Laser Cutter Safety in Library Makerspaces
Andrew has more than a decade of experience as a professional librarian. He works as a research librarian for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Office of Safety Services. In addition to holding three university degrees, he holds an Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) and a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). All views presented in this article are the author’s alone and are not endorsed, sponsored, or promoted by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
It has been fourteen years since the first modern library makerspace opened at the Fayetteville Free Library,[1] and since then, the makerspace community has grown. Library visitors can now find Makerspaces in public[2] and academic libraries[3] all over the country. These unique, creative areas provide a selection of tools for the public that they might not otherwise have access to. Such tools include laser cutters and engravers, vinyl cutters, 3D printers, media conversion booths, print on demand (POD) book machines, and much more. Since the advent of the makerspace movement, library staff have been brainstorming to find ways to not only involve their library, but to offer the best resources possible to the community in which the library resides. But have you ever considered proper safety for laser cutters in libraries?
General Aspects Common to All Laser Cutters and Engravers
Most commercially available laser cutters, including those found commonly in libraries, are CO2 lasers. Two popular brands of CO2 laser cutters found in libraries are Epilog[4] and Full Spectrum[5] lasers. Each laser cutter is equipped with a laser tube. During the laser’s operation, it produces heat, and one of the ways to keep the laser from overheating is by cooling the tube with either water or air. A housing unit stores and protects the tube, laser bed, optics and mirrors, laser aperture, and other equipment necessary for the cutter to function. Laser cutters typically also have an exhaust port, fan opening, an emergency stop function (switch, flip, button, etc.), air assist connector, and if applicable, water pump connectors. The unit’s lid allows for the passage of material in and out of the machine, which when opened, trips the laser’s sensors and disables the machine from operating. However, users can overcome the safety function, and the laser can still function even with the lid open. A popular YouTuber called the Hacksmith has a video titled WILL IT LASER: Human Skin[6] that demonstrates this very dangerous, but very accomplishable thing. Staff need to be aware that it is possible to overcome a laser’s disabling mechanism and to take the proper steps to minimize the risk of harm to library users.
Fire Prevention and Safety
Users should never leave laser cutters unattended. If a fire starts and there is no one there to hit the emergency stop function, the fire may burn unchecked and cause serious harm to the library and to those in the vicinity. Every makerspace needs to have at least one, if not multiple, approved fire extinguishers that are visible and quickly accessible. One way to help prevent laser cutter fires is to make sure that the air assist is on and is set to the correct pressure. Some laser cutters will still function with the air assist off. Another way to reduce chances for a laser cutter fire is to clean the laser bed after each laser cutting session. Leaving debris from whatever was last cut on the machine runs the risk of igniting during subsequent cutting and engraving. Making sure that the air-cooling fans or water-cooling pump is working properly is another way to make sure that the laser does not overheat. Only cut and engrave what the laser’s manual allows and never cut or engrave combustible materials.
Ventilation
Besides preventing fires, another important consideration for laser cutter safety is proper ventilation. When cutting certain objects, laser cutters can release harmful vapors, gases, and particles. According to an article titled “Identifying thermal breakdown products of thermoplastics” published by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene,[7] laser cutting acrylic plastic (PMMA) can produce emissions of formaldehyde and methyl methacrylate. Thankfully, libraries can mitigate emissions produced while cutting and engraving acrylic through proper ventilation[8]. On the other hand, users of laser cutters should never cut PVC or any materials containing PVC, even with ventilation. When exposed to a laser, PVC can produce harmful gases like chlorine and ruin the laser cutter’s optics.
Libraries should vent laser cutters either directly outside or to an internal filtration system. Library staff should consult with the manufacturer to determine the best venting method. An exhaust fan removes byproducts of the laser cutting process through the laser’s exhaust port and out the exhaust tubing. An air compressor acts as an air assist, blowing air over the laser bed where the cutting takes place. This reduces the potential for flare-ups, the accumulation of smoke in the machine, and helps to remove gases and vapors that the laser cutter generates. The air assist and exhaust fan need to be on before and while the cutting is taking place.
Library Policy and Patron Education
Every library’s makerspace policy should specifically address the safe use of each makerspace item, including laser cutters. Your library policy should address whether patrons can bring in their own materials or if they must purchase materials directly from the library itself. Some libraries choose to sell materials directly to patrons to be 100% sure that restricted material does not end up in the machine. When laser cutter users bring in their own materials, libraries often require a receipt or online profile of the material to verify that it isn’t dangerous. In addition to listing material restrictions, your makerspace policy should address inspections of the laser, including who is responsible and how often inspections take place. Those responsible for makerspace safety should at minimum conduct a daily inspection of laser cutters that examines the exhaust, cooling, and laser bed components to make sure they are clean and functioning properly.
Final Recommendations
Library staff should consider the following when using laser cutters and engravers in a makerspace:
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- Never leave the laser cutter unattended while operating.
- When performing laser cutter maintenance, always unplug the machine.
- Follow and make available the laser cutter’s operation and maintenance guide.
- Have multiple portable fire extinguishers in the makerspace.
- Place laser cutters in areas with good airflow.
- Place laser cutters on a firm level surface.
- Make sure the laser bed is clear of any leftover debris that might ignite.
- Periodically clean out debris in the exhaust tube and port.
- Make sure the exhaust tubing is securely attached to the laser’s exhaust port and has no leaks.
- Exhaust tubing should be as short as possible with a minimal amount of bends.
- Ensure that the exhaust fan is functioning and free of dust and other debris.
- If a laser cutter has a filter box instead of outside exhaustion, make sure that filters are properly installed and replaced when necessary.
- Ensure the air compressor is functioning and providing adequate airflow.
- If possible, have the air compressor automatically start with the machine.
- For water-cooled laser tubes, make sure that water pump tubes are not cracked or pinched or have become disconnected from the machine.
- For air-cooled laser tubes, make sure fans and vents are not obstructed and are clean.
- Periodically clean the laser cutter’s mirrors and optics according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Change the laser tube as directed by the manufacturer.
- Consider purchasing a quality surge protector to protect the laser cutter from electrical spikes and abnormalities.
- Provide patrons with eye and ear protective equipment (as needed).
- Provide patrons with clear instructions, including how to activate the laser’s emergency stop.
- Create a policy that states what can and cannot be cut or engraved, and have the policy posted near the laser cutter with other applicable safety warnings.
- Never cut or engrave anything containing PVC, artificial leather, pleather, or vinyl[9]. Doing so might damage the laser cutter and release harmful gases.
References
[1] https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2013/02/06/manufacturing-makerspaces/
[2] https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/brave-new-library/
[3] https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2015/09/16/making-it-academic-world/
[4] https://www.epiloglaser.com/
[6] https://youtu.be/4-BfsnTw1X4?si=kysLQXK3bsPFUmsv
[7] Guillemot, M., Oury, B., & Melin, S. (2017). Identifying thermal breakdown products of thermoplastics. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 14(7), 551–561. https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2017.1302586
[8] Munoz A, Schmidt J, Suffet IHM, Tsai CS. Characterization of Emissions from Carbon Dioxide Laser Cutting Acrylic Plastics. J Chem Health Saf. 2023 Jun 22;30(4):182-192. doi: 10.1021/acs.chas.3c00013. PMID: 37501918; PMCID: PMC10369487.
[9]https://www.xometry.com/resources/sheet/types-of-bad-materials-for-laser-cutting/
Tags: lasercuttersafety, librarymakerspace, makerspacesafety
