If burned by a fiber laser welding machine during work,first you need to turn off the power of the fiber laser welding machine in case cause any further injuries, then take the following measures:
For Skin Burns:
Exposure to high-power laser beams can cause burns ranging from first to third-degree burns. Even a short moment exposing under a higher-power laser may cause a burn, because the skin can be burned very fast, which will lead to a hard lesion that takes time to heal.
Treatment:
First Aid Treatment:
Cool the burn for minor burns, hold the affected area under cool (not cold) running water for about 10 minutes. If the burn is on your face, apply a cool, wet cloth until the pain eases.
Remove tight items Take off any rings or other tight items from the burned area quickly and gently before swelling occurs.
Don’t break blisters If blisters form, do not break them, as they help protect against infection. If a blister breaks, gently clean the area with water and apply an antibiotic ointment.
Apply lotion After cooling the burn, apply a lotion, such as one with aloe vera or cocoa butter, to help prevent drying and provide relief.
Bandage the burn Cover the burn with a clean bandage, wrapping it loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain, and protects blistered skin.
If the following situation occurs, then need to seek immediate medical care:
Deep burns involving all layers of the skin;
Skin that appears dry and leathery;
Burns that look charred or have white, brown, or black patches;
Burns larger than 3 inches in diameter;
Burns covering the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a major joint, or encircling an arm or leg;
Burns accompanied by smoke inhalation;
Burns that begin swelling very quickly.
For Eye Injuries:
Lasers from handheld laser welding machine can cause severe eye injuries, even leading to permanent vision loss.
Treatment:
Immediate Actions and Medical Treatment:
Seek Medical Attention: Thermal burns to the face or around the eyes require immediate medical care. Do not attempt to self-treat or delay seeking professional help, as this can worsen the pain and increase the risk of infection or other complications. An emergency medicine provider can diagnose corneal flash burns, but they will likely refer you to an ophthalmologist for follow-up care.
Pain Management: Pain management may involve numbing medications applied directly to the eyes.
Antibiotics: If prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed and complete the full course to prevent the return of infection or antibiotic-resistant infections.
Follow-up Visits: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your eye care specialist to monitor your eyes’ recovery and address any lingering issues.
Remove Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately.
Home Care and Relief:
Cooling: Cool your eyes using ice cubes and a towel.
Lubrication: Use over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricants to alleviate discomfort.
Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive to light.
Eye Patching: In some instances, your eye may be patched to aid healing and control pain.
3. Safety Precautions and Prevention:
Wear appropriate PPE: Use approved helmets or hand shields, safety goggles or glasses with side shields, dry insulating gloves, and flame-resistant protective garments.
Avoid skin exposure: Do not position your hands directly under the laser beam, and keep your hands calm while using the laser.
Regular inspection: When the laser welder head heats up or the output energy decreases, stop using it immediately and inspect the protective lens for damage.
Use noncombustible screens or barriers to protect nearby persons or observers.
For Eye Prevention: Wear protective eyewear: Always wear properly filtered safety glasses, goggles, or a welding helmet designed to protect against UV light when welding. Laser safety glasses have specific filters to block harmful wavelengths of laser light.
