One of the more dangerous non-beam hazards associated with laser work is electricity, often found in lethal doses within laser housings. However, some of the paths by which laser personnel may be exposed to this hazard are often overlooked by laser safety officers (LSOs), laser workers and laser manufacturers.
One of the often overlooked paths by which laser personnel may come into contact with hazardous electrical current is due to a safety design deficiency prevalent in many laser products. Many lasers have performance adjustments within the protective housing that may obligate or entice personnel to perform potentially hazardous manipulative operations with the housing open; often with the safety interlocks defeated and the device fully energized.
LSOs, laser workers and laser manufacturers need to be aware of this hazard and should carefully analyze their lasers to determine if this peril exists within the lasers they use or manufacture. In most cases simple measures can be taken to prevent a potentially shocking laser experience.