High power lasers have a history of, and are routinely being used at live events as a special lighting effect. Advances in technology have influenced how these effects are used, resulting in increased output power, and the number of units present on a typical installation. In an application that needs to ensure the laser beams are visually effective and can be viewed by as many people in attendance of the event as possible, challenges are faced from conception, through installation and performance of such effects.
This paper discusses trends in how modern laser effects are typically used, and the associated risks, where for example, beams of several tens of watts in power are often used in multiples in close proximity to workers and performers. As changes in technology have made laser effects more accessible to users, their use has in some instances become more commonplace leading to changing attitudes in how the effects are operated.
The study considers different parts of the application lifecycle, where common issues and difficulties encountered at installations are identified. Good practice is acknowledged, along with a discussion of practical methods and examples that have been implemented enabling venue operators and production teams alike to have a better understanding of the importance of laser safety and create safer working environments