The disclosure refers to a laser process head having an optical protective component to be used in a laser system for monitoring the condition of the optical protective component. To facilitate replacement of the optical protective component the optical protective component is pivotally mounted to a downstream end of a housing of the laser head along a light path. The optical protective component comprises an optical fiber proximate a periphery of the optical protective component, the optical fiber is configured to receive return light which includes at least a portion of light backreflected from the worksite along the light path and a sensor optically coupled to the optical fiber and operative to determine a measure of a light power of the return light, wherein the protective component is pivotally displaced to an open position thereof for further replacement if the measured light power of the return light exceeds a reference value.