Protective Clothing

Skin covers and sunscreen creams guard against laser damage to the skin, particularly with ultraviolet lasers. For the hands, gloves will provide some protection against laser radiation. Tightly woven fabrics and opaque gloves provide the best protection. A laboratory jacket or coat can provide protection for the arms. For Class 4 lasers, flame-resistant materials are recommended.

In general, other controls should serve as primary protection rather than depending on employees to use protective eye wear. Many accidents have occurred when eye wear was available but not worn. This may be because laser protective eye wear is often dark, uncomfortable to wear, and limits vision.

To learn more about Laser Safety visit our Laser Safety Online Training web page.