Lasers and laser applications in the 1990s: A survey of laser safety schemes

A survey of the status of laser safety in UK laser companies is reported. UK laser manufacturers/suppliers were questioned on the types of laser sold, their application and about their laser safety schemes. Nearly two-thirds of suppliers produce lasers in the Class IIIB and IV categories, i.e. those requiring the highest level of safety precautions. However, just under half the companies had difficulties in implementing the current UK laser safety standards (BS 7192/IEC 825). A case is demonstrated for a mechanism providing practical advice on implementation of these standards. This is further strengthened by comparison of a survey carried out five years ago indicating a similar number of manufacturers with difficulties.