Laser Safety

Lasers come with a set of inherent risks. Whether you're harnessing them for art, entertainment, or any other application, it's imperative to approach their use with caution. As a Modulaser user, it's vital to recognize the potential hazards associated with lasers and take necessary precautions.

Potential Dangers of Lasers

Lasers can be a source of various hazards, not limited to the ones listed below:

• Eye Injury: Direct or reflected beams can result in temporary or lasting damage to the eyes, potentially leading to vision impairment.
• Burns: Especially with high-powered units, lasers can cause burns upon direct skin contact.
• Fire Hazard: Materials, especially flammable ones, can ignite when exposed to high-powered lasers.
• Blinding: Improper handling or accidents can direct beams into airspace, creating serious risks for pilots and others.
• Camera Sensor Damage: Direct exposure can damage digital camera sensors.

Safety Tips

Projecting

• Inspect the Area: Before any laser show or projection, thoroughly assess the designated projection space for potential hazards.
• Avoid Direct Exposure: Keep intentional beams above audience eye level and out of reach; define safe projection zones.
• Physical Barriers: Use physical barriers if needed to maintain safe separation.
• Reflective Surfaces: Watch for mirrors, glass, polished metal, and phone screens that can unintentionally reflect beams.
• Projection Mapping: Use mapping to keep beams within safe, intended areas.
• Beam Blocking: Use non-reflective beam blocks or beam stops to terminate beams where needed.
• Avoid Airspace: Never project outdoors or into open airspace without authorization from aviation and local authorities.

Operating

• Emergency Measures: Keep a physical emergency stop within reach and test it at low power before the show. Stop output immediately if unsafe conditions occur and correct the cause. Report incidents or injuries to the relevant authorities.
• Operate Supervised: A trained adult must supervise all use of lasers. Never leave operating lasers unattended.

Hardware

• Galvanometer Care: If your galvanometers emit unusual sounds or a high-pitched noise, it may indicate strain. Reduce load or service the unit.
• Routine Maintenance: Inspect for overheating, dust buildup, and other faults.
• Interlocks and scan-fail: Use and test projector interlocks and scan-fail protection before operation.
• Key Switch and Shutter: Keep the key and the mechanical shutter under operator control.
• Beam Termination: Use physical non-reflective stops to terminate beams safely.
• Cabling and Cooling: Check fans, temperature, and cabling for signs of strain or failure.

Audience Safety

• Beam Placement: Keep all intentional beams above audience eye level with sufficient clearance.
• Separation: Maintain safe separation distances between projector, beam paths, and people; add barriers if needed.
• Audience Scanning: Do not perform audience scanning or aim beams at people. Modulaser prohibits audience scanning, even where local law may permit it.

Compliance and Training

• Standards: Follow recognized standards where applicable, including IEC 60825-1 and ILDA laser show safety guidance.
• Laws and Permits: Comply with local laws, venue rules, and permitting requirements, especially for public shows and any audience scanning.
• Training: This guide is not a substitute for formal training. Ensure operators are competent and briefed.

Operate lasers at your own risk. You are responsible for safe configuration and legal compliance. Modulaser’s liability and legal safety obligations are described in our Terms of Service.