Since the invention of the laser in 1957 and the first working ruby laser in 1960, scientists have found many uses for this unique type of light. Lasers were first introduced to the general public in the film Goldfinger where James Bond was about to be cut in half by a powerful beam of red light. Of course, James escaped but lasers have played a part in our lives since then, from scanners at the supermarket, laser printers and CD players to long range weapons systems used by the military.
Some laser beams can cause injury to the eye, burn the skin or start fires in the laboratory.
As lasers and laser systems can cause severe injuries the High Intensity Light and Laser Use Committee has been established.