Is it time for a class 5 laser? Available to Purchase

Since the development of laser safety standards, a classification system has evolved based on the laser’s ability to cause tissue damage and/or ignite a fire. With only small nuances among them, there is a range of parameters that covers the categories of Class 1 to Class 3B. The highest category. Class 4, comprises everything else from simple hand held devices to industrial, military, and high energy or high power academic research systems. Some of these more powerful lasers can cause “immediate” danger to life and health. High average power and high-energy laser systems have the potential to seriously injure personnel beyond the simple skin bum or retinal lesion. This paper will discuss the overall laser safety classification system and consider the question of the usefulness of developing a standard for a Class 5 laser.