Laser
The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
A laser is an intense, highly coherent, directional and monochromatic beam of light, either visible or invisible.
Applications of Laser
Lasers are commonly used in domestic, commercial, industrial and medical applications, for example, entertainment shows, concerts, cutting, welding and surgeries. Examples of laser products include laser printers, compact disc players, barcode scanners, laser pointers and military products.
Classification
According to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard, laser products are classified as follows:
Class 1 laser productssafe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation, including the use of optical instruments for intrabeam viewing
examples: laser printers and compact disc players
Class 1M laser productssafe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation, but may be hazardous if the user employs optics within the beam
examples: fibre-optic communication systems
Class 2 laser productsemitting visible laser beams
not inherently safe for eyes, but protection by natural aversion responses, such as blink reflex, is usually adequate
example: amusement laser guns, laser pointers and barcode scanners
Class 2M laser productsemitting visible laser beams
eye protection normally by aversion responses including blink reflex, but may be more hazardous if the user employs optics within the beam
example: level and orientation instruments for civil engineering applications
Class 3R laser productsdirect intrabeam viewing is potentially hazardous but the risk is lower than Class 3B lasers
fewer manufacturing requirements and control measures for the user than for Class 3B lasers
example: laser pointers and alignment lasers
Class 3B laser productsdirect intrabeam viewing may be hazardous but under certain conditions they may be safely viewed via a diffuse reflector
output power of continuous wave not exceeding 0.5W
examples: lasers for physiotherapy treatments
Class 4 laser productshigh power output devices
output power of continuous wave exceeding 0.5W
capable of producing hazardous reflections
may cause eye and skin injuries
could constitute a fire hazard
requires extreme caution in using
examples: laser projection displays, laser surgery devices and laser metal cutting devices
Safety Guidelines
For Classes 1, 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B & 4 laser productsNever view directly into a laser beam.
Never aim a laser beam at a person's eyes.
Ensure that proper explanatory and warning labels are affixed to the laser products. If the size or design of the product makes labelling impractical, the label should be included with the user information or on the package.
Additional precautions for Classes 3R, 3B & 4 laser productsFollow the guidelines listed in the operation manuals of laser products.
Employ qualified or trained personnel for the maintenance or repair of laser products.
Wear suitable protective goggles and clothing when operating or servicing medium or high power laser products.
Post proper warning notices at areas where exposure to medium or high power laser is likely.
Train staff on the safe use of laser products.
