Always consult your on-site Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for specific guidance. Required optical density (OD) and laser safety personal protective equipment (PPE) are determined based on worst-case scenarios and require professional judgment. All laser safety equipment provided is intended for diffused beam viewing only.
CO₂ Lasers Are Class 4 Lasers
CO₂ lasers used in industrial applications are typically Class 4 laser systems, the highest laser hazard classification.
Class 4 lasers can present significant eye, skin, and fire hazards and require appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Understanding Class 4 Laser Hazards
Class 4 lasers can:
Cause serious eye injury. Direct and specularly reflected laser radiation can present a severe eye hazard. Depending on the application and exposure conditions, diffuse reflections may also present a hazard.
Cause skin injury. Exposure to sufficiently high levels of laser radiation can cause burns or other tissue damage.
Present a fire hazard. High-power laser radiation can ignite or damage materials under certain conditions.
Because of these hazards, Class 4 laser systems require appropriate controls and should be operated within a properly established laser controlled area.
What Does Class 4 Actually Mean?
The video below provides an overview of Class 4 lasers, their hazards, and why additional safety controls are required.
CO2 Laser Wavelengths and Eye Hazards
CO2 lasers commonly operate around 10,600 nm (10.6 µm) in the far-infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The biological interaction of CO2 laser radiation differs from that of many visible and near-infrared lasers. Understanding the wavelength is important when evaluating the hazards and selecting appropriate laser safety controls.
How Laser Wavelength Affects the Eye
The video below explains how different laser wavelengths interact with the eye and why wavelength is fundamental to laser safety.
Protecting Against Class 4 CO2 Laser Hazards
Appropriate controls depend on the specific laser system and how it is being used.
Depending on the application, controls may include:
Laser safety eyewear with appropriate wavelength coverage and Optical Density (OD)
Beam enclosures and other engineering controls
Laser safety barriers, curtains, or other containment
Warning signs and controlled access
Appropriate operating procedures and training
The required Optical Density, PPE, containment, and other controls should be determined based on the reasonably foreseeable exposure conditions for the application.
Always consult your on-site Laser Safety Officer (LSO) or other qualified laser safety professional when determining the appropriate controls for a specific laser system.
ANSI laser safety guidance and the laser manufacturer's safety requirements should also be considered when establishing the laser controlled area and appropriate safety procedures.