Use laser safely

Lasers are used in many areas such as research, medicine, industry and commerce. Therefore, it is important for employees, but also for consumers, to be informed about the hazards. When protecting health, for example, it is relevant to observe some basic rules of conduct. These include, for example, not pointing the laser beam at others, never intentionally looking into the beam, deliberately closing your eyes if you look unintentionally, and moving your head out of the beam. In addition to eye and skin hazards, laser radiation also poses accident risks due to glare, fire and explosion hazards.

Information on hazards due to laser radiation

The standard DIN EN 60825- 1:2015, for example, defines eight laser classes, each of which is briefly described. The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has published an interesting brochure with general information about laser radiation, its application and effect on humans and the currently valid laser classifications. In addition to general information about laser radiation, its application and effect on humans, the brochure also contains the currently valid laser classifications.

Also listed in the knowledge document are some research projects such as active protective responses (eyelid closure reflex, aversion responses), glare from optical radiation sources, including under twilight conditions, and aspects of safe personal protective equipment.

The practice booklet PDF can be downloaded from the BAuA website. be downloaded.

Source: BAuA/Editorial Office