Laser Safety Eyewear
Lasers are used in construction layout, surveying, cutting, welding, medical and industrial work. Even a short exposure to a strong beam can burn the retina and cause permanent vision loss, often painlessly and instantly. The right eyewear blocks the specific laser wavelength, and ordinary sunglasses or safety glasses do not.
- Surveyors & Layout Crews
- Machine & Laser Operators
- Medical & Lab Staff
- Maintenance Techs
- Safety Officers
Laser classes
| Class | Hazard |
|---|---|
| 1 | Safe under normal use (the laser is enclosed or very low power) |
| 2 | Low power visible lasers (under 1 milliwatt). Safe for brief exposure thanks to the blink reflex, but don't stare into the beam |
| 3R | Up to 5 milliwatts. Low risk but can injure if viewed directly. Many construction pointers and levels are class 2 or 3R |
| 3B | Moderate power (up to 500 milliwatts). Direct beam and reflections are eye hazards. Eyewear is needed in many cases |
| 4 | High power. Can injure eyes and skin, ignite materials and produce hazardous reflections. Eyewear, controlled areas and training are required |
The standard for safe use of lasers in the U.S. is ANSI Z136.1. Eyewear performance is described in ANSI Z136.7. See Eye & Face Protection.
How laser eyewear works
- Laser eyewear is designed for specific wavelengths. A filter that blocks a green laser may not block an infrared or red one. Wearing the wrong lens gives false protection.
- Markings on the eyewear give the wavelength range (in nanometers) and the optical density (OD) or protection level, indicating how much the lens reduces the beam. Higher OD means more attenuation. Look for ANSI/OSHA markings.
- Eyewear may also be marked with the damage threshold (how long it resists a beam), the manufacturer and whether it is for continuous-wave or pulsed lasers.
- The employer's laser safety officer selects eyewear based on the laser's wavelength, power, pulse duration and exposure, and the needed OD.
- Infrared and ultraviolet lasers are invisible, so there is no warning. Do not assume that you are safe because you can't see a beam.
Using laser eyewear
- Check the markings match the laser in use before every task. Check the OD for the beam power.
- Inspect eyewear for scratches, cracks, discoloration and damaged frames. Replace damaged eyewear. Don't use eyewear that is faded or lacks markings.
- Wear it before the beam is on and keep it on until the laser is off and the area is clear. Eyewear must fit well and cover the eye, including the sides, for scattered light.
- Never look into the beam, even with eyewear, and avoid shiny surfaces that reflect it. Don't point lasers at people, aircraft or vehicles.
- Use controls first: enclosures, interlocks, beam stops, warning signs and lights, and trained operators. Eyewear is a last line of defense. See RF, Microwave & Laser Hazards.
- Construction lasers: class 2 and 3R layout lasers rarely need eyewear for normal use but don't stare into the beam, set them at heights above eye level where possible and turn them off when not in use. Special laser detector glasses that make beams more visible are not protective.
- If you think your eyes were exposed, see an eye doctor immediately and report it.
Laser eyewear checklist
- The eyewear is marked for the laser's wavelength and has enough optical density
- It fits, is undamaged and is worn before the beam is on
- I never look into the beam or at reflective surfaces
- Engineering controls and signs are in place for higher classes
- I report suspected eye exposure and get examined
Standards & references
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