Marking safely on site

The risks of field marking in South Africa

Marking asset tags or serial numbers outdoors or underground brings more risk than working at a bench. On a real site, you deal with wind, dust, the odd confused bystander, and the need for quick results, often in tight, awkward spaces. Our clients want deep, legible marks that last, but few realise that a Class 4 fibre laser in the open is a serious hazard if you cut corners.

Unlike a closed marking cell, the FieldMark Portable puts the beam right where you need it, but that also puts people close to an open beam. It’s invisible, can bounce off shiny metal, and does real harm in a second. If the job is in a mine, you also have to think about fumes, mobile equipment and rules set by the site safety officer.

Lessons we have learned about safe marking setups

We've learned never to trust a marking brief that skips the site conditions. A flat, clean bench at Sunnyrock is one thing, but a corroded plate bolted to a pylon or a greasy pump in a pit is another. The fixture and shielding you plan in the office dont always match the mess you find on site.

The most important thing is controlling access: put up a barrier or flag a safe zone where people can’t wander into the beam. For the FieldMark, we include blackout shields and Class 4 eyewear rated for 1064 nm. Remember, CO2 laser goggles won’t protect you. I always check the protective window over the lens before we start, because one fingerprint or splash of oil can crack it or spoil the mark. For asset tags, we prefer dry, degreased steel or anodised plates, clamped if possible. Fume extraction is key, especially on galvanised or stainless surfaces, don’t mark on PVC or painted surfaces unless you know the coating is safe.

A story from a real site job

On one mining job, we had to mark serials onto stainless tags fixed to a fleet of underground pumps. The customer wanted fast work between shift changes, with security and maintenance teams moving around. Our first attempt failed: we set up in a walkway, just outside the main motor room, thinking we’d be out the way.

A supervisor walked through the area mid-mark, forcing us to kill the beam and reset everything. After that, we built a quick PVC barrier with hazard tape and put up warning boards. The job went smoothly from there, and the tags came out crisp and readable. It was a reminder that even on routine work, you have to control the environment or the environment controls you.

Practical steps to keep marking safe on site

Most hazards can be avoided with good prep and a few non-negotiables. Here’s what we do every time, and what we recommend to our clients who use the FieldMark kit in the field.

• Survey the marking spot for bystanders, reflective surfaces and trip hazards
• Set up physical barriers and clear hazard signs around the marking zone
• Wear laser safety eyewear rated for 1064 nm (not CO2 specs)
• Check the protective window and lens for dirt or damage before each mark
• Use local fume extraction or work outdoors with good ventilation
• Never mark on PVC or unknown coatings

When to contact us for support on a site job

If the job is new, unusually tricky, or the site safety manager asks for documentation, send us a message through our contact form. You don’t have to guess, describe the material, the marking needed, and the site conditions, and we’ll advise on the best settings, safe practice and any special fixtures.

If you run into a mark quality problem or the kit seems damaged, rather stop and check with us before pushing on. We can also arrange first-article reviews at Sunnyrock with Ms Firdous Bassier or myself if you want to test marks before heading out.