HEALTH HAZARDS FROM LASER MATERIAL PROCESSING.

Some of the first applications of the laser were in material processing. Therefore, a great deal of experience has evolved in evaluating and controlling the hazards from laser drilling, cutting, scribing, and welding devices. The attendant hazards vary greatly in magnitude from small-scale noedymium IC mask scribers to the newly developed, very high power, CO//2 laser welding and cutting systems. the principal hazards of any of these systems are twofold - the potential for eye or skin injury from reflected laser radiation and the potential occupational diseases associated with airborne contaminants produced in the process. Target area enclosure is recommended, because it not only contains secondary laser radiation but also serves to contain airborne contaminants which can be exhausted by localized ventilation.