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Safe laser application requires more than laser safety
Safe laser application requires more than laser safety A. FREVEL,
B. STEFFENSEN,
L. VASSIE
An overview is presented concerning aspects of laser safety in European industrial laser use. Surveys indicate that there is a large variation in the safety strategies amongst industrial laser users. Some key problem areas are highlighted. Emission of hazardous substances is a major problem for users of laser material processing systems where the majority of the particulate is of a sub-micrometre size, presenting a respiratory hazard. Studies show that in many cases emissions are not frequently monitored in factories and uncertainty exists over the hazards. Operators of laser machines do not receive adequate job training or safety training. The problem is compounded by a plethora of regulations and standards which are difficult to interpret and implement, and inspectors who are not conversant with the technology or the issues. A case is demonstrated for a more integrated approach to laser safety, taking into account the development of laser applications, organizational and personnel development, in addition to environmental and occupational health and safety aspects. It is necessary to achieve a harmonization between these elements in any organization involved in laser technology. This might be achieved through establishing technology transfer centres in laser technology. KEYWORDS:
laser safety,
Status of occupational laser use
safety
hazardous
emissions,
in industrial
At the 1990 EUREKA Laser Safety Forum, problems in assessing the safety of industrial laser operation were highlighted’. More recent studies also show the contrast in the status of occupational safety and health protection. Essentially, the status varies between two extremes. In some cases the installations are well-equipped with safety technology, for example extraction and filtration systems have been installed in most factories, personal safety equipment exists, and the number of reported accidents is quite low. At the other extreme, the implementation of safety measures in numerous small and medium-sized enterprises is inadequate. Extraction and filtration are not optimally used, emissions are rarely measured, and personal safety equipment is not always utilized. Health problems occur more often than the reported accidents suggest. Many industrial laser users are uncertain of
AF is in the Institute for Research In Occupational Safety and Humanization, Dortmund/Hamburg, Germany. BS is in the Centre of Technology Assessment in Baden-Wurttemberg, Stuttgart, Germany. LV is in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Loughborough University of Technology, UK. Received 2 July 1993. Revised 16 May 1994.
0030-3992/95/$10.00 Optrcs & Laser Technology Vol 27 No 1 1995
training
their duties with respect to occupational, health and environmental protection. Clearly, there is a lack of practical information, the result of which is insufficient implementation of relevant regulations and standards. Evaluations industrial
of laser workplace
safety
in the
In a survey of laser operators’, 90% of the factories indicated that they were aware of the potential dangers to personnel and the environment which can result from laser material processing. Almost half the factories surveyed received such information during or shortly after opening. As a result, engineering control measures, such as extraction and filtration, were primarily employed (secondary level safety strategies). Persona1 safety equipment (third level safety) and other engineering strategies such as protective enclosure use (primary level safety) followed. Preventative measures such as changes in procedure, alterations in structure or organization were used only as lower level strategies. The conclusions of a recent study” of the attitudes towards laser safety amongst laser manufacturers and industrial laser users, for example, jobshops, were that the status of laser safety depends on the range and extent of laser use in the factories. When the process is
@ 1995 Elsevier Science. All rights reserved
Safe laser application
requires
more
than laser safety:
clearly oriented to laser manufacture, more attention is paid to laser safety. Contrarily. in the cases of jobshops with a clear orientation towards production, there is no evidence of any defined safety strategies. The results of a survey of laser safety schemes in the UK show that approximately half of the UK laser manufacturers/suppliers had experienced problems in understanding and implementing the UK laser safety standard4. Furthermore, the standard was essentially the only reference document. Those who had experienced difficulties felt there was a need for additional safety guidance on implementation of laser safety advice for certain laser types. The survey showed no improvements on a similar survey carried out five years earlier’. Attitudes to occupational safety amongst industrial laser users have been influenced by companies’ experiences. In the mid 1980s. many industrialists experimented with laser processing. It was not unusual for temporary experimental set-ups to have minimal safety controls and certainly no extraction or filtration. Only later. when the process was optimized would safety be considered and become an adjunct. In one case a temporary process was in place for 2 years with no extraction or filtration. A tilter was installed but insufficient attention paid to its suitability. Within a matter of days it was clogged. The company continued to operate with doors open, weather permitting. Workers complained of sinal infections. It is important that industrial users are aware of the factors influencing the filter selection. Inappropriate choice can lead to inefficient filtration, increased costs, and increased occupational health hazards in the workplace. Emission
of hazardous
substances
