| Laser Health
and Safety
All our
standard lasers are designed with power levels that allow audience scanning
when certain environmental parameters are met, namely the concentration of
smoke in an venue and the projection distance from the laser output to any
persons eye. The type of scanner used and movement of people whilst dancing is
also taken into consideration.
The power
of a laser is dramatically reduced in the presence of smoke that is used in
various venues. Experimentation has shown that in medium concentrations of
smoke the power is reduced by 68% at 2m, 78% at 3m and 85% at 4m. High
concentrations have even more effect, 85% at 2m, 91% at 3m and 99% at 4m. The
results in the tables below are based on our own calculations and operating
conditions, values may vary in other operating conditions which are beyond our
control.
With this
sort of operating environment the lasers can be used in audience scanning
situations, below is a summary of the exposure levels that are present with our
range of lasers and the conditions of usage so that the recommended maximum
permissible exposure (MPE's) levels are not exceeded.
The information below
is calculated and compiled in accordance with the latest HSE guidelines
(HSG95). Please note that the HSE only issues guidelines about laser displays
and audience scanning. There is no law or guideline which states that you
cannot scan the public with laser effects.
We strongly recommend
operation of the lasers in accordance with the HSE guidelines, however from
experience we feel that there is no hazard in using the lower power lasers (5
to 60mW) in normal operation with or without smoke. There has never been a
reported injury caused by a low power display laser systems.
In addition to the
information provided, which is mainly concerned with our standard laser systems
please visit the Entertainment Laser Association (ELA) web site for further
information on the use of higher power lasers or see the additional details
with the links below:
Laser Myths and Facts, a document written by the
chairman of ELA.
ELA Laser Safety, a document written by ELA on the
safe use of lasers.
Guidelines on Outdoor Laser Displays, a document containing
details on the use of lasers in respect to the Civil Aviation
Authorities.
If a company states
they are members of ELA (UK Entertainment Laser Association) or ILDA
(International Laser Display Association) confirm this with ELA or ILDA. YOU
AND YOUR AUDIENCES SAFETY MAY BE AT RISK! |
