LASER-PROTECTION INFORMATION µspeed-systems Version V2.0 Creation date: 18.07.2012 page 1/8
LASER PROTECTION The µspeed sensor system is a laser-based measuring system. When using a µspeed, it is necessary to comply with the following regulations and guidelines: Prevention of accidents "Laser Radiation" BGV B2 Guidelines for BGV B2 DIN VDE 0837: Radiation Safety of Laser Equipment, Classification of Systems, Requirements, User Guidelines DIN VDE 0836: VDE regulations on Electrical Safety of Laser Equipment and Installations This chapter provides an overview of the characteristics of the µspeed laser sensors and of the protection measures needed. It does not replace reading the rules and regulations mentioned above. 1.1 The laser sensor µspeed Page 2 1.2 Protection measures Page 5 1.3 Laser protection label Page 5 1.4 Reference sources Page 6 1.5 Summary Page 6 1.1 The laser sensor µspeed Characteristics Equipment with laser light sources is classed according to its AEL (Accessible Emission Limit). A laser belongs to one of the classes 1, 2, 3A, 3B or 4. It is important to know that the accessible radiation is the radiation emitted by the equipment when it is operating. The overall laser power in both partial beams of the µspeed measuring unit does not exceed 25 mw. The laser gauge thus belongs to the low end of laser class 3B. Eye damage could occur in the laser area and under unfavourable conditions. The laser area is shown in chapter 2.3.4. It is possible to avoid the danger by taking suitable precautions such as those in chapter 4.1. A danger only exists when looking directly into the beam or when the reflected beam falls into the eye. Any surface that does not cause a sharp reflection of the beam can be looked at without any risk. This also applies to bright reflecting surfaces not made of metal, e.g. cable insulation or foil. A laser reflection from a metal surface that diffuses light and with a curvature radius < 5 mm, e.g. wire, is also harmless. Exposure, even a direct one, of the skin to the radiations is also harmless. The characteristics of the µspeed measuring unit are given in table 1. page 2/8
Laser class Visible laser radiation Output power at the intersecting point of the beams Power of a partial beam Spot diameter Max. irradiation up to 360 mm behind the output aperture (both beams) Max. irradiation at 360 mm or more behind the output aperture (one beam) Max. irradiation at 20 m or more behind the output aperture Divergence angle 3B 780 nm (red) < 25 mw < 12,5 mw > 0.5 mm < 400 W/m 2 < 200 W/m 2 < 25 W/m 2 horizontal 1.6 mrad vertical 0.8 mrad Safety functions Table 1: Characteristics of µspeed µspeed is equipped with special safety functions: The interlock input allows switching off the laser beam and it can be used for setting up an emergency shutdown function. The laser beam can be blocked by a mechanical shutter The laser beam can be turned off with the key switch, thus preventing unauthorized use. The keyswitch and the interlock signal are logically linked. See functional scheme of keyswith and interlock device below. If the interlock signal is not set then it is not possible to switch on the laser module by keyswitch. If the keyswitch is turned off then it is not possible to switch on the laser module by Interlock signal. By using the key switch or the interlock interface, the laser is switched on or off. If the laser is switched off, the Display shows: Measurement off, the LED at the backside of the laser head will turn from green to red and the LED LASER ON at the front panel of the processing unit turns off. If the laser is switched on the LED at the backside of the laser head will turn from red to green and the LED LASER ON at the front panel of the processing unit turns to green immediately, but the laser will be switched on with a delay of 3 seconds. After another 3 seconds Measurement off disappears and the display shows the regular measurement adjustment (generally: Length = length and v = velocity). page 3/8
Prohibited use The user, owner, to be called here "the customer" must be aware of the following use restrictions: 1. The customer may use the "products" only for their intended use and must not divert them from their initial purpose. This concerns in particular possible harm to persons caused by disregarding laser safety guidelines. 2. The customer must not open the "products". 3. The customer must not modify, extend, transform, copy or decompile the hardware and software contained in the "products". 4. The customer agrees not to duplicate the product in any way whatsoever. In case of infringement, the ELOVIS GMBH rejects all claims for damages but it shall itself make such claims. page 4/8
