5 good reasons to get trained in laser safety
Reason 1: No Spare Parts
Sight is the sense people fear losing the most. A 2019 study from the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of London found that 88% of British adults surveyed identified vision as the sense they valued the most. Unfortunately, while the human body has an amazing capacity to heal, the eye is a fragile structure with very limited regenerative ability.
Laser radiation interacts with both the skin and the eyes, and exposure can have devastating consequences. The eye is a remarkable organ that transmits and focuses light all the way to the retina. Burns, ablation, focusing problems, and blindness are all possible outcomes of an encounter between your eye and a laser beam. Even without direct focusing, for non-visible and near-infrared radiation (UV, mid-IR, far-IR), severe and debilitating damage can occur. The skin is also at risk, with deep burns and chronic UV exposure effects.
As the saying goes: “I’ve got two eyes, lucky me…” but indeed, only two!
Reason 2: Because You Care
The consequences of a workplace accident go far beyond lost working days. While compensation may cover permanent disabilities, nothing can replace the joy of seeing autumn colors, driving safely, or recognizing the smile of a loved one. Chronic pain and long-term eye health issues may also add to this grim picture. How could anyone justify taking such risks?
Workplace accidents also come with a societal cost: compensation and healthcare expenses covered by the CNESST, as well as lost tax revenues from reduced earnings.
Reason 3: Because the Law Requires It
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to ensure the safety of their employees against all hazardous exposures. In the case of laser safety, Quebec law does not provide specific guidelines, making it even more essential for employers to understand the subject and adopt proper protective measures.
The reference standards in this field are CSA 60825, ANSI Z136, and IEC 60825, and it is crucial to interpret their provisions correctly.
Reason 4: The Danger Is Not Where You Think
- Many aspects of laser safety fall into the blind spot of common considerations. To remain vigilant against accident risks, you need to be familiar with the following concepts:
- The physics of laser beam propagation (spoiler: nothing like conventional light sources!)
- Specular and diffuse reflections, often hard to evaluate
- The infrared iceberg
- Typical circumstances leading to accidents
Reason 5: The General Public Too
In your professional practice, you certainly think about protecting your workers. But as laser devices are increasingly found in consumer products, it is just as important to ensure that the products you put on the market comply with standards for accessible emission limits and built-in safety features.
… and Many More Reasons
Laser risk is not inevitable! Like any other risk, it can be managed, and effective measures are at your disposal — provided you take the time to get trained.
About us :
Optech is a technology transfer center that partners with and supports companies in developing innovative technological products.
Our CCTT offers Laser Safety Officer training and Laser Safety Awareness training several times a year. These courses are designed for researchers, healthcare professionals, academics, laser operators, engineers, and technicians. Optech has supported companies from diverse fields, including IMAX, Photon etc, Polycontrols, NRC, and Teledyne DALSA.
The training is available in both French and English.