During laser material processing operations a number of hazardous substances are produced in the form of dust, aerosols, gases, fumes and smokeh. The particles emitted are in the fine dust category and, therefore, almost completely penetrate the lungs. More recent findings verify that. in the case of all plastics studied by the Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH). 90% of the particles emitted while laser cutting are smaller than I ltm. In some cases the emissions greatly exceed the maximum concentration limits of various hazardous substances-. According to the EN 292’ part 2 tests must be conducted prior to beginning production to determine if hazards exist due to gases, fumes, dust, smoke 01 other byproducts. If such a hazard exists. the appropriate safety measures such as extraction and filtration must be taken. Employers are responsible for evaluating any derivative substances and for taking precautionary measures to protect employees as well as the environment. Guidelines for evaluations of workplace atmospheres and comparison with limit values are available”. Despite the aforementioned regulations, the survey’ indicated that more than two-thirds of the factories do
2
A. Frevel et al
measure levels of hazardous substances in the workplace. although a widespread uncertainty exists among personnel about the dangers involved. Studies” show that. in general, measuring occurs only when required by authorities. not
Occupational
safety
training
Where lasers of class 3A and above are used (and clearly this is the case with high power material processing lasers) EN 60825 requires that training is provided for all laser operators and maintenance personnel. Essentially, studies”.‘“.’ ’ show that the training necessary for safe laser application is not widely available. This applies to both laser operation training and occupational safety training. This lack of training affects small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, which have only limited finances available for training programmes. Despite increases in laser users, no trend towards training is apparent: rather. there is one towards a decline in employees’ skills”. The training courses that are available are focused on theoretical aspects and lack material that is of practical use to operators and manufacturers. Particular problem areas requiring practical guidance are: beam delivery system safety, enclosure design and software reliability. Participants criticize the didactic methods and the fact that there are often no overall aims and objectives. A vast amount of material is too complicated and difficult to understand. There is a complete lack of problem-specific training. The handbooks describe theoretical laser-related aspects, but not practical relationships between materials. gases. processing and lasers. The limited number of training courses available is inappropriate for laser operators. In many cases industrial laser operators are given training designed for laser safety officers in one or two-day courses. Assessments of the current standards of training among operators has not been satisfactory. The main criticism is directed at the non-practical orientation of the teaching. Users require a total training package, incorporating all necessary aspects to enable them to work safely and efficiently with their lasers. There is a need to move away from the generalities and concentrate on training designed for specific user groups and dedicated laser applications. Compliance
with
the
regulations
There are numerous regulations pertaining to health and safety aspects in the workplace. In addition to laser use, these address handling of chemicals and hazardous materials, use of personal protective equipment and have resulted from EC directives”,“. Factories are generally aware of the regulations governing laser use. However, awareness of other regulations is limited. Typically, regulations and standards arc not presented in a readable. user-friendly format. As a result, interpretation and implementation of safety controls is difficult. In some cases, laser users feel that the recommended solutions do not match up with the developments in laser technology. Regulations and standards are also criticized by laser users as not addressing the practical issues relevant to the user.
Optics & Laser Technology Vol 27 No 1 1995
Safe laser application
Criticism was levelled at factory inspectors who visit companies and factories to check compliance with the regulations. Generally, factory inspectors have little experience or background knowledge in laser technology. They receive no specific training prior to the job. Few have encountered lasers in previous work”. As a result of this: l l l
inspections were performed superficially; technical advice was inadequate; operation conditions were not formulated facilities were not certified.
and
requires
Overcoming
the
key problem
issues
Despite the technological advantage of laser applications, the associated safety aspects are not treated in an innovative manner; instead there is a pedestrian approach to the issues. The preceding sections demonstrate a number of key issues which must be addressed, in summary: increased awareness of sources of advice on suitable engineering solutions for extraction, filtration and enclosure design; monitoring of emissions pre- and during processing; training packages tailored to user’s needs; development of rapport between employers and inspectors. An underlying issue is the attitude towards laser safety within the company, factory or organization. Clearly, without influencing this it will be difficult to achieve any of the above targets. Therefore, there are two main categories in which improvements are necessary: l
l
achieving nation (or Europe) wide uniformity in laser safety technology and compliance with existing standards; and integration of laser application and laser safety to the companies’ overall organization.
