Does anyone have any experience with Class 3b Lasers and recommended safety precautions?
Hi Pix,
First question I guess. What kind of project will this be used for?
Regardless, if you are working with any laser that’s hazardous the appropriate safety glasses should be worn.
If possible if you can put it in an enclosure that would be desired as well.
This project. It turns out it’s hard to find a certified class 2 laser.
It’s easy to find Class 3B lasers because they’re used at Light shows.
The whole point is to see the beam.
Where does one go to find the appropriate safety glasses?
If this is the goal it may be best to look into Class 1 lasers and use atmospherics such as a smoke machine to make the beam visible. Even with higher-power lasers, they can be difficult to see without atmospherics to help make them visible
The lasers used in Show lasers are powerful but they also typically have systems in place that prevent the laser from working if the mirror systems aren’t moving. Operators of these systems are also responsible for setting safe zones so they won’t shine in the audience’s eyes.
From what I’ve seen proper laser safety glasses will block most of the light from a laser to make it safe but also make the beam difficult to see.
A place that specialises in this kind of eyewear is probably the best place to start.
You’ll need to know exactly what wavelength of laser you are going to use as they are designed for the specific wavelength.
If they are not rated for the wavelength of the laser you have then they won’t offer the same protection and could lead to a false sense of safety.
Hi Pix
Probably any of the major tool suppliers like Sydney Tools, Total Tools etc might have them.
Or one that has opened up near me which I haven’t seen before is RSEA Safety at www.rseasafety.com.au.
A pretty good safety rule anyway is DO NOT look directly into ANY laser. Same as a snake. Treat them all as dangerous unless proved otherwise.
Cheers bob
I went down the laser-safe eyewear rabbit hole a few years ago. The only additional advice I can provide is that there are different safety-glasses for different laser wavelengths. You have to pick the eyewear for the laser you are working with. Some lasers emit visible light, with an underlying IR as well.
Having said that, it’s also prudent to consider that commodity lasers acquired overseas have no guarantees that they emit the wavelength that they are marketed at, which implies they may bleed around the ratings of your selected eyeware.
In short, proceed with caution, do your due diligence and don’t do anything that would upset Mum
Great thoughts all.
I’m working with motors for the first time.
I don’t love that my first attempt working with a laser moving machine is also my first time working with dangerous lasers.
I’m going to spend more time working to find a absolutely safe solution.
Otherwise, I guess I’ll invest in some eye safety glasses.