Safe operation of your xTool S1 requires a trained Laser Safety Officer (LSO). xTool has consulted with professional organizations to design these xTool S1 LSO Training Materials to help you in complying with your LSO responsibilities and ensure that you operate your xTool S1 safely.

 

The first document, the xTool S1 LSO training, has three parts:

 

The second document, “xTool S1 Laser Safety Program”, is a laser safety program document that you, as the LSO for your xTool S1, may adopt.

 

The third document, “xTool S1 Laser Standard Operating Procedure”, is an SOP document that you may adopt that is a part of the xTool S1 Laser Safety Program.

 

The fourth document, “Warning Sign”, is a sign you may choose to use as a compliance measure described in the SOP if you decide not to operate your xTool S1 in Class 1 conditions.

 

Class 1 operating conditions

Your xTool S1 is a Class 1 laser. Generally, it runs in "Class 1 operating conditions." Class 1 operating conditions mean that these conditions cannot produce damaging radiation levels during normal operation.

 

This means that if you choose to use the Baseplate and Riser Base described below, you do not need additional protective measures, such as safety glasses, signs, and warning lights.

 

However, even under Class 1 operating conditions, everyone using xTool S1 must read and follow all instructions in the user manual and xTool Creative Space (XCS).

 

Baseplate

Your xTool S1 provides a baseplate used to close the bottom of the machine. When xTool S1 is used in "Class 1 operating conditions", you need to install it in the corresponding position at the bottom of the machine. When the baseplate is installed and all instructions in the manual and XCS are followed, xTool S1 is operated in Class 1 operating conditions. In addition to the manual and XCS instructions, no further laser safety precautions are required.

 

Riser Base

When the baseplate is not installed at the bottom of the machine, use the rise base, follow all instructions in the manual and XCS, and close the door panels of the riser base. By following these instructions, xTool S1 is operated in Class 1 operating conditions. The laser operator must prevent children and untrained users from accessing xTool S1.

 

Operation other than Class 1 condition

If you use xTool S1 with its riser base supporting the conveyor feeder, it does not run under Class 1 operating conditions, you are responsible for ensuring safe operation. The SOP provided does not allow safe operation under Class 4 operating conditions, so LSO must create an SOP. The LSO is responsible for defining the required content, describing and implementing it according to the SOP, and the laser operator is responsible for ensuring compliance and safe operation. Some key elements of Class 4 SOP may include:

 

Appropriate safety goggles

xTool S1 does not provide safety goggles. You can purchase safety goggles at xtool.com. Note that these safety goggles protect only against the diffuse reflection of the laser, so be careful to avoid direct laser light.

 

Laser signs

Place an appropriate laser safety sign at the entryway to alert people to the hazards inside. xTool has provided a sample sign (below).

Light and visual indication

Set up a light outside the door that the user can switch on before beginning to use the laser to indicate that the laser is in use. A battery-powered LED light may be used.

 

Entry controls

Procedural controls are sufficient to limit entry, whereby a sign and light indicate the presence of an operating Class 4 laser, and there is no direct line of sight from the laser output to the door.

The LSO and Your Laser Safety Program

ANSI Z136.1-2022 sets recommended guidelines for the safe use of lasers that operate at wavelengths between 180 nm and 1000 μm. Primary safety responsibility rests with someone designated as the Laser Safety officer, or LSO. This document is designed to assist you in acting as the LSO for one or more xTool S1 units. It does not provide sufficient information to advise you in acting as the LSO for any other laser.

The LSO verifies the classification of the laser. The LSO determines the level of hazard by considering the details of the laser, and creates a standard operating procedure (SOP) that determines what control measures (like additional interlocks, training, and safety goggles) should be used.

 

The LSO is then responsible for helping and training other laser users, ensuring safe compliance, analyzing any possible hazards, providing safety equipment, ensuring all regulations are complied with including (in the US) CDRH, OSHA, and state regulations, and auditing the use of the laser to make sure it’s used safely.

 

Beyond these responsibilities, the LSO must also recommend and approve signs, labels, protective equipment, facilities, equipment, any modifications, maintain records, approve laser system operation, and investigate accidents should one occur. The LSO is ultimately the one responsible for determining if and how a laser may be safely operated.

 

Hazard Analysis

The LSO must analyze the hazards present in the lasers for which they are responsible. xTool has created a hazard analysis (provided below) of xTool S1 that you may choose to use in your laser safety program.

 

Standard Operating Procedure

 

Based on the Hazard Analysis, the LSO must create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that describes the control measures required to minimize hazards. xTool has also created a sample SOP (provided below) that you may use or adapt to your xTool S1 laser safety program.