The following sections outline some specific targets which must be achieved in order to resolve these issues. Safety
technology,
extraction
and
A. Frevel et al.
In order to assist the above process it would be advantageous to improve the exchange of information between laser users and filter manufacturers. This will, in turn, provide the filter manufacturers with the necessary experience to design suitable systems for separating and filtering with respect to processed materials. substances
Uncertainty concerning the possible long-term effects of the emission of hazardous substances can only be reduced by the continued research and dissemination of results to industrial laser users. The dissemination of the data must be carried out in such a way so as to be comprehensible and usable by a variety of enterprises and laser operators. Additionally, this information must be incorporated into training courses. Concentration levels should be measured at the outset of laser processing to ensure that maximum levels are not being exceeded, especially when processing coated metal, steel with portions of toxic and carcinogenic substances, and polymeric materials. Laser users should be advised how to perform measurements to determine concentration levels. They should be encouraged to carry out these tests on a regular basis, and these tests must, in turn, be administered by the authorities. Storage and transport of hazardous substances, for example contaminated filters, should be co-ordinated locally and regionally by disposal co-operatives made up of several companies. Skills
and training
The safe use of laser technology should be supported by a programme of courses on occupational safety and job training, offered on a regular basis. Aside from adhering to regulations, an awareness of the environment and occupational safety should be encouraged among employees. The training course should be less oriented towards theoretical aspects of laser technology and should concentrate on giving practical advice. The development of interactive training courses and opportunities for employees to participate in practical sessions and discussions will prepare them for dealing with problem situations and heighten their awareness of occupational safety. The courses may be made examinable, and certificates awarded upon successful completion thereof.
filtration
Clearly there is a need not only to ensure that companies use extraction and ventilation technology but that the equipment is appropriate. This will require consideration of the quantity and type of fumes and the integration of the extraction into the laser machine. In cases where the extraction systems were designed in-house or installed before standards were set, the extraction systems should be examined and tested to ensure they comply with the regulations made under
Optics & Laser Technology Vol 27 No 1 1995
than laser safety:
the EC directive on hazardous substances”. Extraction and filtration systems must also be tested and maintenance carried out on a regular basis.
Hazardous
However, the employer has the responsibility to ensure that regulations are adhered to, and is responsible for the welfare of the employees. Inspectors are overwhelmed with a multitude of general and diverse health and safety problems due to limited staff and resources. There is thus an impasse---standards and regulations are difficult to interpret and inspectors are not technically qualified to check compliance with these standards and regulations.
more
Regulations,
rules
and
norms
To facilitate operation, the norms and regulations which have been clearly outlined for handling hazardous substances should be included in laser oriented norms as early as possible. Norms and regulations should not be regarded as restrictive, but also as an opportunity to improve working conditions and achieve acceptable standards of occupational health and safety and environmental protection.
3
Safe laser application
requires
more
than laser safety:
The relationship between companies and inspectors from the regulatory bodies could be improved if inspectors were suitably trained. The possibility of regulatory bodies offering an advisory service for companies should also be given consideration. Integration company
of laser technology organization
into
In order to integrate fully laser technology into a company structure it is necessary to achieve a relationship between technology implementation, organizational development, personnel development and occupational health and safety. This requires a change in the way in which a company plans its investments in new technology. Typically, investment planning focuses on technological advantages to be gained from the investment. However, companies should also take account of the necessary staff training in the new technology as well as occupational health and safety and the consequences for the environment. If these factors can be addressed at the outset of the investment a more efficient, productive and cost-effective organization will be achieved. Safety regulations are only purposeful if all companies can comprehend and follow them. Many medium and small enterprises often have difficulties in understanding regulations and scientific results and, consequently, are less able to apply them. Furthermore, these enterprises are less able to provide staff training and development programmes. Companies, whether small or large must be encouraged to achieve compliance with the regulations. To facilitate this, the number of suitably trained factory inspectors must be increased. The guidelines for implementing technology, organizational development, and personnel growth, as well as occupational safety and health protection in companies. have been summarized as follows: l l l l
the use of socially acceptable technology; work designed for the individual; training for participation and participation in training; preventative occupational health and safety protection.
Following these guidelines, and making them a necessity in company policies on innovation and organization, is the task for the next few years. A possible way in which such integrated structures could be achieved is via the establishment of centres for competence innovation and training in using lasers and other beam technologiesrS. The aim of these centres would be to support (primarily small and medium-sized) enterprises in the transition from conventional to high-tech production by demonstrating, counselhng, training, and consulting. Additionally, l
centres
would be concerned
improving the quality of production, systems, personnel and organization;
with: procedures,
A. Frevel et al.
l l
supporting the dissemination of technology; improving/raising the marketability of companies and competence.
