The Safety of Laser Scanners

Looking directly into a laser can cause acute, and potentially permanent, eye damage.

Laser scanners are commonly used to create three-dimensional (3-D) renderings of objects. When used properly, these devices are safe and useful devices that help people in a variety of disciplines from medicine to manufacturing to animation. Improper use, however, can cause eye damage.

Causes

Lasers have the potential to cause acute and permanent eye damage because of two key properties, the strength of the laser and concentration of the beam. Lasers can vary widely in strength, from inexpensive and low-powered laser pointers to strong industrial and medical grade lasers, which can cut through metal or flesh. Strong lasers are much more highly regulated, but even a relatively low powered laser, such as the type found in a laser pointer, is strong enough to damage the human eye because of the concentrated beam.

Dangers

Laser scanners use a laser to help create a 3-D digital image.

Most laser scanners use relatively low-powered lasers, with visible light as the primary type of radiation being emitted. The biggest danger in the use of these lasers comes from the laser entering a user's eye either directly or indirectly.

Protection

Laser protective goggles help to diffuse the light from the laser beam to minimize its ability to cause damage to a concentrated spot.

Contain the laser beam in the area directly around the object being scanned with backdrops. Usze window blinds to prevent the laser from exiting through a window and causing accidental injury to someone. Wear protective eye wear rated for laser being used.

References

• United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Laser Safety

Resources

• David Laser Scanner - Free Laser Scan Software and Directions to Build Your Own 3D Scanning System