Post: Everything You Need to Know About Laser Safety Goggles

Everything You Need to Know About Laser Safety Goggles

Lasers have revolutionized many industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, by providing precise and efficient ways to cut, engrave, and analyze materials. However, the high intensity and concentrated energy of lasers can also be dangerous, posing risks to the eyes and skin. That’s why laser safety goggles and laser safety glasses are crucial to the safe and effective use of lasers.

What are Laser Safety Goggles?

Laser safety goggles and glasses are designed to protect the eyes from harmful laser radiation by absorbing or reflecting specific wavelengths of light. Laser safety goggles are an essential piece of personal protective equipment for anyone who works with lasers or is exposed to laser radiation. They are typically made of polycarbonate, a durable plastic that can withstand impact and provide optical clarity, while laser safety goggles may have additional features like side shields and anti-fog coatings.

There are different types of laser safety goggles and glasses, each designed to protect against specific laser wavelengths and power levels. If you are not familiar with laser safety terminology, choosing the appropriate laser goggles can be confusing. At Phillips Safety, we offer a wide range of laser safety goggles for different laser types and wavelengths. This article will help you to make more informed decisions about laser protective eyewear.

Meeting Safety Standards: How ANSI Regulations Ensure Effective Laser Eye Protection

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established standards for laser safety eyewear, which include criteria for optical density, damage threshold, and testing methods. It’s important to choose laser safety goggles or glasses that meet these standards and are appropriate for the specific laser you’re working with.

Wearing laser safety goggles can prevent serious eye injuries, including corneal burns, retinal damage, and blindness. Even low-powered lasers can cause damage if the eyes are exposed for extended periods of time. In addition to protecting the eyes, laser safety goggles and glasses can also improve the quality of work by reducing glare and improving contrast.

In some industries, laser safety goggles and glasses are required by law. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide laser safety goggles or glasses to workers who are at risk of eye injury from lasers. In the medical field, laser safety goggles are used during surgical procedures to protect the eyes of patients and medical personnel.

It’s important to note that laser safety goggles and glasses are not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other safety measures, such as proper training and adherence to laser safety protocols. Laser safety goggles and glasses should also be regularly inspected for damage or wear and replaced as necessary.

How Laser Safety Goggles Work

WAVELENGTH: Laser safety goggles are designed with lenses that offer protection from specific wavelengths of light. These lenses are labeled with the range of wavelengths they protect against, usually noted in ranges like 200-300nm, along with a specific optical density, such as 5+ OD. The wavelength of light is measured in nanometers (nm), and each laser operates at a specific wavelength or range of wavelengths.

OPTICAL DENSITY SPECIFICATIONS: These lenses are often referred to as laser filters because they filter light. It’s important to note that just because a laser beam is not visible, it can still cause serious damage to skin and eyes. Many laser safety filters protect against invisible laser radiation, and the optical density (OD) of a laser filter indicates how much the filter blocks light at a specific wavelength. The higher the OD, the less light gets through at that wavelength.

While some laser filters may appear darker than others, it doesn’t necessarily mean they offer better protection. Protection from lasers occurs in the visible light spectrum (approximately 400-700nm) as well as outside of the visible spectrum (200-400nm; 700-11000nm). Lenses that appear darker only block more light in the visible spectrum than those that appear clearer.

VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMISSION: Visible light transmission (VLT) is the amount of visible light that passes through the lens and is marked as a percentage. Laser filters in laser safety goggles are typically made of either glass or a type of plastic material. Glass lenses generally have higher VLT than plastic, while plastic lenses are thinner, lighter, and easier to produce with new coverage. The choice of material may depend on various factors, including the desired level of protection and personal preference.

In conclusion, laser safety goggles are essential for the safe and effective use of lasers. They protect the eyes from harmful laser radiation and prevent serious eye injuries. By choosing the appropriate laser safety goggles or glasses and using them in conjunction with other safety measures, workers can ensure a safe and productive laser work environment.

If you need help in selecting the appropriate Laser protection glasses or goggles for your eye safety requirements, the laser safety specialists at Phillips Safety are available to assist you. 

If you still aren’t sure which laser safety goggles are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our laser experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

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