The success of accident prevention in companies should not be allowed to lapse into complacency. The justification for using the aforementioned strategy lies in the hope, as well as in the necessity, of opening future areas. Thus, the organization of work and technology should be handled with prevention in mind. Training for production, product quality, occupational safety and health protection is as important as the efficient operation of technical systems. It should, therefore, be treated with equal importance.
Acknowledgements This work was partially funded by each of the following organizations: Bundesministerium fur Forschung und Technologie (BMFT) and the ACME Directorate of the Science and Engineering Research Council. The authors wish to thank participants of the surveys.
References Frevel, A. The role of education and traming in laser safety in integrated investment processes. In Botts, Engel, Schmidt (Eds): EUREKA Indusiriul Forum Laser Sufit~,. Proceedings. Hannover (1991) Frevel, A. Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutz beim Einsatz von Lasern in der industriellen Materialbearbeitung, SchluBbericht zum AuT-Projekt, Ms., Hamburg (1992) Borchers, U., Steffensen, B. Ergebnisse einer explorativen Untersuchung zu Sicherheitsstrategien und Nutzungs-kontexten in der industriellen Materialbearbeitung, Arbeitspapiere ASIF Nr. 31, hekt. Ms.. Bielefeld (1992) Vassie, L.H., Tyrer, J.R., Soufi, B., Clarke, A.A. Lasers and laser applications in the 1990s. A survey of laser safety schemes. Opr 1,trsrr.s I%]. (1993) 339 347 Folkes, J.A., Tyrer, J.R., Bandle, A.M. Safety precautions tn UK laser companies. A survey, Opt Lrrser.r Enq, 13 (1990) S9-65 Haferkamp, H., Bach, F.-W., Vinke, T., Wittbecker, J.-S. Ermittlung der Schadstoffemission beim thermischen Trennen nach dem Laserprinzip, Forschungsbericht der Bundesanstalt fur Arbeitsschutz (Fb 615) Dortmund (1990) Haferkamp, H., Engel, K., Goede, M., Wittbecker J.-S. Ermittlung der Schadstoffemission beim thermtschen Trennen nach dem Laserprinzip. Forschungsbericht der Bundesanstalt fur Arbeitsschutz (tb 615). Dortmund (1990) EN292, part I : Safety of machinery, basic concepts. general prmciples for design. basic terminology and methodology; part 2: Technical principles and specification prEN689. Workplace atmospheres, guidance for assessment of the exposure to chemical agents for comparison with limit values and measurement strategies Vassie, L.H., Tyrer, J.R., Soufi, B., Clarke, A.A. Laser safety: the users’ problems and requirements for the solutions, O/I/ Ltrsrr.c &iy, 20 (1994) 53 63 Frevel, A. Qualifiaierung fur Arbeits- und Gesundheitschutz betm industriellen Lasereinsatz. In Braczyk, H.J. (Hg). Qucrlifika!ion und Qual~fizirrunq: Noiwendiqkrit. Chwm odw .%/h.vtzwwk? Beitrage zur aktuellen Situation, Berlin (1991) Council Directive 80.‘1 I07/EEC, Protection of workers from the risk related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents Council Directive 891656,‘EEC. Minimum requirements for personal protective equipment in the workplace Frevel, A. Einrichtung emes Kompetenz-, Innovationsund Qualitizierungsrentrums fur Strahltechnologien, Diakussionspapier der GfAH. Ms.. Hamburg (I 993)
Optics
4
& Laser Technology Vol 27 No 1 1995
B. STEFFENSEN,
L. VASSIE
An overview is presented concerning aspects of laser safety in European industrial laser use. Surveys indicate that there is a large variation in the safety strategies amongst industrial laser users. Some key problem areas are highlighted. Emission of hazardous substances is a major problem for users of laser material processing systems where the majority of the particulate is of a sub-micrometre size, presenting a respiratory hazard. Studies show that in many cases emissions are not frequently monitored in factories and uncertainty exists over the hazards. Operators of laser machines do not receive adequate job training or safety training. The problem is compounded by a plethora of regulations and standards which are difficult to interpret and implement, and inspectors who are not conversant with the technology or the issues. A case is demonstrated for a more integrated approach to laser safety, taking into account the development of laser applications, organizational and personnel development, in addition to environmental and occupational health and safety aspects. It is necessary to achieve a harmonization between these elements in any organization involved in laser technology. This might be achieved through establishing technology transfer centres in laser technology. KEYWORDS:
laser safety,
Status of occupational laser use
safety
hazardous
emissions,
in industrial
At the 1990 EUREKA Laser Safety Forum, problems in assessing the safety of industrial laser operation were highlighted’. More recent studies also show the contrast in the status of occupational safety and health protection. Essentially, the status varies between two extremes. In some cases the installations are well-equipped with safety technology, for example extraction and filtration systems have been installed in most factories, personal safety equipment exists, and the number of reported accidents is quite low. At the other extreme, the implementation of safety measures in numerous small and medium-sized enterprises is inadequate. Extraction and filtration are not optimally used, emissions are rarely measured, and personal safety equipment is not always utilized. Health problems occur more often than the reported accidents suggest. Many industrial laser users are uncertain of
AF is in the Institute for Research In Occupational Safety and Humanization, Dortmund/Hamburg, Germany. BS is in the Centre of Technology Assessment in Baden-Wurttemberg, Stuttgart, Germany. LV is in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Loughborough University of Technology, UK. Received 2 July 1993. Revised 16 May 1994.
