Laser safety

Lasers are capable of producing intense, collimated beams of light at specific wavelengths (visible, ultraviolet and infrared). While their power, wavelength and purpose vary, they can pose serious risks to your eyes and skin due to their concentrated energy.

Laser classification

Lasers are divided into seven classes according to accessible emission limits. Modifications can increase the class and subsequent hazard of a laser.

Class 1
Safe under most circumstances and are incapable of damaging the eyes or skin because of either engineered design or low power output
Class 1M
May be hazardous if optics are used in the beam
Class 2
Have sufficient power output to cause eye damage if viewed continuously without blinking. Cautionary signs or labels should be used.
Class 2M
Similar to Class 2 but risk increases if optics are used within the beam.
Class 3R
Potential to cause eye damage from intra-beam viewing. Precautions are required to prevent both direct viewing and viewing with optical instruments.
Class 3B
Higher risk because of either higher output or operation outside visible wavelengths. Beam reflections may also be hazardous
Class 4
High power devices capable of producing eye damage even from diffuse reflection. Risk of skin injuries and fire.

Health effects

Eyes are most vulnerable to laser damage and different parts of the eyes are susceptible to different wavelengths. Damage can occur from heat, photochemical reactions and explosive rupture.

Skin is less sensitive to laser damage but still at risk of burns.

Other hazards such as collateral radiation, electrical shock, fire, cryogenics, mechanical hazards, vapours and chemicals all need to be considered when completing a risk assessment.

Risk management

Laser hazards may be controlled by the use of engineered controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment, either singly or in combination.

Engineered controls are preferred where appreciable hazards exist, although these may need to be supplemented by the use of appropriate eye protection.

Lasers require certain built-in safety features based on their classification. These engineering controls help reduce risk and may include:

  • protective housings
  • remote interlocks
  • access panels
  • master switches
  • enclosed or semi-enclosed beam paths.

To manage the risk associated with laser use, apply the following administration controls:

Protective eyewear is essential for all laser classes and must meet the standards outlined in AS/NZS 1337.4 and AS/NZS 1337.5.

For Class 4 lasers, you’ll also need protective clothing and footwear.

Vision report

Before working with Class 3B or Class 4 lasers, consider having a vision test specific for work with lasers.

Training

Laser Safety Officer

A Laser Safety Officer (LSO) is a trained staff member who oversees laser safety in their school or department.

The LSO is responsible for ensuring laser users are properly trained and for evaluating and controlling laser hazards. At Monash, an LSO must be appointed wherever Class 3 or 4 lasers are used.

For further information, please contact the Radiation Protection Officer, Health, Safety & Wellbeing at hsw@monash.edu

Laser pointers and prohibited weapons

Laser pointers are hand-held, battery-operated devices designed to emit a laser beam. While many are low-powered and safe for general use, high-powered laser pointers can cause serious, irreversible eye damage and even skin burns in some cases.

Legal laser pointers

Most commercially available laser pointers are limited to safe power levels, typically 1 milliwatt (mW) or less.

  • Class 1 laser pointers are considered safe.
  • Class 2 laser pointers are hazardous if stared into directly, but are generally considered safe.

Prohibited weapons

Laser pointers classified as Class 3R, Class 3B or Class 4 exceed the 1 mW threshold and are capable of causing severe eye injuries. Class 4 laser pointers have sufficient power to cause skin burns.

Under the Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic), laser pointers with a power output greater than 1 mW are classified as prohibited weapons. It’s illegal to import, sell, manufacture, possess and use laser pointers of these types without an exemption or approval. Penalties for possession or use include a fine or imprisonment.

Exemptions for research purposes

Monash strictly prohibits the use of laser pointers above Class 2 on all of its premises without an appropriate permit and risk controls.

A permit can be applied for from Victoria Police.

Need help?

Contact Health Safety & Wellbeing at hsw@monash.edu

Procedures and resources

  • Health Surveillance Procedure
  • AS/NZS IEC 60825.1:2011 Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classification and Requirements
  • AS/NZS IEC 60825.14:2011 Safety of laser products Part 14: A user's guide
  • AS/NZS 1337.4: 2011 Personal eye-protection - Filters and eye-protectors against laser radiation (laser eye-protectors)
  • AS/NZS 1337.5:2011 Personal eye-protection - Eye-protectors for adjustment work on lasers and laser systems (laser adjustment eye-protectors)