Important: This article discusses the use of camera systems as one method of remotely monitoring laser processes. It does not imply that personnel can safely enter or remain in laser work areas during operation. All laser systems should be operated in accordance with a documented laser hazard evaluation, with the appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment determined by the employer and, where applicable, the Laser Safety Officer (LSO), in accordance with ANSI Z136.
Remote Monitoring Can Reduce Personnel Exposure
In many laser applications, operators need to observe the process—but observation does not always require personnel to be physically present at the point of operation.
A properly designed camera system allows operators, engineers, or quality personnel to monitor a laser process remotely. While cameras do not replace required laser safety measures, they can be an effective engineering solution that helps reduce unnecessary personnel exposure during normal operation.
Camera-based monitoring is commonly used in applications such as:
Laser welding
Laser cutting
Laser marking
Laser cleaning
Automated manufacturing cells
Research laboratories
Production quality monitoring
Whenever practical, using remote camera monitoring to reduce unnecessary personnel exposure can contribute to a safer work environment.
Why Camera Systems Can Improve Safety
One of the primary goals of laser safety is minimizing unnecessary personnel exposure.
A camera system can help accomplish this by allowing personnel to:
Monitor the process from a safer location
Reduce the amount of time spent near an operating laser
Observe the process without repeatedly approaching the work area
Allow multiple people to monitor the process simultaneously
Record video for quality assurance, troubleshooting, or training
Rather than bringing additional people to the laser process, the process can often be brought to them through a monitor.
Cameras Do Not Replace Required Safety Controls
Installing a camera does not eliminate the need for appropriate laser safety measures.
Depending on the application, a laser system may still require:
Protective housings or enclosed work cells
Laser safety barriers or curtains
Laser safety viewing windows
Administrative controls
Laser safety eyewear
A hazard evaluation performed by the employer or Laser Safety Officer (LSO)
A camera should be viewed as an additional engineering tool—not a substitute for the engineering controls or personal protective equipment required by a proper laser hazard evaluation.
Camera Placement Matters
Camera systems should be positioned so they can effectively monitor the process while remaining protected from conditions that could damage the camera or reduce image quality.
Considerations may include:
Camera location
Viewing angle
Reflections from the workpiece
Smoke, dust, or debris generated by the process
Heat and environmental conditions
Lens contamination over time
In some applications, protective housings or sacrificial windows may be used to help protect the camera from contamination or damage.
Cameras and Laser Safety Viewing Windows
Camera systems and laser safety viewing windows each serve an important purpose, and many laser installations use both.
Camera Systems | Laser Safety Viewing Windows |
Monitor the process remotely using a monitor | Allow observation through a viewing window |
Can be viewed by multiple people | Typically viewed by personnel near the enclosure |
May provide recording capabilities | No recording capability |
Flexible monitor placement | Fixed viewing location |
Often preferred for continuous process monitoring | Often useful during setup, inspection, or occasional observation |
For example, an enclosed laser welding cell may include laser safety viewing windows for setup or inspection while using cameras for continuous production monitoring.
Camera Systems Are Common in Automated Laser Applications
Remote camera monitoring has become increasingly common in industrial laser systems because it offers operational benefits in addition to safety.
Potential advantages include:
Improved process visibility
Easier quality inspections
Remote troubleshooting
Production documentation
Reduced congestion around the laser system
The ability to monitor multiple systems from a central location
As laser manufacturing systems become more automated, camera-based monitoring continues to play an important role in both operational efficiency and safe process observation.
Final Thoughts
For many laser applications, remote camera monitoring can allow operators and other personnel to observe the process without being physically present at the point of operation.
While cameras do not replace the engineering controls or personal protective equipment identified by a proper laser hazard evaluation, they can help reduce unnecessary personnel exposure by allowing the process to be monitored remotely.
As with all laser safety decisions, the use of camera systems, laser safety viewing windows, protective barriers, and laser safety eyewear should be determined as part of the employer's laser safety program and reviewed by a qualified Laser Safety Officer (LSO) in accordance with ANSI Z136.