Lasers are taking over! They are incorporated into kid and pet toys and will probably be a very popular holiday season gift for the DIY tool collector. Their presence in the industrial and construction worksites has been growing too. But, I believe workplace safety awareness has actually decreased as laser use has become more common place.

Lasers used to be a rare sight on construction sites. When they were used, a warning sign was often posted. The user was sometimes “certified” by the manufacturer. Other workers stayed out of the posted area. The laser safety glasses were in the carrying case although hardly ever used. And, no one really knew much about the potential dangers other than “you shouldn’t look into the beam.”

Most of these conditions have remained the same except that I now see more lasers in use, no warning signs, and a lack of training or qualification to use. But, the OSHA laser standard remains the same and requires all of this – see 29 CFR 1926.54.

Typical leveling lasers seen on construction sites today are rated at less than 1mW and therefore fall into a Class II category as per the Laser Hazards- Section III: Chapter 6 of the OSHA Technical Manual.

Quoting from it “CLASS II: low power visible lasers which emit above Class I levels but emitting a radiant power not above 1 mW. The concept is that the human aversion reaction to bright light will protect a person.” The referenced “human aversion reaction” is a fancy way to say “eye blinking.”

So, bottom line…. We want the laser operator trained with documentation. The user is to post a notice telling us what Class laser is in use. All employees in the area need laser safety awareness training. And, what about those weird red glasses? If the equipment is Class III or IV then we will probably need special laser eye protection depending upon the exposure. BUT, if it is Class I or II – everyday construction laser – then all we need to do is be aware a laser is in use and not try to out stare it.

By the way, I’ve not referenced OSHA’s Technical Manual on this blog before – it’s the official go-to guide for the OSHA compliance officers and therefore is of use to us.