Optical hazard assessment of 6W extended laser source using laser safety (60825) and lamp safety (62471) guidelines

Abstract

Laser and LED light sources are nowadays being deployed in a wide-ranging number of illumination applications where high levels of irradiance are required at the target site. The optical hazard assessment route will usually follow a laser or lamp related assessment as appropriate. However, for the case of an extended laser source it is possible to apply a radiance analysis methodology via both the laser and LED standards. This paper describes the assessment of an extended 6W laser source used for forensic science investigations where there was a desire to avoid engineering safety controls commensurate with a Class 4 laser, and to allow the laser to be used in the field in a manner akin to an inspection lamp. Accordingly, there was a desire to determine the optical hazard distance posed by the extended laser source to support the risk assessment for field use. By following the assessment methodologies defined in the laser (60825) and lamp (62471) standards [1, 2] it is possible to derive a useful double-check on the hazard assessment outcome using a methodology which is highly instructive to the optical radiation safety adviser. The steps required for the dual assessment approach will be clearly described and reviewed in this paper to clarify the process and highlight a potential for a convergence of the laser and lamp safety standards in terms of extended source characterization and applications-based risk assessment.Laser and LED light sources are nowadays being deployed in a wide-ranging number of illumination applications where high levels of irradiance are required at the target site. The optical hazard assessment route will usually follow a laser or lamp related assessment as appropriate. However, for the case of an extended laser source it is possible to apply a radiance analysis methodology via both the laser and LED standards. This paper describes the assessment of an extended 6W laser source used for forensic science investigations where there was a desire to avoid engineering safety controls commensurate with a Class 4 laser, and to allow the laser to be used in the field in a manner akin to an inspection lamp. Accordingly, there was a desire to determine the optical hazard distance posed by the extended laser source to support the risk assessment for field use. By following the assessment methodologies defined in the laser (60825) and lamp (62471) standards [1, 2] it is possible to derive a useful double-ch...