• Question: What are the safety precautions when working with lasers?

    Asked by SQUIRES to Viviene DC, Jemma K on 19 May 2025.
    • Photo: Viviene Dela Cruz

      Viviene Dela Cruz answered on 19 May 2025:

      Hi! One of the first steps is to get the ‘Laser Safety Induction’ in your lab; every lab has slightly different inductions. There, you will learn the different kinds of lasers and their hazards so you know which precautions to take when working. Then the next step would be to get the appropriate personal protective equipment. These could include:
      -Laser safety goggles (this is dependent on the wavelength (colour) of your laser. Probably the most important safety equipment you’ll use
      -hairnet, if it’s a clean room and has a lower tolerance for dust than a regular laser lab
      -gloves
      -lab coat (some labs don’t require this)
      -Safety shoes. These are important because things could fall onto your feet when building lasers!
      And of course, never ever look directly at the laser 🙂

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