Statistics

Safeguarding the work environment against hazards is the main goal of laser regulations. However, the Environmental Safety Division at the University of Georgia finds that the primary causes of laser accidents often result from carelessness, negligence, or a lax approach to laser safety. Sources of laser accidents include:

• Unanticipated eye exposure during alignment
• Misaligned optics and upwardly directed beams
• Available laser eye protection not used
• Equipment malfunction
• Improper methods of handling high voltage
• Intentional exposure of unprotected personnel
• Operators unfamiliar with laser equipment
• Lack of adequate protection from non-beam hazards
• Improper restoration of equipment following service
• Eyewear worn not appropriate for laser in use
• Unanticipated exposure during laser usage
• Inhalation of laser generated contaminants
• Fires resulting from ignition of materials
• Eye or skin injury of photochemical origin
• Failure to follow guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

About 40 percent of accidents occur during laser beam alignment. As you move through this course, keep in mind that 90 percent of laser injuries result from one or more of the first three items on the list above.

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