01 · Scope
This framework covers all Class 4 laser operations conducted by META LASER SYSTEMS, including transport, setup, operation, shutdown, maintenance and public-interface control. It applies to two machines currently in service:
- META MPW300 — 300 W pulsed laser cleaner, 1.5 mJ pulse energy, air-cooled, single-phase
- META MCW1500 3-in-1 — 1500 W continuous fiber laser with swappable welding / cleaning / cutting heads, M² < 1.2 beam quality, air-cooled, 220 V single-phase
Both machines operate at 1064 nm wavelength (near-infrared, invisible to the naked eye), classified as Class 4 — the highest laser hazard class.
02 · Class 4 hazard and core controls
The primary hazard from Class 4 laser equipment is permanent eye damage from direct or reflected beam exposure — even at microsecond exposure. Secondary hazards include skin burn, ignition of combustibles, specular reflection from polished surfaces (galvanised, stainless, aluminium), and fume from substrate ablation.
The core controls applied on every job:
| Authorised operators | Adam Smith is the only currently authorised operator. New operators require equipment familiarisation, supervised work and assessment before authorisation. |
|---|---|
| Exclusion zone | Physical and visual separation established before laser activation. Class 4 hazard signage at all approach points. No person inside the zone without OD 5+ laser-rated eyewear matched to 1064 nm. |
| Pre-start checklist | Completed before every energisation — equipment integrity, leads, fibre cable, lens condition, e-stop test, signage, PPE check. |
| Extraction / ventilation | Local exhaust extraction at the work point where required. Workshop cross-ventilation as a minimum. Work stops if fume accumulates or odour persists. |
| Emergency stop | Tested before every job. Accessible to operator at all times during work. |
03 · PPE — by mode
PPE specification varies by mode. ALL laser work requires OD 5+ rated eyewear matched to 1064 nm wavelength. Standard safety glasses are not acceptable.
| Cleaning mode | OD 5+ laser-rated goggles. P2 respirator minimum for clean steel. P3 (HEPA) for galvanised, stainless, coated or suspect-lead substrates. Long sleeves, gloves, closed leather footwear. |
|---|---|
| Welding mode | Auto-darkening welding helmet WITH OD 5+ laser filter at 1064 nm — standard welding shade alone is NOT sufficient. P2 minimum / P3 for galvanised or stainless. FR clothing, leather welding gauntlets, leather apron, closed leather boots. |
| Cutting mode | OD 5+ laser-rated goggles + hearing protection (assist-gas jet). P3 (HEPA) respirator. FR clothing, leather gloves and apron, closed leather boots. |
| Observers / customer staff | Anyone inside the exclusion zone during laser activation must wear OD 5+ laser-rated eyewear matched to wavelength. Spare laser-rated goggles carried in the van for this purpose. If suitable PPE cannot be provided, no observers permitted inside the zone. |
04 · Project-specific documentation
META LASER SYSTEMS does not publish generic downloadable WHS PDFs. That's a deliberate decision — generic documents undercut both the safety standard and the value to the customer. Documentation is built around the actual job.
Standard pack delivered with every engagement:
- SWMS — Safe Work Method Statement for the specific activity (cleaning, welding or cutting). Three mode-specific SWMS in the internal pack.
- JSA — Job Safety Analysis for the specific site. Completed before work commences at each new site.
- Pre-start checklist — completed before energisation, every job, every visit.
- Hot work permit — required for welding and cutting on customer premises. Jointly signed with customer site representative.
- Site induction / observer brief — anyone in the work area inducted on stop signal, exclusion zone boundary, PPE requirement.
- Client sign-off — record of completed scope, observations, outstanding items, customer acceptance.
05 · Hot work on customer premises
Welding and cutting on customer premises require a hot work permit, completed jointly with the customer site representative before work commences. The permit covers:
- Combustibles cleared or screened within 10 m of the work zone
- Sprinkler / smoke alarm coverage confirmed operational, not isolated
- Fire extinguisher (CO₂ or ABE dry powder) within 5 m, charged and accessible
- Beam termination / backstop in place for cutting
- Customer staff in adjacent areas notified
- Fire watch — minimum 30 minutes post-work observation before site is left
The permit stays on site for the duration of the work and is signed off at fire-watch closure.
06 · Insurance
META LASER SYSTEMS (META PR PTY LTD) carries public liability and operational insurance appropriate for mobile commercial laser operation. Certificate of currency is available on request for commercial customers, facility managers, council procurement, or any party requiring it for their records.
07 · Incident response
Any incident, near-miss or unintended exposure is recorded on the internal incident report and investigated. Eye exposure incidents — direct or suspected reflected — require immediate cessation of work and same-day ophthalmologist assessment, regardless of whether symptoms are reported.
Customers and site representatives are informed of any incident affecting the site or work scope on the same day.
08 · Standards referenced
The framework references the following Australian standards:
- AS/NZS IEC 60825.1 — Safety of laser products (Class 4 controls)
- AS/NZS 1337.1 — Eye and face protection (general)
- AS/NZS 1338.1 — Filters for protection against welding radiation
- AS/NZS 1715 — Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
- AS/NZS 1716 — Respiratory protective devices
- AS 1674.1 — Welding safety, Part 1: Fire precautions
- AS 1674.2 — Welding safety, Part 2: Electrical
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and WHS Regulation 2017 (NSW) — applicable parts