Laser Pointer Safety - Laser safety technical information

A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use

Laser pointer safety technical information

This section contains the following pages:

Beam diameter & irradiance calculator — An online calculator for determining the beam diameter and irradiance, at a specified distance

Laser hazard distance calculator — An online calculator for determining the NOHD, ED₅₀, and three FAA visual interference distances (Sensitive, Critical and Laser Free zones).

Laser hazard distance equations — Details about the hazard distances, and the equations used to calculate the distances.

Laser hazard distances chart — How far away a beam can be an eye injury hazard, or a visual interference hazard, or a skin burn hazard, or a materials burn hazard — for selected consumer lasers.

Laser hazard Classes chart — All about Classes 1, 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B and 4 which are used to warn about a laser’s potential hazards

1-page “instant” LSO course — Brief discussion and link to an excellent page from the U.S. OSHA, about laser hazards. It summarizes the topics covered in a typical Laser Safety Officer course.