Non-beam hazards (NBH) are those hazards that result from factors other than direct human exposure to a laser beam. NBH can pose a significant safety and regulatory concern. While the focus of the laser safety community has been justifiably dominated by the identification and control of laser beam hazards, safety professionals also have an obligation to similarly address NBH. High power laser beams can blind, damage skin, and ignite combustible material, but it is NBH (e.g. electrocution) that have accounted for the fatalities historically related to laser use. As laser technology continues to mature and expand into a growing variety of practical applications, many of today’s workplace laser users lack the technical and scientific expertise that historically characterized the laboratory-based researchers who once dominated laser use. This changing demographic infers that most laser users today may not recognize or understand the NBH associated with their laser use, making the laser safety professional’s diligence in this area all the more critical. This paper provides a general overview of NBH and identifies some emerging issues within the NBH arena. This paper also outlines topics about which further laser safety guidance is needed.
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ILSC 2007: Proceedings of the International Laser Safety Conference
March 19–22, 2007
San Francisco, California, USA
ISBN:
978-0-912035-86-4
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Laser non-beam hazards - An overview
Ben Edwards;
Ben Edwards
1
Duke University Medical Center
, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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Gene Moss
Gene Moss
2
Corning Inc.
, Corning, NY, 14831, USA
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Published Online:
March 01 2007
Citation
Ben Edwards, Gene Moss; March 19–22, 2007. "Laser non-beam hazards - An overview." Proceedings of the ILSC 2007: Proceedings of the International Laser Safety Conference. ILSC 2007: Proceedings of the International Laser Safety Conference. San Francisco, California, USA. (pp. pp. 158-161). ASME. https://doi.org/10.2351/1.5056626
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