Eye Protection

Appropriate eye protection devices must be worn when working with Class 3b and Class 4 lasers or laser systems. Laser protective eyewear is usually not required for Class 2 or Class 3R lasers or laser systems, except in conditions where intentional long-term (>0.25 seconds) direct viewing is required. Eyewear must be specifically selected to withstand either direct or diffusely scattered beams and shall meet all provisions of ANSI Z87.1-1989.

  • Refer to the Eyewear Selection Chart. Eyewear must be inspected before each use, and replaced if necessary, to maintain the eyewear in good condition. Contact the LSO for assistance in selecting protective eyewear.

Factors in selecting appropriate eyewear:

  1. Laser power and /or pulse energy
  2. Wavelength(s) of laser output
  3. Potential for multi-wavelength operation
  4. Radiant exposure or irradiance levels for which protection (worst case) is required
  5. Exposure time criteria
  6. Maximum permissible exposure
  7. Optical density requirement of eyewear filters at laser output wavelength
  8. Angular dependence of protection afforded
  9. Visible light transmission requirement and assessment of the effect of the eyewear on the ability to perform tasks while wearing the eyewear
  10. Need for side-shield protection and maximum peripheral vision requirement
  11. Radiant exposure or irradiance and the corresponding time factors at which laser safety filter characteristics change occurs, including transient bleaching especially for ultra short pulse lengths
  12. Need for prescription glasses
  13. Comfort and fit
  14. Degradation of filter media, such as photo bleaching
  15. Strength of materials (resistance to mechanical trauma and shock)
  16. Capability of the front surface to produce a hazardous specular reflection
  17. Requirement for anti-fogging design or coatings

Skin Protection

Skin protection can best be achieved through engineering controls. If potential skin damaging exposures exist, skin covers and or “sun screen” creams are recommended. Minimize exposure to UV radiation by using beam shields and clothing (opaque gloves, tightly woven fabrics, laboratory jacket or coat) which attenuate the radiation to levels below the MPE for specific UV wavelengths. Consider flame-retardant materials forClass 4 lasers Special attention must be given to the possibility of producing undesirable reactions in the presence of UV radiation (formation of skin sensitizing agents, ozone, etc.).