A Report by

Gabriel Jose Sabulao

Laser
 In this presentation…

What are Lasers? History &

Applications
Characteristics & Types Associated Hazards

Classifications Safety & Controls

What is a
LASER?
A Laser is a device that emits and
amplifies light by stimulating
atoms

Ligh
tAmplification
by
Stimulated
Emission of
Radiation
 History
and
Applications
 Albert Einstein suggested that atoms
191 could release energy as light

6
Charles Townes built the
195 first Maser device
Microwave Amplification by

1 Stimulated Emission of Radiation

Theodore Maiman created

196 the first Laser device
Characteristics
and
Types
Monochromatic Coherent Directional
pure in color in phase with time and space one directional travel
Solid-state: Ruby Crystals, Neodymium-doped
Yttrium Aluminum Garnet

Liquid: Inorganic Dye

Gas: Carbon Dioxide

Semiconductor: Gallium Arsenide

Free Electron Lasers

Laser Hazards
Eyes

Exposure to lasers of can cause corneal or retinal burns.

Excessive levels may cause cataracts or retinal injury
Skin

Optical radiation may cause skin burns while carcinogenesis

may occur for ultraviolet wavelengths
Electrical hazard
Most lasers utilize high voltages that can be lethal

Fire hazard
Solvents used in dye lasers are flammable; it may be ignited
by direct beams or reflections of laser

Chemical hazard
Some requires hazardous or toxic substances to operate
Laser Safety
Class 1

laser is safe under all

conditions of normal
use
Class 1M

laser is safe for all

conditions except when
passed through
magnifying optics
Class 2

laser is safe
because the blink
reflex will limit the
exposure to less
than 0.25 seconds
Class 2M

laser is safe
because of the
blink reflex, if not
viewed through
optical instruments
Class 3R

with restricted
beam viewing, laser
is considered safe if
handled carefully
Class 3B

laser is hazardous if
the eye is exposed
directly, but diffuse
reflections are not
harmful
Class 4

laser can burn the skin,

cause devastating eye
damage as a result of
direct, diffuse or
indirect beam viewing
Laser Hazard
Control
For Class 3B and 4, a Laser Safety Officer should determine
the Nominal Hazard Zone

CDRH requirements for the design of licensed laser products

- Interlocked or secured protective housings
- Key switch operations
- Beam emission indicators
- Specified warning labels
- Protective viewing optics
- Operator controls located to minimize exposure
A General Safety Checklist for Lasers

 Laser Survey Information

 Operating Procedure
 Hazard Controls
 Ingress/Egress Review
 Authorized Operator Training
 “Not In Use” Output Indicators
 Beam Emission Indicators
 Safety Power Shutoff Switch
 Remote Monitoring
 Maximum Permissible Exposure limits
Thank You!