Safety With Lasers And Other Optical Sources

Nearly a decade aga a general review article on the evaluation of optical radia tion hazards was published in Applied Optics (Sliney and Freasier, 1973). This arti cle received many favorable comments but also prompted many inquiries regarding specific optical hazard problems. From this it became evident that a monograph rather than a supplemental and expanded article was needed to fill this literature gap relating to laser and optical radiation hazards. The present work is designed to fill that gap, and is structured to permit either classroom or self-study use. Much of the material in this book was developed in eonnection with short courses on laser safety and radiometry in which we have participated, as weIl as from our previous articles. In particular, the sequenee of chapters is based upon the experiences which we have had in lecturing in courses with different schedules. One of the great difficulties in developing a text of this nature is that a broad, multidisciplinary background must be included in order that the reader can comprehend all of the subjeet matter readily. For this reason, the material presented on anatomy and physiology is orien ted toward the engineer or physical scientist, while the review material on basic optical physics is intended more for the physician or life scientist.

Nearly a decade aga a general review article on the evaluation of optical radia tion hazards was published in Applied Optics (Sliney and Freasier, 1973). This arti cle received many favorable comments but also prompted many inquiries regarding specific optical hazard problems. From this it became evident that a monograph rather than a supplemental and expanded article was needed to fill this literature gap relating to laser and optical radiation hazards. The present work is designed to fill that gap, and is structured to permit either classroom or self-study use. Much of the material in this book was developed in eonnection with short courses on laser safety and radiometry in which we have participated, as weIl as from our previous articles. In particular, the sequenee of chapters is based upon the experiences which we have had in lecturing in courses with different schedules. One of the great difficulties in developing a text of this nature is that a broad, multidisciplinary background must be included in order that the reader can comprehend all of the subjeet matter readily. For this reason, the material presented on anatomy and physiology is orien ted toward the engineer or physical scientist, while the review material on basic optical physics is intended more for the physician or life scientist.

An effective laser safety program can mean big savings in time, money, effort, and most importantly, human well-being. It can improve the quality of your research program, your organization's reputation, and ultimately, improve your bottom line. Based on the extensive experience of active Laser Safety Officer Kenneth Barat, Laser Safety Management provides practical tools for successfully implementing a laser safety program in any environment. The book defines the three elements of laser safety: users, the laser safety officer, and incidental personnel. It covers the types of laser injuries, standard operating procedures to ensure safety, tips and tools to avoid pitfalls, training, control measures, and personal protection equipment. The author explores the laser safety officer position and delineates the required elements of effective SOPs. He also discusses non-beam hazards, includes practical control examples and sample forms, and covers U.S. and European regulations and standards. Taking a pedagogical approach, the book covers not only how to avoid accidents, but how to investigate them if they do occur. It includes a sample safety program designed to evaluate your current safety plan and act as a roadmap for where you need to be and how to get there. Filled with common sense solutions for laser safety issues, the book makes setting up a safety program practically painless.

Lasers perform many unique functions in a plethora of applications, but there are many inherent risks with this continually burgeoning technology. Laser Safety: Tools and Training presents simple, effective ways for users in a variety of facilities to evaluate the hazards of any laser procedure and ensure they are following documented laser safety