FBHM-139: Blasting work - cleaning and decoating with laser radiation

Laser radiation can be used to clean surfaces or remove coatings from surfaces of various materials. Laser processes with a focused, powerful laser beam are used to remove absorbent corrosion and passivation layers, paint and coating materials or process residues. FBHM-139 serves as a guide for the preparation of a risk assessment and relates exclusively to hand-held Class 4 laser equipment for cleaning and decoating. Special features due to changing locations of use are also considered. The document does not cover the handling of other laser equipment such as laser measuring systems or laser cutting systems. The hazards considered in FBHM-139 arise mainly from laser radiation and the hazardous substances generated during the machining process. Protection against laser radiation and a functional, efficient extraction system must be provided. Ablation products must be collected as close as possible to the point of origin, e.g. by means of an extraction system attached to the device. This document does not cover work on the laser equipment itself, for example during manufacture or maintenance and adjustment.