Sources of occupational exposure to laser radiation

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Sources of occupational exposure to laser radiation

3.1 Industrial and scientific laser applications

3.1.1 Industrial laser use

Industrial lasers typically are used for cutting, welding or other type of material

processing. These systems contain high power lasers, but are operated in a controlled

environment.

3.1.2 Scientific laser applications

These types of applications are the hardest to categorize – almost any possible

exposure wavelength or condition can occur. These applications are the hardest to

control and most complaints about "overly restrictive" controls are received from

scientists. However, scientists are also the most likely to be injured in laser accidents.

3.2 Medical and surgical laser applications

In medicine, lasers were first used in ophthalmology for retinal photocoagulation

purposes and secondly in general surgery. They are a first class tool in microsurgery,

including neurosurgery. Diagnostic and therapeutic laser techniques are presently being

investigated in most medical fields, such as diagnostic transillumination of tissue,

gynaecological and gastroenterological surgery, dermatology, and aesthetic (cosmetic)

surgery.

3.3 Laser optical fibre communications

During operation, laser energy is confined to the optical fibre. Maintenance and

service procedures may allow access to laser levels that may be hazardous.

3.4 Display and entertainment lasers

These lasers typically emit many watts of visible light. They are potentially very

dangerous if system safety features fail during operation.

Some common laser devices and applications are given in table 1.

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