Post: Laser Warning Signs with Magnetic Back

Laser Warning Signs with Magnetic Back

The expansion of laser usage in the workplace has given rise to a fairly well-informed work force. Most laser personnel (or anyone who risks exposure to lasers) are aware that proper safety guidelines must be followed, including the use of proper safety barriers or eyewear to protect the eyes. But did you know that proper laser signage is required by OSHA and ANSI standards? Only appropriate signage, specific in content and design (right down to the color of the lettering and background), must be used.

The following is an excerpt from CONTROL MEASURES AND SAFETY PROGRAMS, part VI of the OSHA Technical Manual, Section III, Chapter 6:

POSTING WITH APPROPRIATE LASER WARNING SIGNS

a.   Class IIIA (beam irradiance 2.5mW/cm²), Class IIIB and Class IV lasers: Require the ANSI DANGER sign format: white background, red laser symbol with black outline and black lettering (see Appendix III:6-4). Note that under ANSI Z135.1 criteria, area posting is required only for Class IIIB and Class IV lasers.

b.   Class II or Class IIIA areas (if area warning is deemed unnecessary by the LSO): All signs (and labels) associated with these lasers (when beam irradiance for Class IIIA does not exceed 2.5mW/cm²) use the ANSI CAUTION format: yellow background, black symbols and letters.

c.   During times of service and other times when a temporary laser-controlled area is established, an ANSI NOTICE sign format is required: white background, red laser symbol with blue field and black lettering. This sign is posted only during the time when service is in progress. Examples of area warning signs and logotype designs are given in Appendix III:6-4.

Even low-power lasers with only a few milliwatts of output can be hazardous to human eyesight. That’s why Phillips Safety Products carries laser warning signs in addition to the laser barriers, filters, windows, and eyewear that you’ll need for safe, legal operation. These signs provide on-the-spot warning, adhere to ANSI requirements, are easy to understand in any language, and are 10” high x 14” wide for maximum visibility.

Phillips offers the following variations with magnetic backing for quick installation and removable, reusable signage:

Sign #27 – Class IIIB – “Laser Radiation – Avoid Direct Exposure to Beam”

Sign #28 – Class IIIB – “Invisible Laser Radiation – Avoid Direct Exposure to Beam”

Sign #29 – Class IIIB – “Visible and/or Invisible Laser Radiation – Avoid Direct Exposure to Beam”

Sign #30 – Class IV – “Laser Radiation – Avoid Eye or Skin Exposure to Direct or Scattered Radiation. Eye Protection Required”

Sign #31 – Class IV – “Invisible Laser Radiation – Avoid Eye or Skin Exposure to Direct or Scattered Radiation. Eye Protection Required”

Sign #32 – Class IV – “Visible and/or Invisible Laser Radiation – Avoid Eye or Skin Exposure to Direct or Scattered Radiation. Eye Protection Required”

Sign #33 – Class IV – “Laser Radiation – Do Not Stare Into Beam or View Directly with Optical Instruments”

Sign #34 – Class IIIA – “Laser Radiation – Avoid Direct Eye Exposure to Beam”

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