Laser Irradiance Ratings — Tested for 100 Seconds with a 1 mm Beam
NIR: 1,064 nm — Maximum Irradiance: 575 W/cm² | 625W/cm²
IR: 10,600 nm — Maximum Irradiance: 575 W/cm² | 625W/cm²
VIS: 520 nm — Maximum Irradiance: 575 W/cm² | 625W/cm²
Material Specification Sheet
Standard Sizing for immediate shipping is only offered in 575 W/cm² or 2250 W/cm². Barriers and curtains are intended for diffused laser energy containment.
Barrier selection is based on the irradiance (energy density) reaching the containment material — not simply the laser's rated output power.
Learn how laser energy generally disperses; how irradiance changes with distance, reflection, and diffusion; and why laser power does not equal containment requirements
Entryway Controls & Interlocks
For Class 4 laser controlled areas, ANSI Z136 does not universally require a non-defeatable door interlock. ANSI provides for non-defeatable and defeatable entryway controls, while procedural entryway controls may be used when those approaches are not feasible or are inappropriate for the application, subject to the applicable procedural safeguards and hazard assessment.
OSHA has also specifically cautioned against assuming every laser hazard should be controlled simply by placing the laser in an interlocked room. In its Guidelines for Laser Safety and Hazard Assessment, OSHA states that as laser applications expanded, enclosing lasers in interlocked rooms became limiting and, in many cases, could be an “expensive over-reaction to the real hazards present.” OSHA
At the federal level, OSHA does not impose a universal requirement that every Class 4 laser room have a door interlock. OSHA’s own technical guidance describes ANSI laser standards as voluntary unless specifically required by another organization or authority. OSHA
That does not mean interlocks are unnecessary. They can be an important and appropriate control for many laser welding and Class 4 installations. The correct entryway-control approach should be based on the actual hazard, facility design, application, and applicable state or local requirements.
Read: When Do ANSI Z136 and OSHA Require Interlocks for Class 4 Lasers? Understanding Class 4 Laser Entryway Controls
Always consult your on-site Laser Safety Officer (LSO) to determine the appropriate controls for your specific installation.
Optional Laser Safety Viewing Windows
Laser safety viewing windows are available as an option in 12" × 12" and 12" × 24" sizes, allowing operators to observe the work area while remaining outside the laser controlled area.
The window is installed in a clear sewn-in pocket within the laser barrier material, rather than being permanently bonded into the curtain. This allows the appropriate laser safety window material to be selected for the wavelength and application while keeping the surrounding barrier flexible.
For curtains that are regularly opened or pulled back, the window can be removed from the pocket before the curtain is folded or gathered. This helps prevent unnecessary bending or cracking of the rigid window material. On stationary or portable barrier systems that are not routinely folded, the window can generally remain installed.
Window locations can also be incorporated into the barrier layout based on the intended viewing position and application. Multiple viewing windows can be added where appropriate.
Learn more about how viewing windows are incorporated into our curtains and softwall barriers in our article: How Laser Safety Windows Are Installed in Laser Curtains and Softwall Barriers.
Important: The laser safety window must be properly selected for the laser wavelength, optical density requirements, and reasonably foreseeable exposure conditions of the application. Always consult your on-site Laser Safety Officer (LSO) when selecting laser safety controls.
