AS 2397:2015 pdf download.Safe use of lasers in the building and construction industry.
3.1 CLASS I LASERS
Class I lasers, by virtue of the emission limitations placed upon them in AS/NZS IEC 60825.1, are considered safe under all reasonably foreseeable conditions.
NOTE: However, persons operating (‘lass I lasers should comply with the manufacturer’s directions relating to proper use and care of the laser product. Such persons should also he aware of any special warnings issued by the manufacturer relating to maintenance adjustments or repairs to the products.
Accordingly, there are no special safety requirements to be observed in the use of’ Class 1 lasers.
Care should still be taken to avoid all exposures. Visible Class I lasers can dazzle or distract, which can have serious consequences in certain situations.
3.2 CLASS 2 LASERS
Class 2 lasers, by virtue of the emission limitations placed upon them in AS/NZS IEC 60825.1, are generally incapable of causing eye injury within the duration of the aversion response, e.g. closing the eyes or moving the head.
A hazard may, however, exist if a person deliberately overcomes their natural aversion to bright light and stares directly into the beam. The safety rules to he observed in the use of Class 2 lasers are as follows:
(a) The laser shall be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(b) Where prolonged or momentary access to the beam is possible, area warning signs of the relevant type specified in Appendix A for Class 2 lasers shall be displayed in conspicuous locations both inside and outside the work area and on doors giving access to the area.
(c) The laser shall he controlled such that the beam is not deliberately aimed at or deliberately viewed by personnel and accidental eye exposure to all persons shall be mini ml ze d.
(d) Lasers of the ‘fixed beam’ type, i.e. non-rotating, shall be terminated to prevent the beam extending beyond the boundary of the operational area. The beam stop shall be made from a suitably sturdy and rigid material.
NOTE: It should not be transparent and it should not produce unwanted specular reflections (a matt surface Imnish is usually required). Earth walls, wood, plywood, brick, mortar, concrete and plaster board are all excellent beam stop materials. If metal beam stops arc used then care should be taken to ensure that the surface is suitably roughened and coated to prevent unnecessary specular reflections.
3.3 CLASS INI ANP 2M LASERS
These lasers may present a potential for eye injury due to— (a) direct viewing when using telescopic optics; (b) reflection from flat, specular surfaces when using telescopic optics; or (c) for Class 2M, deliberate suppression of the aversion response by any person, e.g. staring in to the beam. Class I M and 2M lasers do not represent an eye hazard from a diffuse reflection even if telescopic optics are used, nor a skin or fire hazard for unintentional exposure.
Hence the control measures, precautions and rules which shall he observed in the use of Class 1 M and 2M lasers are generally aimed at eliminating the possibilities of direct or specular reflection viewing with telescopic optics. These measures include the following: (i) it is recommended that a responsible person be appointed as a Laser Safety Officer (LSO). NOTE: See Appendix C for the roles and responsibilities of an LSO. (ii) Initial on-site installation and alignment shall be undertaken under the supervision of an LSO and only suitably trained personnel shall be allowed to operate the laser equipment.
(iii) The laser shall be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. (iv) Where prolonged or momentary access to the beam is possible, area warning signs of the relevant type specified in Appendix A shall be displayed in conspicuous locations both inside and outside the work area and on doors giving access to the area. (v) Precautions shall be taken to ensure that persons do not look directly into the laser beam.AS 2397 pdf download.