Introduction

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Introduction
Laser workers may be defined as persons engaged in the development, operation,
manufacture, maintenance, service and use of laser devices. People taking medication
and persons with various disabilities are included within this definition, and so account
must be taken of this where necessary when preparing safety guidelines.
The rate of development and the number of new applications of lasers in the past
few decades have been phenomenal. Lasers have fostered a revolution in the field of
electro-optics and communications. There is every indication that the rapid growth of
laser technology will continue and that laser use will become more widespread.
Despite the benefits of technology, it is axiomatic to say that improper use or
design of any apparatus can produce undesirable effects. The laser is no exception. On
the other hand, although technical achievement often moves in advance of a full
understanding of the hazards, it has been encouraging to witness, from the inception, the
serious attention given to the effects of laser radiation upon biological systems
(Appendix B) and the development of protection guidelines and recommended limits of
exposure (IRPA, 1985 and 1988).
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