A new means of quantifying laser safety hazards; The laser micro-mort

The popular perception of laser safety is dominated by the radiation hazard, whilst this may be accurate in a few instances the majority of laser applications generate a family of hazards which are far more significant and life-threatening than that of the direct radiation hazard. The laser is over 50 years old and really laser safety analysis has changed little in that period. Having been active in the field of laser safety for over 25 years and seeing little change in attitude raises the question “is there another way to approach the task?” In other sectors comparing and communicating risks and hazards have tried to use the basis of risk as a one in 1 million chance of death, the so-called ‘micro-mort’. Other risks which don’t kill you directly but reduce your life expectancy can be quantified using the micro-life which is a 30 minute reduction in your life expectancy. Examination of the hazard families from various laser processes has been looked at in this paper and suitable micro-mort and micro-life comparisons have been derived. This has enabled quantification of the fume burden in laser material processing, the medical smoke hazard to both patient and operating staff as well as other reported fatal and near fatal incidents. This approach has enabled a levelling of measurement/cost to the various issues in an attempt to rank and/or value various hazards. Assessment in units relevant to the individual can produce a prioritisation within the safety analysis.