[Laser] Tutorial.

[Milan Karakas]

Hi all,

There is page about laser safety from Samuel M. Goldwasser:

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/lasersaf.htm#saftoc

Here is sample of text from this page:

..."Class IV laser products 

Power output >500 milliwatts. These CAN and WILL cause eye damage. The
Class IV range CAN and WILL cause materials to burn on contact as well
as skin and clothing to burn. These laser systems MUST have: 

A key lockout switch to prevent unauthorized use Inter-locks to prevent
the system from being used with the protective covers off, emission
indicators to show that the laser is in use, mechanical shutters to
block the beam, and red DANGER labels and aperture labels affixed to the
laser. 

The reflected beam should be considered as dangerous as the primary
beam. (Again, I have seen a 1,000 watt CO2 laser blast a hole through a
piece of steel, so imagine what it would do to your eye !) 

Registration of laser systems 

Any laser system that has a power output of greater than 5 milliwatts
MUST be registered with the FDA and Center for Devices and Radiological
Health if it has an exposed beam, such as for entertainment (I.E. Laser
light shows) or for medical use (such as surgery) where someone other
than the operator may come in contact with it. (This is called a
'variance' and I have filled them out and submitted them and they ARE a
royal pain in the backside!) " ...

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PLEASE READ ALL TEXT - MAY BE IMPORTANT!!!
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73 DE 9A4GE
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"Mr. K. Rudolph, KD7JYK" wrote:
> 
> Where can I find an online tutorial on laser safety at powers up to 10W?  I
> know some of the more powerfull lasers can cause burns and damage to the
> eyes, can they burn skin?  Paper?  Tin foil?  Should I have some sort of
> absorbive load at the end of the beam when I'm testing?  A brick?  A hunk of
> charcoal?  Any ideas?
> 
> Kurt
> 
> ---
> Ross Technologies Signals Intelligence Division
> Rosetta Proving Grounds
> 
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