 

Lasers are a special kind of light source. Most light is made of many different colors, all shining out in lots of directions at once. Laser light is different in three ways.

First, laser light is monochromatic - just one color. Sometimes that color is visible, like the low-power red laser that you can see your xTool machine use to measure material when it’s focusing. Sometimes it’s invisible, like the high-power infrared laser beam your xTool machine uses to cut and engrave material.

In technical discussions, people describe lasers as producing“nonionizing electromagnetic radiation”. That describes a broad category that includes everything from sunshine to radio waves. Instead of talking about color, they use the term“wavelength”. The wavelength of the low-power measuring laser on your xTool machine is 650 nanometers, which is red. The wavelength of the powerful printing laser is 455 nanometers, which is blue.

The second difference between laser light and regular light is that laser light is directional. That means that it can be made to travel in a straight line, in a beam, without spreading out much.

The third difference is that laser light is coherent. That means that each lightwave is synchronized with the others.

It’s very hard to get light to move in a straight line, without spreading out. If the waves aren’t lined up, or if there’s a mix of colors and directions, the beam will spread out. Lasers, however, can stay lined up for a long distance - and, importantly, can be focused down to a point.

Lasers' greatest effectiveness - and danger - as compared to ordinary light comes from lasers ability to be focused.

 

The very first laser used a strobe light and a ruby crystal. The light from the strobe was amplified in the ruby crystal, stimulating it to emit nonionizing electromagnetic radiation at 694 nanometers. The acronym“LASER” comes from this experiment - light amplification through stimulated emission of radiation.

These first lasers were called“solid-state” lasers because the action parts were solid crystals. Shortly after the development of solid-state lasers came gas lasers, which can resemble neon signs. Electricity causes gas in a tube to glow. Specially tuned mirrors amplify the light, and the laser beam emerges.

 

There are four measurements used to describe the effect of a laser.

Joules measure energy. If you shine a light on a gram of water until it absorbs 1 joule of energy, the water will heat by about a quarter of a degree Celsius.

 

Watts measure power. If you turn on a one-watt light for a second, it will put out 1 joule during that time.

 

Joules per square centimeter measure radiant exposure. If you focus down that one-watt light to a square centimeter of paper and shine it for a second, that one joule will spread over the paper, and it will heat up slightly, just like the water. However, if you focus it down to 1/100th the size, the paper may singe and turn brown.

Finally, watts per square centimeter measure irradiance. If you keep shining that one-watt light on the paper, it will keep adding joules of energy. If it’s focused to one square centimeter, it will slowly warm. If it’s focused to 1/100th the size, the paper may catch fire.

 

Laser beams can be hazardous because the energy of the laser can damage the eyes and skin. This can cause damage to both eyes and skin. The risk is higher if the laser is more powerful if it is more focused, and if it stays in one place for a longer time, so all of these factors are considered when assessing safety.

The laser beam can strike a person in one of three ways. First, the laser can be pointed at the person directly. Second, in specular reflection’, the laser can be reflected toward a person. Third, in diffuse reflection’, the laser strikes a surface that is not a mirror and scatters the light in all directions. Because the light from a diffuse reflection is scattered, it is not as hazardous as direct or reflected light - but there may still be enough intensity to cause damage.

 

Lasers are classified by the level of radiation that may be encountered during normal operation.

 

Class 1 lasers are incapable of causing injury during normal operation. Class 1M lasers are the same, except unless magnifying optics are used. The positioning laser spot in xTool S1 is a Class 1 laser.

 

Class 2 lasers are incapable of causing injury in less than 0.25 seconds. Class 2M lasers are the same, except unless magnifying optics are used.

 

Class 3R lasers are marginally unsafe if the beam is directed at the eye. Class 3B lasers are hazardous if the beam is directed at the eye, but are usually not an eye hazard if the beam is scattered.

 

Class 4 lasers are eye and skin hazards for both direct and scattered exposure. xTool S1 is a Class 1 laser. When used with its riser base that supports the conveyor feeder, it works as a Class 4 laser.

 

In the US, laser manufacturers like xTool are regulated by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) and are required to follow 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11, which are federal laws. In many other countries (but not the US), both laser manufacturers and laser users are required to follow IEC60825.

ANSI Z136.1 is a voluntary standard that describes how to use lasers safely. OSHA (a US federal law that applies to workplaces but not to private homes) requires a safety program like that described in the ANSI standard.

 

There may be other laser regulations depending on your country, state, and even city, and regulations may change. This information is provided to assist you in creating a safety program as described by ANSI Z126.1, but cannot advise you on legal compliance.

