Laser Safety Officer (AF)- Questions and
Answers| Latest Update
Absorption Filters -colored glass absorbing filter backed by a clear plastic sheet as a
safety precaution
-plastic filter materials offer greater impact resistance, lighter weight, and ease of molding into
curved shapes
-google have higher ODs ad lower transmittance than what is preferred
Bandpass Filters -allows only wavelengths with which no known lasers with military
significance exist, VLT% is low
Band Rejection Filters -can have very high overall transmittance
Reflective Filters -can be designed to selectively reflect a given wavelength while
transmitting as much of the rest of the light as possible
-angular dependence of the spectral attenuation factor is generally present and may require
individual fitting/sizing
Diffraction Filters/Holograms -are angular dependent devices (protection is generally
limited to a narrow angle of incidence and must be centered directly over the pupils)
Dynamic Filters -not yet available
,-there is a need for a dynamic type of filter that can protect against changing wavelengths and
react in the time frames quick enough to shut out laser energy, with the ability to recover quickly
when the energy is removed
LEP Shape Recommendation -curved to prevent hazardous reflections and side shields if
the laser can get behind the lens
LEP Wear and Tear -sunbleaching (dye breaking down and the becoming darker)
-scratches, cracks, crazind, melting
-saturable dye absorption devices can become saturated before damage occurs
-periodic inspections of LEP should occur at least every 365 days
Skin Protection -skin covers and/or "sunscreen" creams for UV
-gloves (tightly woven and opaque is best)
-lab coat can help protect arms
-for Class 4 lasers, consideration must be given to flame-retardant materials
Outdoor Use -ANSI Z136.6, Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors
-Above horizon, FAA and Laser Clearinghouse requirements apply
-navigable air space is defined as 500 feet above ground/structures
Pre-employment Medical Exams -ocular history
-visual acuity
, -macular function
-color vision
-baseline skin examination (for those that work with UV lasers)
Class 1 Laser Classification - cannot emit laser radiation at levels that are known to cause
eye or skin injury during normal operation
-very low power or beam is fully enclosed
Class 1M Laser Classification -incapable of hazardous exposure conditions during normal
ops unless viewed with collecting optics (binoculars)
-exempt from control measures, other than to prevent optical aided viewing
-exempt from other forms of surveillance
Class 2 Laser Classification -low power, emit in visible spectrum (400-700 nm)
-not considered strong enough to damage eyes because a person will normally blink and look
away if it enters their eyes (aversion response)
Class 2M Laser Classification -potentially hazardous if viewed with collecting optics
-upper limit on a continuous wave laser in this class is 500 mW
Class 3R Laser Classification -intermediate powered, hazardous under direct and specular
reflection viewing
-can produce no more that 5 mW in the visible region
Answers| Latest Update
Absorption Filters -colored glass absorbing filter backed by a clear plastic sheet as a
safety precaution
-plastic filter materials offer greater impact resistance, lighter weight, and ease of molding into
curved shapes
-google have higher ODs ad lower transmittance than what is preferred
Bandpass Filters -allows only wavelengths with which no known lasers with military
significance exist, VLT% is low
Band Rejection Filters -can have very high overall transmittance
Reflective Filters -can be designed to selectively reflect a given wavelength while
transmitting as much of the rest of the light as possible
-angular dependence of the spectral attenuation factor is generally present and may require
individual fitting/sizing
Diffraction Filters/Holograms -are angular dependent devices (protection is generally
limited to a narrow angle of incidence and must be centered directly over the pupils)
Dynamic Filters -not yet available
,-there is a need for a dynamic type of filter that can protect against changing wavelengths and
react in the time frames quick enough to shut out laser energy, with the ability to recover quickly
when the energy is removed
LEP Shape Recommendation -curved to prevent hazardous reflections and side shields if
the laser can get behind the lens
LEP Wear and Tear -sunbleaching (dye breaking down and the becoming darker)
-scratches, cracks, crazind, melting
-saturable dye absorption devices can become saturated before damage occurs
-periodic inspections of LEP should occur at least every 365 days
Skin Protection -skin covers and/or "sunscreen" creams for UV
-gloves (tightly woven and opaque is best)
-lab coat can help protect arms
-for Class 4 lasers, consideration must be given to flame-retardant materials
Outdoor Use -ANSI Z136.6, Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors
-Above horizon, FAA and Laser Clearinghouse requirements apply
-navigable air space is defined as 500 feet above ground/structures
Pre-employment Medical Exams -ocular history
-visual acuity
, -macular function
-color vision
-baseline skin examination (for those that work with UV lasers)
Class 1 Laser Classification - cannot emit laser radiation at levels that are known to cause
eye or skin injury during normal operation
-very low power or beam is fully enclosed
Class 1M Laser Classification -incapable of hazardous exposure conditions during normal
ops unless viewed with collecting optics (binoculars)
-exempt from control measures, other than to prevent optical aided viewing
-exempt from other forms of surveillance
Class 2 Laser Classification -low power, emit in visible spectrum (400-700 nm)
-not considered strong enough to damage eyes because a person will normally blink and look
away if it enters their eyes (aversion response)
Class 2M Laser Classification -potentially hazardous if viewed with collecting optics
-upper limit on a continuous wave laser in this class is 500 mW
Class 3R Laser Classification -intermediate powered, hazardous under direct and specular
reflection viewing
-can produce no more that 5 mW in the visible region
