From: Centenary Institute (cenint04@angis.su.OZ.AU)
Date: Thu Feb 17 1994 - 17:25:15 EST
Hazel Davey asks from Wales about laser safety... 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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