1.2 Protection measures The following protection measures for avoiding eye damage should apply when the µspeed measuring unit is operating: 1. The measuring unit should be solidly fastened before operating it. It is necessary to ensure that the laser beam does not freely propagate through the area by the use of the laser tube and in addition by placing a laser blocking device e.g. an opaque plate with diffuse reflection. If the measuring unit is not fastened, the unit has to be switched off. If this is not possible the keyswitch has to be used to switch off the laser. In addition the mechanical shutter has to be closed. 2. The 10 cm area around the beam axis is to be signalled as a laser area. In the laser area, the threshold for direct eye irradiation is exceeded. It is therefore necessary to prevent anybody from manipulating plane reflecting surfaces or optical instruments in the laser area. The laser area ends either where the beam is blocked by a target with diffuse reflection or when there is no such target at a distance of 20 m. 3. A person responsible for laser protection should be charged in writing to supervise the operation of the laser equipment. 4. The employer s liability insurance association or the equivalent organization should be informed prior to commissioning of the µspeed that equipment including a laser of class 3B will be operated. The exact regulations can be found in BGV B2. 1.3 Laser protection label This label is available amongst others from ELOVIS GmbH. INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION - AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN LASER CLASS 3B WAVELENGTH 780nm CW OUTPUT POWER 25mW EN 60825-1:2001 Do not open! No serviceable parts inside! page 5/8
1.4 Reference sources You can download or purchase actual regulations and directives here: In the US: CFR 1040.10; Performance standards for light-emitting products http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=1040.10 1.5 Summary In Europe: DIN EN 60825 (DIN VDE 0837) http://www.beuth.de The sensor system µspeed is a laser measurement system. Each sensor head contains a semiconductor laser of laser class 3B. Caution! Danger of eye damage from class 3B laser! Always pay attention to the following instructions when using µspeed! 1. The actual legal regulations for operating laser systems have to be observed and studied before beginning of operation. 2. The µspeed-system complies with the following safety standards: EN 292-2 EN 60950 EN 60825 (Safety of machinery) (Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment) as far as possible. This instruction manual gives information regarding the remaining risk and explains how to avoid dangerous situations. Laser safety regulations 3. This instruction manual must be studied carefully before installation and commissioning oft he µspeed system. Th measures and recommendations are to be followed.if this manual is missing, please contact us. Phone: +49721 / 933823-0 Mail:info@elovis.de 4. Kindly pay attention to the following regulations when using laser equipment: Prevention of accidents "Laser Radiation" BGV B2 Guidelines for BGV B2 DIN VDE 0837: Radiation Safety of Laser Equipment, Classification of Systems, Requirements, User Guidelines DIN VDE 0836: VDE regulations on Electrical Safety of Laser Equipment and Installations 5. Do not operate sensor head in unmounted state! The professional installation is described in chapter LASER PROTECTION. 6. Always switch off the laser when work is performed on the measuring unit! The ELOVIS GmbH is not responsible for accidents due to the inappropriate use of the equipment and to ignoring laser protection regulations! page 6/8
CAUTION! Every operation, adjustment or servicing that does not exactly conform to the indications given in this instruction manual can result in dangerous irradiation from the laser. Servicing of laser appliances should be performed by suitably qualified personal only. All units, which are equipped with lasers, were designed to meet the requirements CDRH (USA), BS 4803, EN 60825, DIN / VDE 0837 and SEV (Swiss Electrotechnical Association) TP 76 / 1A-D. They hold the warning and explanatory labels prescribed by EN 60825. The lasers used do not emit X-rays or other harmful radiations. You should however use proper caution when handling them. page 7/8
ELOVIS GmbH Karl-Friedrich-Strasse 14-18 76133 Karlsruhe Germany phone: 0721 / 933 823 30 fax: 0721 / 933 823 23 email: info@elovis.de web: www.elovis.de page 8/8