0030-3992/95/$10.00 Optrcs & Laser Technology Vol 27 No 1 1995
training
their duties with respect to occupational, health and environmental protection. Clearly, there is a lack of practical information, the result of which is insufficient implementation of relevant regulations and standards. Evaluations industrial
of laser workplace
safety
in the
In a survey of laser operators’, 90% of the factories indicated that they were aware of the potential dangers to personnel and the environment which can result from laser material processing. Almost half the factories surveyed received such information during or shortly after opening. As a result, engineering control measures, such as extraction and filtration, were primarily employed (secondary level safety strategies). Persona1 safety equipment (third level safety) and other engineering strategies such as protective enclosure use (primary level safety) followed. Preventative measures such as changes in procedure, alterations in structure or organization were used only as lower level strategies. The conclusions of a recent study” of the attitudes towards laser safety amongst laser manufacturers and industrial laser users, for example, jobshops, were that the status of laser safety depends on the range and extent of laser use in the factories. When the process is
@ 1995 Elsevier Science. All rights reserved
Safe laser application
requires
more
than laser safety:
clearly oriented to laser manufacture, more attention is paid to laser safety. Contrarily. in the cases of jobshops with a clear orientation towards production, there is no evidence of any defined safety strategies. The results of a survey of laser safety schemes in the UK show that approximately half of the UK laser manufacturers/suppliers had experienced problems in understanding and implementing the UK laser safety standard4. Furthermore, the standard was essentially the only reference document. Those who had experienced difficulties felt there was a need for additional safety guidance on implementation of laser safety advice for certain laser types. The survey showed no improvements on a similar survey carried out five years earlier’. Attitudes to occupational safety amongst industrial laser users have been influenced by companies’ experiences. In the mid 1980s. many industrialists experimented with laser processing. It was not unusual for temporary experimental set-ups to have minimal safety controls and certainly no extraction or filtration. Only later. when the process was optimized would safety be considered and become an adjunct. In one case a temporary process was in place for 2 years with no extraction or filtration. A tilter was installed but insufficient attention paid to its suitability. Within a matter of days it was clogged. The company continued to operate with doors open, weather permitting. Workers complained of sinal infections. It is important that industrial users are aware of the factors influencing the filter selection. Inappropriate choice can lead to inefficient filtration, increased costs, and increased occupational health hazards in the workplace. Emission
of hazardous
substances
During laser material processing operations a number of hazardous substances are produced in the form of dust, aerosols, gases, fumes and smokeh. The particles emitted are in the fine dust category and, therefore, almost completely penetrate the lungs. More recent findings verify that. in the case of all plastics studied by the Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH). 90% of the particles emitted while laser cutting are smaller than I ltm. In some cases the emissions greatly exceed the maximum concentration limits of various hazardous substances-. According to the EN 292’ part 2 tests must be conducted prior to beginning production to determine if hazards exist due to gases, fumes, dust, smoke 01 other byproducts. If such a hazard exists. the appropriate safety measures such as extraction and filtration must be taken. Employers are responsible for evaluating any derivative substances and for taking precautionary measures to protect employees as well as the environment. Guidelines for evaluations of workplace atmospheres and comparison with limit values are available”. Despite the aforementioned regulations, the survey’ indicated that more than two-thirds of the factories do
2
A. Frevel et al
measure levels of hazardous substances in the workplace. although a widespread uncertainty exists among personnel about the dangers involved. Studies” show that. in general, measuring occurs only when required by authorities. not
Occupational
