Rapid Ref : 5002.049

Optrel Headband Quarter Turn Bolts - Pack of 2
5002.049

Name: Optrel Headband Quarter Turn Bolts - Pack of 2
SKU: 5002.049
Price: 3.30 GBP

£3.30 EX VAT

SSP Suggested Selling Price = £4.40 YOU SAVE £1.10

Laser Welding Helmets FAQs

Plain answers on how laser welding helmets differ from arc helmets, what the laser markings mean and how to use them safely.

How is a laser welding helmet different from an ordinary welding helmet?

An ordinary welding filter is designed for the ultraviolet, visible and infrared light of an arc. A laser welding helmet adds a filter tested for laser radiation, typically marked to the European laser eye protection standard, which blocks the wavelength your laser produces.

Some designs use a laser filter alone, and others combine it with an auto-darkening filter for arc welding as well. The marking on the filter tells you which wavelengths and laser modes it covers. Always check that the helmet matches your laser before use, and follow the manual.

Does the helmet have to match my laser's wavelength?

Yes. Laser protection works only over the wavelength range the filter is marked for. A filter made for one type of laser is not suitable for another, for example a near-infrared fibre laser needs a different filter from a carbon dioxide laser.

Look up the wavelength of your laser from its data plate or manual, then check that it falls inside the range marked on the helmet filter, together with the right protection level and operating mode. A high-density filter is not enough if it does not cover your wavelength. If you are unsure, check with the laser maker or your laser safety adviser before buying.

Do I still need laser safety eyewear under the helmet?

It depends on the equipment and the risk assessment, but laser makers often require both. Some laser welding systems instruct everyone present to wear their laser welding helmet and also laser safety eyewear of a stated protection level for the laser's wavelength. The helmet guards against sparks, intense light, ultraviolet and stray laser radiation.

Read the manual of your laser system and follow its labelled requirements. Anyone else in the work area may need protection too.

Will the helmet protect me from the laser beam itself?

No. Never expose yourself to the beam on the strength of a helmet. Laser filters are tested only to withstand a direct hit for a short time, and a high optical density does not by itself guarantee that the material will survive a strong beam. Eyewear that has taken a suspected direct hit should be taken out of service even if it looks undamaged.

Safety relies mainly on the laser system itself, such as enclosures, interlocks, safe beam paths and trained operators. The helmet is the last line of defence against stray and reflected light.

See all 6 questions for this category