How safe are lasers in the workplace?
What is laser radiation?
Lasers produce radiation with a very narrow beam which doesn’t spread out meaning that the laser is highly directional, forming a pencil-like beam that will still appear as a small spot when shone against a surface, even at distances of 100m or more.
What harm can be caused?
High-power lasers can cause serious skin burns and eye damage, including blindness. The retina is particularly vulnerable and even a brief glance at a laser beam can lead to retinal burns. Reflections from surfaces can also pose risks. The intensity of the laser determines the severity of the burn. Other physical hazards include laser beams igniting flammable materials and chemical risks as certain lasers use hazardous chemicals, e.g. beryllium oxide and halogens for cooling or other purposes, exposure to which can be harmful.
Laser safety standards
BS EN 60825-1:2014 sets out eight classes of laser product, which indicate the potential risk of adverse health effects. The higher the class number, the greater the hazard. The risk also depends upon the conditions of use, exposure time and the environment.
Class 1 and 2 laser products are safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation. Examples include laser printers, hair removal tools and barcode scanners. Class 3R laser products can potentially cause eye injuries. Equipment in this class includes spectrometers, etc. Class 4 products are capable of causing injury to both the eye and skin from direct exposure and reflections also may be hazardous. Laser displays, laser surgery and cutting metals may be Class 4 products.
General safety precautions
To comply with the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 , you must give workers the information, training, instruction and supervision they need to safely work with lasers. Always view the manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings before using lasers in the workplace. Other precautions include:
Controlled access. Only operate laser equipment in secure areas. Keep doors closed during operations to prevent unauthorised access.
Eye protection. There should be mandatory use of suitable safety eyewear that matches the laser’s wavelength and power specifications.
Environmental controls. Maintain high ambient lighting levels to minimise pupil dilation, reducing the risk of accidental eye exposure. Remove reflective personal items and do not use in areas of high reflective surfaces, e.g. paint surfaces in matt paint to reduce reflections.
Equipment handling. Securely clamp all optical components to prevent misalignment and accidental beam exposure. Enclose the laser beam path where possible. Maintain laser beams at a horizontal level to ensure predictability and ease of management. Ensure the chair height positions the head above the beam level to avoid accidental exposure.
Tip. Use our new document Laser Hazard Controls Checklist to meet the expectations placed upon your business when using work equipment with lasers (see The next step ).
For our Laser Hazard Controls Checklist, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk , Download Zone, year 22 issue 16.
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