safety
training
Where lasers of class 3A and above are used (and clearly this is the case with high power material processing lasers) EN 60825 requires that training is provided for all laser operators and maintenance personnel. Essentially, studies”.‘“.’ ’ show that the training necessary for safe laser application is not widely available. This applies to both laser operation training and occupational safety training. This lack of training affects small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, which have only limited finances available for training programmes. Despite increases in laser users, no trend towards training is apparent: rather. there is one towards a decline in employees’ skills”. The training courses that are available are focused on theoretical aspects and lack material that is of practical use to operators and manufacturers. Particular problem areas requiring practical guidance are: beam delivery system safety, enclosure design and software reliability. Participants criticize the didactic methods and the fact that there are often no overall aims and objectives. A vast amount of material is too complicated and difficult to understand. There is a complete lack of problem-specific training. The handbooks describe theoretical laser-related aspects, but not practical relationships between materials. gases. processing and lasers. The limited number of training courses available is inappropriate for laser operators. In many cases industrial laser operators are given training designed for laser safety officers in one or two-day courses. Assessments of the current standards of training among operators has not been satisfactory. The main criticism is directed at the non-practical orientation of the teaching. Users require a total training package, incorporating all necessary aspects to enable them to work safely and efficiently with their lasers. There is a need to move away from the generalities and concentrate on training designed for specific user groups and dedicated laser applications. Compliance
with
the
regulations
There are numerous regulations pertaining to health and safety aspects in the workplace. In addition to laser use, these address handling of chemicals and hazardous materials, use of personal protective equipment and have resulted from EC directives”,“. Factories are generally aware of the regulations governing laser use. However, awareness of other regulations is limited. Typically, regulations and standards arc not presented in a readable. user-friendly format. As a result, interpretation and implementation of safety controls is difficult. In some cases, laser users feel that the recommended solutions do not match up with the developments in laser technology. Regulations and standards are also criticized by laser users as not addressing the practical issues relevant to the user.
Optics & Laser Technology Vol 27 No 1 1995
Safe laser application
Criticism was levelled at factory inspectors who visit companies and factories to check compliance with the regulations. Generally, factory inspectors have little experience or background knowledge in laser technology. They receive no specific training prior to the job. Few have encountered lasers in previous work”. As a result of this: l l l
inspections were performed superficially; technical advice was inadequate; operation conditions were not formulated facilities were not certified.
and
requires
Overcoming
the
key problem
issues
Despite the technological advantage of laser applications, the associated safety aspects are not treated in an innovative manner; instead there is a pedestrian approach to the issues. The preceding sections demonstrate a number of key issues which must be addressed, in summary: increased awareness of sources of advice on suitable engineering solutions for extraction, filtration and enclosure design; monitoring of emissions pre- and during processing; training packages tailored to user’s needs; development of rapport between employers and inspectors. An underlying issue is the attitude towards laser safety within the company, factory or organization. Clearly, without influencing this it will be difficult to achieve any of the above targets. Therefore, there are two main categories in which improvements are necessary: l
l
achieving nation (or Europe) wide uniformity in laser safety technology and compliance with existing standards; and integration of laser application and laser safety to the companies’ overall organization.
The following sections outline some specific targets which must be achieved in order to resolve these issues. Safety
