What do you need to know?
Does my prescription glasses protect against laser radiation?
Simple prescription glasses do not protect against laser radiation, because they are neither made of laserabsorbing nor of laserreflecting material. Laser protection eyewear is required to protect against the laser radiation. It is certified according to the special laser protection standards for personal eye protection.
Why is laser radiation so dangerous?
The shown pictogram is expressing comparing the effects of incoherent light and of coherent light (laser) at the same energy levels. The equation shows that the energy density of the coherent light penetrating the eye, is higher by the factor of 2.1 billion. This shows the immense difference and underlines the potential hazardness of a laser to the eye in comparison to an incoherent light source.
Difference between OD data according to ANSI and the standard DIN EN 207
OD-values are merely absorption values, while the protection levels defined in the norm DIN EN 207 are based on endurance performance and laser stress tests.
OD-values, as found on laser safety products, manufactured and sold outside of the European Union, are merely a statement about the absorption, depending on the wavelength, as light passes through the medium. For a factual statement for the given laser protection, the thermodynamic effects of the impacting laser ray must not be neglected. This key statement, regarding the laser protection, is given by following the laser stress tests defined by the norm DIN EN 207. The OD-Values may be higher than the values of the protection level, given by the DIN EN 207, but they are not a valid statement. The difference in price between certified and non-certified laser safety glasses should be made up against an intact eyesight.
Why do I need laser protection?
Lasers are light sources, in which the entire radiation is emitted in one direction. Additionally it is tightly focused. As a result, a very high energy is applied to a small area. If the eye or the skin is hit by laser radiation it leads to irreparable damage, e.g. burning of retina. Many lasers are also invisible to the human eye (e.g. Nd: YAG laser), causing no protective reflex (eyelid closing reflex).
Do I need laser protection for CO2 lasers or UV lasers?
When working with class 3R, 3B and 4 lasers, personal eye protection must be worn. (For details, see: Why do I need laser protection?)
Who needs a laser protection training and where can I get this?
Laser safety supervisors must paricipate in a special laser protection seminar. Such seminars are offered by bodies that are registered with a professional association (for example, PROTECT Laserschutz GmbH). Everyone working with lasers requires a corresponding laser
safety instruction once a year for the reasons of occupational health and safety. This is again performed by the laser safety supervisor.
Are all glasses suitable for autoclaves? (Disinfection)
No, by repeatedly using the autoclave, the special polymer loses its strength and the spectacles thus lose their stability. Please observe the relevant cleaning and disinfecting instructions in the operating instructions.
What should I consider when choosing the cleaner?
Care should be taken not to contain highly corrosive or otherwise corrosive substances such as alkalis, acids or solvents. The glasses can be cleaned with water and mild soap. Suitable cleansing agents can be found in our online shop at www.protect-laserschutz.de. Please also note the cleaning instructions in the operating instructions.
Can I test my laser protection eyewear for safety?
This is basically possible. PROTECT-Laserschutz GmbH has the necessary equipment and carries out such a check for you. In the European Union, laser protection goggles must bear a CE mark. (OD markings are not sufficient!)
Do the glasses have a lifetime?
No. If the laser safety googles are stored and wear under normal conditions (no direct sun light or laser impact, no wet or dirty environment) and if you can't see any visible defect, than our laser safety products will protect your eyes.
When is my eyewewar broken and how can I have them repaired?
This depends on the installed panes. A small scratch on a plastic filter is harmless, but on a dialectric filter this can reduce the protective effect of the filter. To ensure that no hazard is present, please contact the manufacturer (for example, PROTECT-Laserschutz GmbH). It can inspect, repair or replace your eyewear.
What kind of data do I have to submit to determine the protection level?
You should provide the name of the laser manufacturer as well as the laser device.
In addition, the following data would be desirable:
for continuous lasers:
for pulsed lasers:
If you do not know where to find them, contact your specialist supplier.
Is there laser protection eyewear covering all laser wavelengths?
This is not possible for physical / technical reasons. Such spectacles would cover the entire visible spectral range, which would prevent seeing anything.
What type of laser safety eyewear do I need and how do I choose the right pair of glasses?
This is dependent on the laser. If the laser has the laser class 3R, 3B or 4, the wearing of protective eyewear is required by law. When selecting the correct spectacle it must be ensured that the wavelength range and the operating mode of the laser are covered by the eyewear. In addition, the protection level must be high enough to protect against the corresponding laser power. The required protection level should be provided by a skilled
person (e.g. the laser protection supervisor). The manufacturer (for example, PROTECT-Laserschutz GmbH) also advises you in the selection of your protective eyewear.
What is the marking on the laser protective goggles?
MPE= Maximum permissible exposure
The MPE value is a guideline that defines how much laser radiation a person may be exposed to under normal circumstances without suffering damage. Without adequate protection, this value is normally 2 mW.
