Laser Safety

Here is a list of laser safety precautions you should be aware of when dealing with lasers, especially high power lasers:

1. • NEVER look into the beam of any laser.
2. • Wearing a set of proper laser safety goggles is a good idea when working with any laser, especially high power Class 3B lasers (or higher). Remember, each type of laser requires its own specific protection depending on wavelength and power/energy. Laser safety goggles are also a good idea for anyone in the same room as you when operating a laser.
   
3. • Put appropriate laser safety and electrical safety warning/danger stickers near the laser emission aperture and other beam path locations, on the laser, and on power supply components.
4. • To reduce the risk of specular reflections, remove watches and other reflective jewelry before handling any laser product.
5. • When adjusting or aligning a laser, beware of reflections from optical surfaces. Alignment of beams and optical components should be performed at a reduced beam power whenever possible.
6. • Clearly mark the path of the beam and provide barriers to prevent accidental contact with eyes.
7. • Always terminate the laser beam with a light absorbing material or diffuse screen. Don't just let it fly wildly around the room.
8. • Never randomly aim a laser out the window. Someone across the street may inadvertently look into the beam. And, deliberately directing a laser toward an aircraft is a federal offense in the United States! There may be specific applications or experiments that depend on using lasers outside but each will have its additional specific safety precautions and regulations.
9. • Instruct anyone else with you as to the hazards of laser light and make sure they understand all of these guidelines. Those with you may actually be in more danger because they will be looking toward the direction of the action while you will know what to expect and avoid.
10. • High-intensity beams that can cause fire or skin damage (mainly from class 4 and ultraviolet lasers) and that are not frequently modified should be guided through tubes.
11. • If none of these safety procedures can be followed, as with using green lasers to identify astronomical objects in the sky, we suggest taking as many precautions as possible. Only use a laser that has the normal momentary switch so it will go off instantly if dropped and make sure all the observers are aware of the dangers of Class IIIb lasers so they won't do anything stupid.

The laser safety guideline above is just a reminder of some of the things you should watch out for. Use common sense when dealing with high power laser pointers.