 

Non-Beam Hazards

There are additional hazards to your xTool S1. Always operate your xTool S1 following all instructions in the manual and XCS to minimize hazards.

 

Laser Generated Air Contaminants

When using a laser to process materials, a variety of air contaminants may be produced that can be hazardous. The air must be filtered to remove those contaminants. Follow the user manual of xTool S1 to ensure that all exhaust is either properly treated or discharged outdoors where it can safely dissipate.

 

Process Nonionizing Radiation

Processing metals with a laser may result in the release of ultraviolet light. If your xTool S1 produces a bright light that cannot be viewed comfortably, look away.

 

Collateral Nonionizing Radiation

The material that produces the laser beam may emit harmful levels of UV and/or IR light. xTool S1 has been tested to ensure that harmful levels are not present outside the case or when viewed through the lid (PC+ABS).

This program applies to xTool S1 Laser operated by xTool S1 Owner. This program is based on the guidance of ANSI Z136.1-2014, the American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers. The proper implementation of this program will assure that laser exposures are always below the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits.

An individual designated as the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) shall have the responsibility and authority to assure compliance with this program. The LSO shall:

Provide hazard evaluations for xTool S1 laser

Specify control measures for the xTool S1 laser and assure implementation

Approve procedures, SOPs, protective equipment, signs and labels

Assure that all laser personnel receive appropriate safety training

Monitor the program and assure compliance

Maintain program records

The LSO shall have final authority in determining xTool S1 laser control measures and may approve alternate controls when these are appropriate based on the judgment of the LSO. xTool S1 laser shall be operated only with the approval of the LSO. The LSO shall have the authority to terminate laser operations at any time.

Class 1 laser systems are incapable of producing damaging radiation levels during normal operation and are exempt from any control measures. Class 1 laser systems may contain higher class lasers and may produce laser hazards if operated with interlocks defeated. Only authorized personnel may operate class 1 laser systems with interlocks defeated. Operators of class 1 laser systems with embedded class 3B or class 4 lasers shall receive a laser safety briefing.

 

Class 1M laser systems are incapable of producing hazardous exposure conditions during normal operation unless the beam is viewed with optical instruments. Operators of class 1M laser systems shall receive a laser safety briefing.

 

Class 2 laser systems emit visible light only at a power level of 1 milliwatt or less. The normal aversion response to bright light is adequate protection. Staring into the beam of a class 2 laser is hazardous. Operators of class 2 laser systems shall receive a laser safety briefing.

 

Class 2M laser systems emit visible light only. The normal aversion response to bright light is adequate protection for unaided viewing. However, viewing the beam with optical aids is potentially hazardous. Operators of class 2M laser systems shall receive a laser safety briefing.

 

Class 3R laser systems are potentially hazardous under some viewing conditions, but the probability of an actual injury is small, and the control measures for safe use are straightforward. Most laser pointers fall in this class. Operators of class 3R laser systems shall receive a laser safety briefing. (Most lasers previously classified as class 3a fall in this category.)

 

Class 3B laser systems are eye hazards for intrabeam viewing and specular reflections, even for momentary exposures, but diffuse reflections are not usually hazardous. Class 3B laser systems shall be operated only in laser-controlled areas by authorized operators. Operators of class 3B laser systems shall receive approved laser safety training.

 

Class 4 laser systems are eye hazards and skin hazards for intrabeam exposures, specular reflections, and diffuse reflections. They are also fire hazards and may produce laser-generated air contaminants. Class 4 laser systems shall be operated only in laser controlled areas by authorized operators. Operators of class 4 laser systems shall receive approved laser safety training. Written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is required for Class 4 laser operation.

 

When operating in Class 1 conditions, all users will read and follow the safety manual and XCS software. When operating in Class 4 conditions, additional laser safety training is required and must be prepared and administered by the LSO.

If there are bystanders, or children, or if xTool S1 Laser is used in a public setting where untrained individuals may be present, feed-through beam blocks must be securely installed.

 

The requirements for the xTool S1 Laser controlled area shall be determined by the LSO. The minimum requirements considered by the LSO for the xTool S1 Laser controlled area are:

If needed entryway controls to allow only authorized personnel or approved spectators to enter the xTool S1 Laser control area. (Administrative controls are acceptable.)

Laser safety eyewear available and used in accordance with the SOP for the xTool S1 Laser.

Beam control (barriers and beam blocks) to limit laser hazards within the controlled area.

Written SOP for the xTool S1 Laser.

