Safety issues concerning technical realization and usage of a mobile laser rescue device

Safety aspects are essential for modular, mobile laser cutting, specially designated for complex rescue operations. The development described here was inspired by the enhanced performance requirements of equipment for complex technical rescue operations, resulting from the increased strengths of materials actually used e.g. in vehicles to improve the overall safety. The new laser rescue tool shall be an alternative to conventional rescue systems such as hydraulic shears.Based on a fiber laser with a maximum output power of 2.5 kW and a specially developed hand-held laser processing head, adaptable to different drive units, a first integrated demonstrator has been set up to in-vestigate performance and practicality in the course of selected rescue situations. The main challenge is to realize cutting of multilayer structures containing various materials, taking into account harsh outdoor conditions. To ensure laser safety concerning all people at the scene of an accident, i.e. injured persons, rescue teams, police officers, onlookers, etc., several technical safety functions are implemented. Further-more, laser-protective goggles, beam dumps and laser-protective curtains are relevant protection components for the local and peripheral laser safety. The rescue operations are to be supported by a safety officer who has to ensure that all protective measures are taken.Safety aspects are essential for modular, mobile laser cutting, specially designated for complex rescue operations. The development described here was inspired by the enhanced performance requirements of equipment for complex technical rescue operations, resulting from the increased strengths of materials actually used e.g. in vehicles to improve the overall safety. The new laser rescue tool shall be an alternative to conventional rescue systems such as hydraulic shears.Based on a fiber laser with a maximum output power of 2.5 kW and a specially developed hand-held laser processing head, adaptable to different drive units, a first integrated demonstrator has been set up to in-vestigate performance and practicality in the course of selected rescue situations. The main challenge is to realize cutting of multilayer structures containing various materials, taking into account harsh outdoor conditions. To ensure laser safety concerning all people at the scene of an accident, i.e. injured persons, rescue teams,...