Protective Housings

Depending on how the laser is used, the beam paths vary on Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Beam path formation includes:

• Total enclosure
• Confined by design to significantly limit access
• Totally open

In each case, the controls required will vary.

When a Class 3B or Class 4 laser or laser system is enclosed within a protective housing or protected area enclosure, limit access to properly trained individuals. Following specific engineering and administrative controls is a requirement of laser system access.

Protective housings or enclosures can be as simple as providing PVC tubing along the beam path to encompass most of the laser light, or as elaborate as housing a laser in a chamber and using closed-circuit TV to view the laser in operation. The most common form of a Class 1 laser system is a high-power laser that has been totally enclosed inside a protective enclosure equipped with appropriate interlocks or labels on all removable panels or access doors. This prevents beam access during operation and maintenance.

A completely enclosed system that is properly labeled and safeguarded with protective housing interlocks will fulfill all requirements for a Class 1 laser. As such, operation in an enclosed manner requires no additional controls for the operator.

To learn more about Laser Safety visit our Laser Safety Online Training web page.