Laser Hazards Basics
What entertainment lasers can do to eyes and skin, why safety rules exist, and the key hazard classes you need to know
1.1Why Laser Safety Matters
Show lasers are not like a laser pointer. The projectors in your venue are Class 3B or Class 4.
A direct beam can injure the retina in a fraction of a second. It does not hurt. The damage can be permanent.
Your venue's system has safety controls built in. They only work if the system is run correctly every night.
This course teaches what to watch for, what to do, and when to shut things down.
Key takeaway
Show lasers can cause permanent eye damage without pain. Your job is to run the system safely every shift.
1.2How Lasers Can Harm Your Eyes
The cornea and lens focus light onto the retina. A laser beam is focused to a tiny spot. It becomes up to 100,000 times stronger.
The retina has no pain sensors. A person may not feel an injury. They may notice a blind spot or distorted vision later.
Flash blindness is a short loss of vision after a bright flash. It can happen even when no injury occurs. It is dangerous for someone about to drive home.
Take every report of eye discomfort seriously.
Key takeaway
The eye focuses a beam about 100,000 times stronger onto the retina. Injury is painless, so take every report seriously.
1.3Skin and Other Hazards
Class 4 beams can burn skin, mostly at close range, such as during maintenance.
Beams can start fires. Fabric, paper and dark plastics are at risk.
Projectors have high-voltage parts inside. Never open a projector. That is a job for a qualified technician.
Mirrors, chrome, glass and shiny decorations can redirect a beam into the audience. So can reflective balloons and phones on selfie sticks.
Key takeaway
Beams can burn, ignite materials and bounce off shiny things. Never open a projector.
1.4The Audience Area
The installer set up the system so that laser light in the audience area stays within safe limits. [cl. 5.2, 6.10]
Beams stronger than that limit are kept high above the audience, and away from them sideways. With an operator in control, that means at least 3 metres up and 2.5 metres out. [cl. 6.10]
Masks and barriers keep beams where they belong. [cl. 6.2]
Never move a projector or change its angle. A small tilt can send a strong beam into the audience.
If a projector needs to move, that is a job for the LSO or installer.
Key takeaway
Strong beams are kept high and away from people. Never move a projector or its mount.
1.5Your Responsibility
The installer and LSO set up the system. But they are not at the venue every night. You are.
Someone should always be in control and able to stop the lasers. When the lasers are on, that is you. [cl. 7.2.4]
You do not need to do the calculations. You need discipline. Do the checks, watch the show, and stop it if anything looks wrong.
You should be trained for your tasks. Know what to avoid and how to use the safety equipment. [cl. 7.1.2]
Key takeaway
When the lasers are on, you are the person who can stop them. Follow the checks and act at once.