Training of the xTool S1 Laser operators.

Laser safety eyewear is not normally required for the operation of xTool S1 when operating in Class 1 conditions as described in the SOP. The LSO will require eyewear or approve laser operation without eyewear based on a hazard evaluation performed by the LSO or the LSO may choose to delegate this responsibility.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYEES WORKING WITH LASERS

Employees who work with the xTool S1 Laser with the beam exposed shall:

Energize or work with lasers only when authorized to do so.

Comply with laser safety rules and work procedures.

Notify their supervisor or the LSO in case of potential accident or injury or suspected unsafe condition.

 

LASER SAFETY AUDIT

At an interval determined by the LSO, the xTool S1 Laser will be audited for safety:

 

1) It will be visually inspected for damage.

2) The most recent user version of the manual will be re-read.

3) The laser will be powered on and self-checked to confirm whether the safety settings are invalid.

4) The Laser Safety Program will be reviewed to ensure that the program is current and compliant.

A record of this audit will be completed, printed, signed, dated, and retained

 

RECORDS

The LSO shall maintain records that document the Laser Safety Program. These records shall include:

Laser hazard analysis reports for the xTool S1 Laser

A list of operators who have been trained and permitted to use the xTool S1 Laser

Standard Operating Procedures for the xTool S1 Laser

Approvals of alternate laser control measures, if implemented

Laser Safety Audit checklist

Scope: This SOP applies to the normal operation of the xTool S1 Laser as specified by the manufacturer.

System Description: Semiconductor laser material processing system.

 

Potential Hazards

A. Eye hazard from the direct, reflected, or scattered beam.

B. Skin hazard and fire hazard.

C. Electrical hazard inside the power supply.

D. Laser Generated Air Contaminants.

Control Measures

A. The LSO will only allow physical access to the laser to users who have been enrolled in the XCS software and thereby received safe operating instructions.

B. All users of the xTool S1 Laser will follow the user manual and all instructions in the XCS software at all times.

C. The xTool S1 Laser shall be operated in class 1 conditions per ANSI Z136.1, 4.4.2.7.2.1 (reference Hazard Analysis Report). Class 1 conditions shall be considered fulfilled when operating under the following guidelines.

a. The laser system shall be operated with all manufacturer safety features fully functional.

b. When utilizing the material without the baseplate, use the riser base.

D. Do not place an unprotected eye at the baseplate opening.

E. Keep all combustibles, tools, and reflective surfaces away from the beam path. Make sure you know where the beam is and stay clear.

F. Work involving access to the power supply shall be done by the manufacturer with no exceptions.

G. Maintenance shall be done with the laser system turned off.

H. When functioning normally, the exhaust system will remove LGACs to maintain levels that are not hazardous or irritating.

 

Required Training: When operating in Class 1 conditions, all users will read and obey the safety manual and XCS software. When operating in Class 4 conditions, additional laser safety training is required and must be prepared and administered.

For emergency medical response call ____. Report all incidents to the LSO.

Authorized Personnel

Notes:

The worst case Optical Density (OD) requirement for laser-protective eyewear is 3.67. The eyewear provided by the laser manufacturer is rated at a minimum of OD 4. The exposure duration used to determine the OD is the ANSI default duration for an accidental exposure of 10 seconds.

 

With all the manufacturer safety features fully functioning and the laser operating per the SOP the only source for a possible exposure above the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) is a diffuse reflection that could scatter the laser output through the feed-through opening. Very conservative assumptions are made in this analysis. The exposure duration used is 600 seconds which assumes intentional viewing. The scattered power is assumed to be 45 watts which is an absolute worst case. The viewing angle is assumed to be 80 degrees. Greater viewing angles create a smaller hazard distance. The viewing angle in this case is closer to 85 degrees or more so a conservative assumption is 80 degrees. Given the assumptions, the diffuse nominal hazard zone (NHZ) is about 5 centimeters or just under 2 inches. This NHZ is insignificant. Operating per the SOP the laser system fulfills the ANSI 4.4.2.7.2.1 requirement for operation under class 1 conditions.

This training document is based on existing searchable documents, including but not limited to 21 CFR Part 1040.10, 1040.11, ANSI Z136.1 Standard - Guidance for Implementing a Safe Laser Program, OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Alliance, the U.S. Laser Protocol: the Laser Regulators and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and other publicly available documents and standards issued by the above agencies at the time of this document's development. The documents and standards issued by these organizations and available in the public domain have been prepared, and the courses and presentations of some laser safety experts in the public domain have also been taken into account. The final right of interpretation of this document belongs to XTOOL.