Laser safety

What you need to know before you cut with lasers

Laser beam cutting is a thermal cutting process that uses heat from a laser beam with high-pressure assist gas to augment the removal of melted material. There are general hazards associated with any metal cutting, and specific hazards when using lasers, that need to be evaluated and mitigated. As with any thermal cutting technology, laser operators need to be properly educated and trained in safety regulations and procedures.

For additional information, please refer to these sources or check regulations in your country:

  • EN 60825-1 Safety of laser products, Part 1 "Equipment classification and requirements"
  • ANSI Z136.1; American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers
  • The Laser Institute of America's (LIA) Guide for the Selection of Laser Eye Protection
  • U.S. Code of Federal Regulation of 21CFR1040.10 and 21CFR1040.11 for a complete laser product
  • The USA Occupational Safety Health Administration's (OSHA) Technical Manual, Section III, Chapter 6, "Laser Hazards"

Online laser resources

Regulations and Standards

Certification and Classes

Materials and Vendors

Laser safety eyewear:

Laser safety barriers:

Laser safety software: