LASER CLASSIFICATION
This is a Class 4 laser, the most hazardous of the four main laser classifications.
This is a Class 4 laser, the most hazardous of the four main laser classifications.
LASER PARAMETERS
Max. output power: 1300 milliwatts
Wavelength 1: 632 nanometers, 500 mW
Wavelength 2: 532 nanometers, 200 mW
Wavelength 3: 445 nanometers, 600 mW
Min. divergence: 1.5 milliradians
Output: Continuous Wave
Type: Laser Projector
Max. output power: 1300 milliwatts
Wavelength 1: 632 nanometers, 500 mW
Wavelength 2: 532 nanometers, 200 mW
Wavelength 3: 445 nanometers, 600 mW
Min. divergence: 1.5 milliradians
Output: Continuous Wave
Type: Laser Projector
Accuracy Note: The following hazard analysis is based on the Laser Parameters stated above, and is automatically calculated by this webpage. For critical use, the laser's actual parameters should be measured with appropriate equipment and techniques, and the webpage's hazard analysis should be double-checked by a qualified Laser Safety Officer.
HAZARDS OF THIS LASER
SAFETY NOTICE: This website is intended for the educational, instructional and informational purposes of the user and is not to be considered a substitute for a knowledgeable and trained Laser Safety Officer (LSO) with the duties and responsibilities as defined in the ANSI Z136 standard published by the American National Standard Institute.
The hazard distances listed below are intended only as general guidance. This is because 1) your laser may vary from the parameters (power, divergence) listed below, and 2) information on labels or marketing materials may not always be correct. For example, studies have shown that some laser pointers may be falsely labeled to avoid regulations -- the actual power may be 10 times or more what the label indicates.
Always err on the side of safety. If your laser has not been measured by a knowledgeable and trained Laser Safety Officer, assume it is more hazardous than the label or marketing materials would indicate.
The hazard distances listed below are intended only as general guidance. This is because 1) your laser may vary from the parameters (power, divergence) listed below, and 2) information on labels or marketing materials may not always be correct. For example, studies have shown that some laser pointers may be falsely labeled to avoid regulations -- the actual power may be 10 times or more what the label indicates.
Always err on the side of safety. If your laser has not been measured by a knowledgeable and trained Laser Safety Officer, assume it is more hazardous than the label or marketing materials would indicate.
INJURY TO PERSONS & ANIMALS (PETS)
EYE INJURY HAZARD -- DIRECT AND REFLECTED BEAM
The Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD) for this laser is 560 ft (170 m). If you are closer than this distance to the laser, there is a possibility of retinal damage if the direct or reflected beam enters your eye. The closer you are to the laser, the greater the chance of injury and the more severe the damage.
EYE INJURY HAZARD -- DIFFUSE REFLECTION
Looking at the bright "dot" of the laser beam, scattered off a surface such as a wall, may cause eye injury. For example, viewing for over 10 seconds at a distance of 4 inches (10 cm) or less, is hazardous.
Looking at the bright "dot" of the laser beam, scattered off a surface such as a wall, may cause eye injury. For example, viewing for over 10 seconds at a distance of 4 inches (10 cm) or less, is hazardous.
SKIN BURN HAZARD
The Nominal Hazard Distance for skin burns is XX ft (YY m). If you are closer than this distance to the laser, there is a possibility of burn injury.
The Nominal Hazard Distance for skin burns is XX ft (YY m). If you are closer than this distance to the laser, there is a possibility of burn injury.
DAMAGE TO WALLS AND MATERIALS
MATERIAL BURN HAZARD
The laser beam can burn materials, especially dark colored materials which absorb light, and lightweight flammable substances such as paper and fabric. Use caution to avoid damaging walls, drapes, etc.
The laser beam can burn materials, especially dark colored materials which absorb light, and lightweight flammable substances such as paper and fabric. Use caution to avoid damaging walls, drapes, etc.
AIRCRAFT AND VEHICLE SAFETY
LASERS CAN INTERFERE WITH PILOTS, DRIVERS
NEVER aim any laser towards an aircraft or vehicle that is in motion. The bright light can flashblind, cause glare, or distract the pilot or driver.
NEVER aim any laser towards an aircraft or vehicle that is in motion. The bright light can flashblind, cause glare, or distract the pilot or driver.
- This laser's beam can temporarily flashblind a pilot or driver, causing afterimages, within 2,600 ft (800 m) of the laser.
- This laser's beam can cause glare, blocking a pilot or driver's vision, within 2.2 miles (3.6 km) of the laser.
- This laser's beam can cause distraction, being brighter than surrounding lights, within 22 miles (36 km) of the laser.
LASING AIRCRAFT AND VEHICLES IS ILLEGAL
In the U.S., aiming a laser at or near the flight path of an aircraft is a federal felony, punishable by up to 5 years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000. Other countries, and U.S. states have similar laws for interfering with safety, that may also be used to arrest, fine or imprison a person for aiming at aircraft and vehicles.
See this page for a selected list of the many persons who have been jailed and/or fined for aiming lasers at aircraft.
In the U.S., aiming a laser at or near the flight path of an aircraft is a federal felony, punishable by up to 5 years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000. Other countries, and U.S. states have similar laws for interfering with safety, that may also be used to arrest, fine or imprison a person for aiming at aircraft and vehicles.
See this page for a selected list of the many persons who have been jailed and/or fined for aiming lasers at aircraft.
VISUAL EQUIVALENCE
The human eye is most sensitive to green light (555 nm). An equal amount of red or blue light will appear dimmer than the same amount of green light.
This laser's beam is equivalent in brightness to a XXX mW laser emitting the brightest-appearing wavelength, 555 nm. (Calculation based on data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in publication AC 70-1.)
The human eye is most sensitive to green light (555 nm). An equal amount of red or blue light will appear dimmer than the same amount of green light.
This laser's beam is equivalent in brightness to a XXX mW laser emitting the brightest-appearing wavelength, 555 nm. (Calculation based on data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in publication AC 70-1.)
SAFE USE GUIDANCE - GENERAL
This is a high-powered laser that should be used with care. Always be aware of the beam's location.
This is not a toy. Do not permit children to use a Class 4 laser.
This is not a toy. Do not permit children to use a Class 4 laser.
LASER SAFETY EYEWEAR
To help prevent eye injury when viewed at close range, use laser safety eyewear that has an Optical Density (OD) of at least 3.0. Because this laser has multiple wavelengths, ensure that the eyewear attenuates all wavelengths -- at least OD 3.0 for each wavelength.
Other use situations may require different OD's; consult a qualified laser safety officer or other person trained in laser eyewear selection.
To help prevent eye injury when viewed at close range, use laser safety eyewear that has an Optical Density (OD) of at least 3.0. Because this laser has multiple wavelengths, ensure that the eyewear attenuates all wavelengths -- at least OD 3.0 for each wavelength.
Other use situations may require different OD's; consult a qualified laser safety officer or other person trained in laser eyewear selection.
SAFE USE GUIDANCE - LASER PROJECTORS
NOT INTENDED FOR AUDIENCE SCANNING
Scanning the laser beam, by moving it quickly in various patterns such as lines or circles, does NOT significantly reduce hazards.
Do not aim this laser projector directly at any person or audience area. Deliberate scanning onto an audience with a Class 3B or 4 laser is inherently hazardous.
Because the labels on consumer lasers may give incorrect information -- the wrong Class or the wrong power -- do NOT rely on the label for any safety-critical calculations. Any laser aimed into an audience-accessible area must be measured with appropriate equipment by a qualified Laser Safety Officer. The LSO will determine the laser's Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance. The audience must be further than this distance. The LSO will also determine any other safety measures to be taken; for example, continuous supervision of the area, emergency stop buttons, etc.
In addition, in the U.S. and many countries and venues, special permission is required before ANY human access to Class 3B or 4 laser beams is allowed -- even if the audience is further than the NOHD. For example, the U.S. FDA requires submission and FDA approval of an audience scanning variance.
Scanning the laser beam, by moving it quickly in various patterns such as lines or circles, does NOT significantly reduce hazards.
Do not aim this laser projector directly at any person or audience area. Deliberate scanning onto an audience with a Class 3B or 4 laser is inherently hazardous.
