and Money on Manufacturing. Here, you can discover ways to stay on the leading edge in your industry through attending conferences, such as the Industrial Laser Conference, and becoming more acquainted with the concept of additive manufacturing. While you’re there, download our SlideShare presentation on The Cost of Manufacturing with Lasers vs. Without Them. Find it all here.

Conference Updates & Information

Speaking of the Industrial Laser Conference – this week, we continued our Industrial Laser Conference blog series by unpacking just why the conference was created. Learn about four of the many valuable features of the conference today by reading our blog here. Included is a link to sign up for the inaugural conference, held at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago. Registration is open now.

ICALEO is right around the corner, taking place October 16-20 in San Diego, California. In preparation, we compiled a list of the top five things to see and do at ICALEO. From plenary sessions, to great networking opportunities, there’s plenty to check out in our post here. Haven’t registered for ICALEO, yet? You can find out how to sign up here.

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety. Our mission is to foster lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide. For more information on conferences, laser safety training, or other laser related needs, check us out at www.lia.org.

 

Back by Popular Demand: LIA Relaunches Sales of Laser Safety Signs

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ORLANDO, FL – JULY 18, 2016 — Laser Institute of America (LIA), the leading international authority for laser applications and safety, announces today the relaunch of laser safety signs sales to accommodate the needs of Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) and their professional laser safety teams. Back by popular demand, the customizable laser safety signs are available in both plastic and laminate, and feature newly updated, clearer safety warnings and instructions.

“Our laser safety signs are back and better than ever, helping make laser environments even safer – and one stop safety shopping simple,” said Jeannette Gabay, LIA’s Director of Publications. “The relaunch adds another critical safety tool to our line of products, providing laser users and safety professionals with more time in the field, so they can advance their program safely and successfully.”

Four distinct signs are available for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers or laser systems per the ANSI Z136.1 – Safe Use of Lasers standard, including warning and danger signs for Class 4 lasers or laser systems, and warning signs for Class 3B laser-controlled areas. In addition, LIA has made a notice sign available for purchase, for instances when a Class 3B or Class 4 laser or laser system is being repaired.

“Today’s laser environments are all about efficiency, innovation and safety,” continues Gabay. “Our relaunched signs are another example of how we’re taking member feedback and turning it into solutions and value for every LIA member.”

Additional resources for LSOs and laser safety professionals are available in LIA’s online store. From online courses for the busy laser professional, to safety publications, videos and guides, LIA’s online store is your complete shopping hub for everything laser safety, including laser safety signage. To purchase resources from LIA’s online store, including laser safety signs, please visit www.lia.org/store.

About LIA

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.

Major Change to OSHA Rules Stirs Controversy

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New OSHA regulations going into effect August 10 are sending a ripple of controversy throughout manufacturing, construction, and other hazardous industries.

The new law requires that companies that operate in hazardous industries with a staff of fewer than 250 file OSHA form 300A in the event of work-related injury or illness. Those with more than 250 employees will file 300, 300A, and 301.

The new regulations require companies to file electronically with OSHA. Previously, these forms and reports were kept on hand by an employer, and only received by OSHA in the event of an investigation. Under the new law, not only will OSHA receive all reports, the reports will also be available to the public, online.

The transparency of the inner workings of these companies could positively impact the industries by highlighting areas of concern, leading to better work environments for employees. On the flip side, the public accessibility of the information could open the doors to unfavorable press and lawsuits.

Workers in hazardous industries are divided by the new rules. Those in favor of the changes suggest that OSHA’s accessibility to those records can help the administration better target their investigations. Believing that regularly occurring accidents may be symbolic of poor management or other company shortcomings, there is significant hope that the rules will inevitably lead to safer, well-operated workplaces.

Those who oppose the changes feel that the new rules “shame” those in hazardous industries. While few would argue against a push for greater transparency, it is the method and lack of employee and company privacy, that has many concerned. Others raise concerns about the ability to revise reports, after investigation. If the initial information is shared to the public, but is later revised for accuracy, it is easy for the information to be misinterpreted by anyone who comes across the report.

Although the law goes into effect this summer, the record keeping will change over beginning January 1, 2017. The mandatory submission of reports will begin July 2017. The records will be available online shortly after OSHA receives them.

For the latest updates, subscribe to Lasers Today and get OSHA news sent straight to your inbox. Visit LasersToday.com and navigate to the right-hand panel to sign up. 

