Laser Hazards

The most important safety concern is the possibility of being exposed to the beam of a laser without protective eyewear, body shielding, or clothing. The types of injuries that can occur will vary based on the type of laser and the length of the laser pulse. We will review the classes of lasers in this section.

It is important to be familiar with the Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ) for the type of laser being used in your workplace. The NHZ is the space within which the level of the direct, reflected, or scattered radiation during normal use exceeds the maximum permissible exposure level. Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all applicable safety procedures while working within the NHZ.

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