Because the labels on consumer lasers may give incorrect information -- the wrong Class or the wrong power -- do NOT rely on the label for any safety-critical calculations. Any laser aimed into an audience-accessible area must be measured with appropriate equipment by a qualified Laser Safety Officer. The LSO will determine the laser's Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance. The audience must be further than this distance. The LSO will also determine any other safety measures to be taken; for example, continuous supervision of the area, emergency stop buttons, etc.
In addition, in the U.S. and many countries and venues, special permission is required before ANY human access to Class 3B or 4 laser beams is allowed -- even if the audience is further than the NOHD. For example, the U.S. FDA requires submission and FDA approval of an audience scanning variance.
U.S. REGULATORY INFORMATION
Lasers used for demonstrations, shows, displays and entertainment are highly regulated in the U.S. Both the laser projection device and the way in which it is used (the laser show) must be certified to the Food and Drug Administration. This is for ANY laser show even if the laser beam is kept away from audience areas. Generally, shows in a private home with friends and family are not covered but all other demonstrations, shows, displays, etc. done with a Class 3B or 4 laser would require the user to submit a variance, and get FDA approval before the show can proceed.
Do not perform any public demonstration, show, display or entertainment with this laser projector, without having a variance from FDA. More information is at [link goes here].
In addition to federal laws, some states and jurisdictions also regulate laser equipment and/or usage. More information is at [link goes here].
Lasers used for demonstrations, shows, displays and entertainment are highly regulated in the U.S. Both the laser projection device and the way in which it is used (the laser show) must be certified to the Food and Drug Administration. This is for ANY laser show even if the laser beam is kept away from audience areas. Generally, shows in a private home with friends and family are not covered but all other demonstrations, shows, displays, etc. done with a Class 3B or 4 laser would require the user to submit a variance, and get FDA approval before the show can proceed.
Do not perform any public demonstration, show, display or entertainment with this laser projector, without having a variance from FDA. More information is at [link goes here].
In addition to federal laws, some states and jurisdictions also regulate laser equipment and/or usage. More information is at [link goes here].
U.K. REGULATORY INFORMATION
At the national level, laser show safety advice is given by Public Health England, formerly the Health Protection Agency. On their website they give the following guidance (as of Feb. 1 2014):
The NRPB, now the Radiation Protection Division of the Health Protection Agency, has undertaken considerable research into the use of lasers in the entertainment industry. Some situations have given cause for concern, mainly because the potential or actual exposure of people, including the audience, has not been properly assessed. The use of lasers may be covered by conditions on the premises under the Licensing Act, which is enforced by the local council (district, unitary or other authority). HPA advice to such councils is that a risk assessment should be carried out to demonstrate that people are not exposed to unacceptable risks. Assessment of laser display effects used for intentionally scanning the audience is time-consuming and complex. HPA experience is that such assessments are rarely satisfactorily undertaken and the practice should not routinely take place.
At the national level, laser show safety advice is given by Public Health England, formerly the Health Protection Agency. On their website they give the following guidance (as of Feb. 1 2014):
The NRPB, now the Radiation Protection Division of the Health Protection Agency, has undertaken considerable research into the use of lasers in the entertainment industry. Some situations have given cause for concern, mainly because the potential or actual exposure of people, including the audience, has not been properly assessed. The use of lasers may be covered by conditions on the premises under the Licensing Act, which is enforced by the local council (district, unitary or other authority). HPA advice to such councils is that a risk assessment should be carried out to demonstrate that people are not exposed to unacceptable risks. Assessment of laser display effects used for intentionally scanning the audience is time-consuming and complex. HPA experience is that such assessments are rarely satisfactorily undertaken and the practice should not routinely take place.
COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE U.S. AND U.K.
Many other countries and jurisdictions have regulations regarding laser show and display usage. Venues such as concert halls may have their own requirements.
Contact all appropriate authorities to ensure your laser show meets venue and government requirements.
Many other countries and jurisdictions have regulations regarding laser show and display usage. Venues such as concert halls may have their own requirements.
Contact all appropriate authorities to ensure your laser show meets venue and government requirements.