Basic Laser Safety - Introduction

Home Page >> Basic Laser Safety > Introduction

Introduction

Eye and Skin Hazards

Electrical Fire and Flood hazards

Basic Safety precautions

Laser Pointer Safety

Our Sponsors

Basic Laser Safety - Introduction

All lasers and laser light show systems have intrinsic dangers - even laser pointers! Observation of basic laser safety rules and the specific safety regulations of the jurisdiction in which you operate are essential.

Caution Laser in Use Sign

We can NOT hope to review laser safety regulations on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis - there is just not enough space. Instead we will focus on some general safety information that applies across the board. If you do need specific safety information for a particular jurisdiction, contact the authorities in your area or the embassy for the country in question and ask.
A laser can be considered as a highly collimated source of extremely intense electromagnetic radiation that is defined by three characteristics: monochromatic, directional and coherent. Due to the temporal and spatial coherence of the laser beam it can be considered as a point source of phenomenal brightness than can easily exceed the brightness of the sun. Lasers are a more directional light source than any other common fixture such as stage lights or a follow-spot. The higher the optical output power of the laser, the greater the potential hazard.

Laser Hazards

The danger from lasers can be divided into the following major categories:

Eye hazards such as retinal or cornea burns.
Skin hazards such as burns.
Electrical hazards from high voltage equipment.
Fire and flood hazards.
More detailed Laser Safety information - Backstage Area Laser Safety section

Classification of lasers
We have not classified lasers by class or output power, nor have we made mention of any hazard labels or warning signs that may be required. This is because the classification of lasers and labels/signage varies by jurisdiction. Check with your local authorities as to the classification of your system(s) and any labels or signage that may be required.

Audience Scanning
In enlightened jurisdictions where audience scanning is permitted, you must take all precautions to make sure the audience scanning effects are intrinsically safe. The power of the effects used must meet the exposure levels permitted in your area. Audience scanning is a big responsibility as you could ruin hundreds of people's vision.

RETINAL INJURY IS PERMANENT

Laser Safety Regulations

Laser Safety is regulated by different authorities in each country. Here are some links to North American regulatory authorities:

In Canada the Radiation Protection Bureau (RPB) regulates lasers.
In the United States the Center for Devices and Radiological Health [CDRH] regulates lasers.

You can find more detailed information on Laser Safety and more links to regulatory authorities in the Laser Safety section of the Backstage area.

[ Introduction | Eye and Skin Hazards | Electrical fire and flood hazards | Basic safety precautions | Laser Pointer Safety ]