Critical Laser Safety Tools

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LIA’s EVALUATOR & Mastering Light Receive Updates

By Jessica Dawkins

The number of laser end-users is flourishing, and businesses are continuously compelled to seek ways to implement efficient and cost-effective employee laser safety programs. In an effort to offer all Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) and their staff with the most dynamic, leading edge laser safety training tools available, Laser Institute of America (LIA) recently updated two of its most recognized educational laser safety offerings: The EVALUATOR and the Mastering Light: An Introduction to Laser Safety & Hazards DVD.

The EVALUATOR software, first released in 2010 as the world’s first ever web-based Laser Safety Hazard Analysis System, is now available in an alternative, desktop version to allow for 24/7 offline access and unparalleled convenience. In addition, a revised 2016 version of the Mastering Light: An Introduction to Laser Safety & Hazards DVD contains integral new rules and regulations that will help laser users stay safe and abreast of regulations and requirements in the ever-changing, fast-paced arena of laser technology.

Desktop EVALUATOR Provides Critical Offline Access; Layout Similar to Advanced Web Version

Over the last six years, the web-based EVALUATOR has proven itself as an integral hazard analysis tool for both its ease of use and accurate results. In January 2016, to best meet current laser safety needs, LIA unveiled an alternative, desktop platform of the EVALUATOR, delivered on a USB drive. Users can download the program to their computer, thus eliminating the need for Internet access.

Similar to the web-based version, the Desktop EVALUATOR performs a number of repeated calculations based on the ANSI Z136.1-2014 American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers, including: maximum permissible exposure (MPE), optical density (OD), nominal ocular hazard distance (NOHD), nominal hazard zone (NHZ) and laser hazard classification. It also offers effortless switching of laser settings between CW, single pulse or repetitively pulsed lasers, in addition to the adjusting of the beam profile (circular, elliptical or rectangular).

A simple layout allows users to input variables, including wavelength, energy/power, pulse width, PRF, focal length, limiting aperture and more, on the screen’s left-side panel, while final output appears on the right-side panel. Intermediate calculations are also shown to further verify hand calculations. Values for MPE, NOHD, NHZ, OD, specular NHZ and diffuse NHZ are provided for both eye and skin.

Both versions of the EVALUATOR offer a clean, seamless user experience, assisting LSOs of all skill levels with the necessary task of completing safety calculations in the field.

Now, companies and their various users can choose the format that best meets their specific needs. The Desktop EVALUATOR is compatible with Windows 7, 8 or 10 PDF viewer, and resembles the advanced subscription level of the web-based version.

This new version will undoubtedly benefit military users; whose firewalls often restrict continuous access to online content. Now, calculations can be performed without the fear of losing a connection.

Users can print reports or save the information to a file for later review. A User Guide, located in the Help menu, provides an overview of the program, from an explanation of how to perform an evaluation to parameter descriptions and calculated results.

Revised 2016 Mastering Light DVD Keeps LSOs Current on Safety Requirements

Laser Safety Officers must be relentless in finding ways to train on safety, especially with the regular installation of new and updated safety requirements. For years, the Mastering Light: An Introduction to Laser Safety & Hazards DVD has provided LSOs with a training tool that is not only easy to administer, but also effective in properly training employees, researchers and students alike.

Just like LIA’s 2009 version, the 2016 version of Mastering Light: An Introduction to Laser Safety & Hazards video fulfills both the ANSI Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) laser safety requirements for employees who routinely work with, or could be exposed to, Class B or Class 4 laser radiation.

Video features include laser physics, classification of lasers by hazard potential, definition and duties of a Laser Safety Officer, beam and non-beam laser hazards, a clear explanation of labels and signs governing regulations, control measures, a discussion on fiber laser applications, the latest information on and footage of Class 1M and 2M military lasers, updated information about the agencies that regulate safety issues, and much more.

Like its predecessor, the new version will still outline the important safety rules and regulations employees must know in the field. The 2016 edition also includes brand new footage, updated information and provides trainees and current employees with the most up-to-date knowledge needed to successfully enter the world of laser safety.

In the new edition, LSOs can even test employees’ understanding of video concepts and safety information with an accompanying quiz.

With each purchase of the 2016 version of Mastering Light, a DVD and a digital version are included. The digital version will be available for viewing anytime at www.lia.org, where it will appear under the user’s downloads.

No matter whether you are a Laser Safety Officer looking for the latest in reliable, updated safety information for you and your team, or you are a company seeking the most comprehensive laser safety education available, the new EVALUATOR software and Mastering Light DVD are for you. Each purchase of the Desktop EVALUATOR and Mastering Light DVD contains a single-user license. The Desktop EVALUATOR’s installation key expires 90 days from day of purchase. To purchase these laser safety training tools today, visit www.lia.org/store.