Product Code: ILSC2011_1303

Hidden Menace: Recognizing and Controlling the Hazards Posed by Smaller and Lower Power Lasers
Authors:
Samuel M. Goldwasser, Laser Teaching Center, Stony Brook University; Stony Brook NY USA
Ben Edwards, Duke University Medical System; Durham NC USA
Presented at ILSC 2011

The hazards of high power lasers are well recognized, and the necessity for controlling these hazards justifiably enjoys wide consensus. However, physically small lasers, or those with relatively low output power (e.g. Class 3B), can also present significant safety issues. The safety aspects of such small or lower power lasers often suffer from neglect because of the tendency to downplay, ignore, or simply fail to recognize the associated hazards. This work will assist safety professionals in identifying and articulating these harder to sell hazards by reviewing the specific issues (e.g. invisible laser radiation, potential for electrical shock, and even thermal/fire damage to materials), as well as providing some specific examples of readily available lasers for which these hazards exist. Finally, this paper addresses controlling those hazards through better recognition of the laser technology involved, and by proper work habits to minimize the chances of accidents and injuries associated with such laser systems.