Safety with Lasers and Other Optical Sources

David H. Sliney, Ph.D., Certified LSO - Chairman, ANSI Z136 Committee on Hazard Evaluation and Classification. Member, ANSI Z136 Committees on Biological Effects, Measurements and Instrumentation, Control Measures, Safety Training and Control Measures, Fiber Optics and Safety in Health Care Facilities. Dr. Sliney received his B.S. in Physics in 1963 from Virginia Polytechnic; his M.S. Physics and Radiological Health in 1965 from Emory University; and his Ph.D. in Biophysics and Medical Physics from the University of London. He has been active in the establishment of safety standards for protection of the eye and skin from lasers and high intensity optical sources. He is currently Chairman of LIA's Laser Safety Committee, and he recently served as a temporary advisor to the World Health Organization at several conferences related to lasers, RF, magnetic fields, and infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Dr. Sliney is a well known author and editor and has been widely published in the area of radiation safety. He has co-authored Safety with Lasers and Other Optical Sources (Plenham Publishing, New York, 1980) and Medical Lasers and Their Safe Use (Springer-Verlag, New York, 1992).

to Laser Safety.- Review of Optical Physics.- Review of Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye and Skin.- Effects of Optical Radiation on the Eye.- Optical Radiation Hazards to the Skin.- Optical Hazards from the Ambient Environment.- Laser Safety Standards: Evolution and Rationale.- Current Laser Exposure Limits.- Laser Hazard Classification.- Protection Standards for Non-Laser Sources.- Laser Output Measurements: Radiometry and Calorimetry.- Laser Beam Diagnostics.- Atmospheric Propagation of Laser Beams.- Radiometric Measurements Required for Broad-Band Optical Sources.- General Hazard Analysis and Controls.- Eye and Skin Protection.- Laser Safety in Research Laboratories and Medical Facilities.- Safety with Lasers Used in Construction.- Safety with Lasers Used in Manufacturing.- Laser Safety with Consumer and Office Products.- Laser Hazards in Outdoor Applications: Military and Lidar.- Lamps and Lighting Systems.- Projection Systems.- Welding Arcs.- Safety Programs and Formal Training.- Medical Surveillance.- Ancillary Hazards.- Electrical Hazards.