Module 1-1 SAFETYFundamentals of Laboratory Safety

Basic Concepts Section 5Before we examine the nature

and properties of light with, where we will be using lasers to provide us with intense, visible light beams, we need to review general laboratory safety.

Basic Concepts Section 5HeNe lasers in the 0.5 mW to 5.0

mW range are common tools for alignment and science laboratories

Although these devices are safe if handled properly, they can cause injury if used improperly.

The following procedures will ensure the safe operation of a HeNe laser.

DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE LASER BEAMThe low-power HeNe laser is little more

than a coherent, monochromatic light bulb.

Momentary eye exposure will not normally cause eye damage.

Nevertheless, the highly directional, intense beam of light should be treated with caution, care, and respect.

One must not look directly into any bright light!

DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE LASER BEAM

Source: http://www.cccc.edu/instruction/slympany/ELN/236/Mod1/Mod1-1.htm

DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE LASER BEAMThe lens of the eye can focus the

beam from, even a low powered (1–5 mW) HeNe laser, to a small spot on the retina and cause thermal damage to retinal tissue.

DO NOT LOOK AT SPECULAR REFLECTIONS OF THE LASER BEAM

Specular reflections are those from mirrors, watch crystals, polished metal surfaces (painted and unpainted), or any other highly reflective surface.

Specular reflections of a laser beam are considered secondary laser sources and, as such, are treated with the same caution as one does the direct laser beam.

TAKE CARE WHEN MOVING THE LASER OR WHENMOVING OBJECTS IN THE BEAM PATH OF THE LASERIf the laser must be moved during its

operation, care must be taken to direct the beam carefully in order that it will not shine into anyone’s eyes.

If an object must be moved into the beam of a laser, movement should be deliberate, with due consideration given to where the reflections will be directed.

Usually, a laser should be turned off before it is moved.

BEWARE OF HIGH VOLTAGE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THECASE OR ENCLOSURE OF AN OPERATING LASER ISOPENMost lasers contain either high-

voltage or high-current power supplies that should be treated with caution.

Each year more people in the laser industry are injured by electrical hazards than by exposure to laser beams.

OPERATE THE LASER IN AN AREA DESIGNED FOR LASEROPERATIONIf possible; the laser should be operated

with the beam horizontal and below eye level to prevent eye damage.

All potential specular reflectors should be removed from the beam area.

The number of persons working around the laser should be kept to a minimum, and the area at which the laser is being operated should be illuminated as much as possible.

DO NOT INTENTIONALLY OR INADVERTENTLY TRACKVEHICLES OR AIRCRAFT WITH THE LASER BEAMFederal laws prohibit the tracking

of vehicles or aircraft with laser beams.

Such actions could cause considerable property damage, loss of eyesight, or even loss of lives.

DO NOT LEAVE AN OPERATING LASER UNATTENDED - ALWAYS TURN THE POWER TO IT OFF WHEN IT IS NOTBEING USEDWhen not in use, the laser should

be turned off to prevent accidental exposure to the beam by unqualified persons.

Much more to come on safety.