From June 1–5, 2026, Lasermet was in Liverpool for the 7th European IRPA Congress. The IRPA (International Radiation Protection Association) Congress is a major international/regional gathering for knowledge exchange amongst professionals in radiation protection.
As a company specialising in laser safety, exhibiting at the IRPA Congress was a new undertaking for Lasermet. However, we see significant potential for our safety interlock systems to support applications beyond laser safety, so connecting with radiation protection experts at the IRPA Congress was important to us.
Let’s Talk Laser Safety
Although the IRPA Congress has a broader focus on radiation protection, laser safety was also represented within the programme. Several talks touched directly on laser-related risks and safety considerations.
Laser Safety Refresher Course
One of the laser-focused sessions at the Congress was the Laser Safety Refresher Course presented by Dr. Michael Higlett.
For Lasermet, it was particularly relevant to see these topics discussed within the wider radiation protection programme, as many of the principles covered—risk assessment, engineering controls, access control, and safety management—closely align with the work we do in laser safety.
Regulation of Laser Safety in UK Universities
Another particularly relevant presentation was “Regulation of Laser Safety in UK Universities” by Karen Fuller of the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The presentation brought a regulatory perspective to laser safety, with a particular focus on how laser risks are managed within UK universities. This was especially interesting given the wide range of laser applications found in academic and research environments, where increasingly powerful and sophisticated laser systems may be used across multiple laboratories and departments.
Understanding the Hazards of Handheld Laser Welding and Cleaning
Angela Yeadon of Aurora Health Physics presented “From Precision to Risk: Understanding the Hazards of Handheld Laser Welding and Cleaning.”
The presentation focused on the growing use of handheld laser systems for welding and cleaning, and the safety challenges that come with these increasingly powerful and portable technologies. The talk highlighted the importance of understanding both direct and reflected laser radiation, as well as the wider hazards that can arise during laser welding and cleaning operations.
What We Brought to the Show
ICS-9 Interlock Control System
The ICS-9 Interlock® Controller from Lasermet can control laser interlocks, magnetic door locks, LED warning signs, laser beam shutters, and virtually all of Lasermet’s catalogue of laser safety interlock equipment.
The ICS-9 has full start-to-end dual channel architecture and fault detection to meet the latest safety standards to a much higher level than single channel systems.
Control and Laser Monitoring (CaLM)
The CaLM System can monitor and control an entire interlocked laboratory on a large screen. This gives users the convenience and safety when working in laser controlled areas.
The CaLM can:
- Status of all Interlock Switches
- Status of all E-Stops, Shutters and DBS
- Status of ICS-9 Interlock Controller
- Status of Laser Jailer Active Guarding
- Wavelengths of accessible lasers
- Touch screen fault detection
ICS Touch II Interlock for Operating Theatres
The ICS‑TOUCH II is Lasermet’s next-gen upgrade to the standard touchscreen interlock controller, tailored for medical-grade laser systems.
Features:
- Easy-to-use touchscreen technology
- Interlocked Doors, Roller Blinds and Emergency Stops
- Flush-fit to wall or door
- Full dual channel safety to ISO 13849-1 Performance Level ‘e’
- Secure Access Keypad Lock
Laser Welding Helmet
Lasermet’s laser welding helmet is designed to protect welders from stray laser radiation.
Our helmet can be part of an interlock system where the helmet needs to be properly worn with the visor closed before firing the laser.
If an unsafe condition is detected, such as the visor being raised, the laser welder cannot be activated.
Beyond Laser Safety
Attending the 7th European IRPA Congress gave Lasermet the opportunity to look at safety beyond lasers and to engage with professionals working across the wider radiation protection community.
While laser safety remains at the core of what we do, many of the principles behind effective protection are shared across different hazards: understanding the risk, controlling access, applying suitable engineering controls, providing clear warning systems, and creating safer working environments.
Our time in Liverpool was therefore more than an opportunity to showcase our products. It was an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and consider where Lasermet’s safety expertise can make a difference beyond lasers.
