Laser safety

Because of its special properties, laser light poses safety hazards not associated with light from conventional sources. The safe use of lasers requires that all laser users and everyone else near the laser system are aware of the dangers involved. The safe use of the laser depends upon the user becoming familiar with the instrument and the properties of intense beams of light.

The greatest concern when using a laser is eye safety. In addition to the main beam, there are often many smaller beams present at various angles near the laser system. These beams are formed by specular reflections of the main beam at polished surfaces such as lenses or beam splitters. While weaker than the main beam, such beams may still be sufficiently intense to cause eye damage.

Laser beams can be powerful enough to burn skin, clothing or paint. They can ignite volatile substances such as alcohol, gasoline, ether and other solvents, and can damage light-sensitive elements in video cameras, photomultipliers and photodiodes. The laser beam can ignite substances in its path, even at some distance. The beam may also cause damage if contacted indirectly from reflective surfaces. For these reasons the user is advised to follow the precautions below.

1. Observe all safety precautions in the Preinstallation and Operator's manuals.
2. Extreme caution should be exercised when using solvents in the area of the laser.
3. Limit access to the laser to qualified users who are familiar with laser safety practices and who are aware of the dangers involved.
4. Never look directly into the laser light source or at scattered laser light from any reflective surface. Never sight down the beam into the source.
5. Maintain experimental setups at low heights to prevent inadvertent beam-eye encounter at eye level.
6. As a precaution against accidental exposure to the output beam or its reflection, those using the system should wear the appropriate laser safety glasses as designated by the wavelength being generated.
7. Avoid direct exposure to the laser light. The intensity of the beam can easily cause fleshes burns or ignite clothing.
8. Use the laser in an enclosed room. Laser light will remain collimated over long distances and therefore presents a potential hazard if not confined.
9. Post warning signs in the area of the laser beam to alert all laser users and everyone else near the laser system of the hazards.
10. Advise everyone using the laser of these precautions. It is good practice to operate the laser in a room with controlled and restricted access