technology,
extraction
and
A. Frevel et al.
In order to assist the above process it would be advantageous to improve the exchange of information between laser users and filter manufacturers. This will, in turn, provide the filter manufacturers with the necessary experience to design suitable systems for separating and filtering with respect to processed materials. substances
Uncertainty concerning the possible long-term effects of the emission of hazardous substances can only be reduced by the continued research and dissemination of results to industrial laser users. The dissemination of the data must be carried out in such a way so as to be comprehensible and usable by a variety of enterprises and laser operators. Additionally, this information must be incorporated into training courses. Concentration levels should be measured at the outset of laser processing to ensure that maximum levels are not being exceeded, especially when processing coated metal, steel with portions of toxic and carcinogenic substances, and polymeric materials. Laser users should be advised how to perform measurements to determine concentration levels. They should be encouraged to carry out these tests on a regular basis, and these tests must, in turn, be administered by the authorities. Storage and transport of hazardous substances, for example contaminated filters, should be co-ordinated locally and regionally by disposal co-operatives made up of several companies. Skills
and training
The safe use of laser technology should be supported by a programme of courses on occupational safety and job training, offered on a regular basis. Aside from adhering to regulations, an awareness of the environment and occupational safety should be encouraged among employees. The training course should be less oriented towards theoretical aspects of laser technology and should concentrate on giving practical advice. The development of interactive training courses and opportunities for employees to participate in practical sessions and discussions will prepare them for dealing with problem situations and heighten their awareness of occupational safety. The courses may be made examinable, and certificates awarded upon successful completion thereof.
filtration
Clearly there is a need not only to ensure that companies use extraction and ventilation technology but that the equipment is appropriate. This will require consideration of the quantity and type of fumes and the integration of the extraction into the laser machine. In cases where the extraction systems were designed in-house or installed before standards were set, the extraction systems should be examined and tested to ensure they comply with the regulations made under
Optics & Laser Technology Vol 27 No 1 1995
than laser safety:
the EC directive on hazardous substances”. Extraction and filtration systems must also be tested and maintenance carried out on a regular basis.
Hazardous
However, the employer has the responsibility to ensure that regulations are adhered to, and is responsible for the welfare of the employees. Inspectors are overwhelmed with a multitude of general and diverse health and safety problems due to limited staff and resources. There is thus an impasse---standards and regulations are difficult to interpret and inspectors are not technically qualified to check compliance with these standards and regulations.
more
Regulations,
rules
and
norms
To facilitate operation, the norms and regulations which have been clearly outlined for handling hazardous substances should be included in laser oriented norms as early as possible. Norms and regulations should not be regarded as restrictive, but also as an opportunity to improve working conditions and achieve acceptable standards of occupational health and safety and environmental protection.
3
Safe laser application
requires
more
than laser safety:
The relationship between companies and inspectors from the regulatory bodies could be improved if inspectors were suitably trained. The possibility of regulatory bodies offering an advisory service for companies should also be given consideration. Integration company
of laser technology organization
into
In order to integrate fully laser technology into a company structure it is necessary to achieve a relationship between technology implementation, organizational development, personnel development and occupational health and safety. This requires a change in the way in which a company plans its investments in new technology. Typically, investment planning focuses on technological advantages to be gained from the investment. However, companies should also take account of the necessary staff training in the new technology as well as occupational health and safety and the consequences for the environment. If these factors can be addressed at the outset of the investment a more efficient, productive and cost-effective organization will be achieved. Safety regulations are only purposeful if all companies can comprehend and follow them. Many medium and small enterprises often have difficulties in understanding regulations and scientific results and, consequently, are less able to apply them. Furthermore, these enterprises are less able to provide staff training and development programmes. Companies, whether small or large must be encouraged to achieve compliance with the regulations. To facilitate this, the number of suitably trained factory inspectors must be increased. The guidelines for implementing technology, organizational development, and personnel growth, as well as occupational safety and health protection in companies. have been summarized as follows: l l l l
the use of socially acceptable technology; work designed for the individual; training for participation and participation in training; preventative occupational health and safety protection.
Following these guidelines, and making them a necessity in company policies on innovation and organization, is the task for the next few years. A possible way in which such integrated structures could be achieved is via the establishment of centres for competence innovation and training in using lasers and other beam technologiesrS. The aim of these centres would be to support (primarily small and medium-sized) enterprises in the transition from conventional to high-tech production by demonstrating, counselhng, training, and consulting. Additionally, l
centres
would be concerned
improving the quality of production, systems, personnel and organization;
with: procedures,
A. Frevel et al.
l l
supporting the dissemination of technology; improving/raising the marketability of companies and competence.
The success of accident prevention in companies should not be allowed to lapse into complacency. The justification for using the aforementioned strategy lies in the hope, as well as in the necessity, of opening future areas. Thus, the organization of work and technology should be handled with prevention in mind. Training for production, product quality, occupational safety and health protection is as important as the efficient operation of technical systems. It should, therefore, be treated with equal importance.
Acknowledgements This work was partially funded by each of the following organizations: Bundesministerium fur Forschung und Technologie (BMFT) and the ACME Directorate of the Science and Engineering Research Council. The authors wish to thank participants of the surveys.
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