Hidden menace: Recognizing and controlling the hazards posed by smaller and lower power lasers

The hazards of large 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 “hazards to sell” 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