This implies they deliver a much higher power than expected, or even specified. Also, the specs provided are determined at a specific temperature. This means it is possible to have different and unexpected results with the same laser when it is used in different conditions, such as outdoors, in hot environments, etc.
The best way to be sure is to measure the output with a Gentec-EO photodiode laser power meter. To satisfy my personal curiosity I purchased a handheld blue laser pointer from a popular website. It was stated that it would emit mW. This is even more dangerous than a 1 kW laser: why? Are people aware about the dangers of laser pointers like these? Transport Canada got similar events listed. To wrap this up, until we can test all the lasers that are available, please do not trust the output specified unless you tested it with a laser power meter.
Source: Wikipedia How dangerous are laser pointers to human eyes? Charles Dumas International Sales Director. One last thing -- some government entities have banned or restricted laser pointers.
Some states and some cities have or have proposed age limits on the purchase or use of pointers. The United Kingdom bans the use of class 3A pointers. Laser pointers are high-tech tools, not toys. Newsletter Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter. Already a subscriber? Sign in. Thanks for reading Scientific American. Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital.
This answer comes from Douglas A. He is also adjunct lecturer in the nuclear engineering department. Image: CNN Interactive. Get smart. Sign Up. Support science journalism. Knowledge awaits. See Subscription Options Already a subscriber?
Create Account See Subscription Options. Continue reading with a Scientific American subscription. The invisible infrared laser beam, such as carbon dioxide CO 2 laser beam, does not produce a bright light that would cause the blinking reflex or the pupil to constrict and, therefore, chances of injury are greater compared to visible light beam of equal intensity.
The location of the damage depends on the optical nature of the laser beam. Lasers in the visible light and near infrared range focus on retina. Therefore the injuries produced are retinal burns. The infrared radiation is absorbed in the cornea and may cause corneal damage and loss of vision. Every piece of laser equipment has built-in engineering controls such as protective housing, fail-safe interlocks, master switches, beam stops and attenuators e.
However, eye protection is needed while using Class 3B or Class 4 type lasers to prevent harmful exposure from reflected and scattered laser beams. The ability of eye wear to filter the laser beam is expressed in terms of optical density. Optical density, type of laser, and visibility required are all important factors in the selection of protective eye wear.
Protective eye wear may not provide the same degree of protection for infrared as for visible light and ultraviolet laser beams. Goggles with side shields are preferred because they provide protection against back reflection and side entrance of stray laser beams.
Plastic versus glass lenses : Protective eye glasses typically are available with plastic lenses. Plastic lenses are light weight and can be molded into comfortable shapes.
Alignment eye wear : This type of eye wear is used for low power visible laser beams. Alignment eye wear should not be worn during the operation of high power or invisible laser beams. Instead, safety eye wear that provides adequate protection should be worn. The potential for skin damage depends on the type of laser, power of the laser beam, and the duration of exposure.
The type of damage may range from localized reddening to charring and deep incision. Protective clothing gown, cap, mask , gloves, and safety eye wear may be required for working near a laser.
Consult manufacturer's operating procedures and check with the laser safety officer to determine the specific needs for personal protective equipment and clothing. A fire can be started when laser beam or reflection of the beam strikes a combustible material such as rubber, plastic, human tissues, paper products, skin treated with acetone and alcohol-based preparations, human hair, and intestinal gases.
Fire hazards are of particular concern in oxygen-rich atmospheres when oxygen or when nitrous oxide is being used. Many lasers use high voltage and high current electrical power. The danger of electrical shock or electrocution arises when an untrained or unauthorized person tries to perform maintenance work without following the proper safety procedures.
Electrical safety requirements include the following:. Following are the essential components of a laser safety program:. In workplaces where a class 3B or Class 4 laser is used, a laser safety officer LSO must be on staff. The laser safety officer must do the following to ensure safe use of lasers. Add a badge to your website or intranet so your workers can quickly find answers to their health and safety questions. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current.
CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. OSH Answers Fact Sheets Easy-to-read, question-and-answer fact sheets covering a wide range of workplace health and safety topics, from hazards to diseases to ergonomics to workplace promotion.
Search all fact sheets: Search. Type a word, a phrase, or ask a question. Sources of laser hazards include: Unintentional eye exposure during alignment Misaligned laser beam Lack of eye protection Equipment malfunction Improper handling of high voltage systems Use of unfamiliar equipment Improper restoration of equipment following service.
There should be a laser safety program in place and all staff who must work with or near the laser unit should receive: Training on proper procedures for the safe use of equipment. Instructions about how to keep equipment in good working order. Instruction and training to protect patients and clients from exposure. Education about possible health and safety hazards to all workers. Procedures should also address purchasing, installation, testing, use, servicing, and maintenance.
Train personnel to develop awareness about fire hazards and response procedures in case of laser fires. Make sure that hot tip of the laser does not touch combustible items.
Maintain precise control of laser beam. Eliminate surfaces which can reflect laser beam. During surgery the laser beam should be in the stand-by position at all times except when the handpiece is in the hand of the surgeon. Make sure that skin preparation solutions are fully vaporised before covering the area with surgical drapes. Follow standard procedures in the event of fire or explosion.
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