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My experience has been with BD instruments, so I can't comment in
detail about the Elite; I would not expect it to be different in any
fundamental way.
In general, the operator has to do something very silly to suffer
(or cause) any injury from the lasers.
Things to avoid are putting your eyes in line with laser beams, not
just in front but on the same level where reflections might occur.
While BD instruments are being used normally, the laser beams are
fully enclosed; In some alignment procedures a beam is exposed, even
projected across the room!
Although these beams are at low power, You know where the beam is and
stay away from it!
Our guidelines are fairly simplistic:
a) instrument covers should only be removed during alignment.
b) during such times, the room is locked and no spectators are present.
c) operators remove any reflective items (rings, watches, other clothing
or jewellery that could deflect a beam)
d) BEWARE SAFETY GLASSES! they will save your eyes, but while you are
wearing them YOU CANNOT SEE WHERE THE BEAM IS!
We do not use (coloured) safety glasses for that reason.
e) when alignment is finished, covers are fitted and safety interlocks
are tested.
Its all fairly basic common sense, just be aware of the potential
dangers bu don't be too paranoid.
One further caution; A UV beam is not visible (of course); there is
usually some visible light along with it, but the visible and UV from
a laser might not go on exactly the same track.
That just means be extra careful with UV.
While I said no coloured safety glasses, I do use clear GLASS spectacles
for UV.
On the subject of the Arc lamp machine, a glass or suitable plastic
screen or lens will block the UV. It should not be completely exposed.
May the Flow be with you!
Joseph Webster
Centenary Institute
Sydney, Australia.
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