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
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ILSC 2011: Proceedings of the International Laser Safety Conference
March 14–17, 2011
San Jose, California, USA
ISBN:
978-0-912035-57-4
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Hidden menace: Recognizing and controlling the hazards posed by smaller and lower power lasers
Samuel M. Goldwasser;
Samuel M. Goldwasser
1
Laser Teaching Center, Stony Brook University
, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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Ben Edwards
Ben Edwards
2
Duke University Medical System
, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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Published Online:
March 01 2011
Citation
Samuel M. Goldwasser, Ben Edwards; March 14–17, 2011. "Hidden menace: Recognizing and controlling the hazards posed by smaller and lower power lasers." Proceedings of the ILSC 2011: Proceedings of the International Laser Safety Conference. ILSC 2011: Proceedings of the International Laser Safety Conference. San Jose, California, USA. (pp. pp. 269-274). ASME. https://doi.org/10.2351/1.5056760
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