The laser represents a class of light emitting devices with unique characteristics. Certain of these characteristics can result in significant hazards. The light from a laser is collimated, coherent, can be of high intensity, and can cause burns to the eyes or skin or ignite flammable material. Laser power supplies frequently have high voltages at potentially lethal current levels.
Some lasers employ potentially hazardous cryogenic fluid for cooling purposes.
Manufacturing standards have been established which provide some safety features for lasers which include warning labels, beam shutters, power supply interlocks, and enclosures. In the research laboratory, it is sometimes necessary to defeat some of these safety features to perform maintenance or repairs or make modifications to the laser. In addition it is often necessary to work with unenclosed beams of moderate or high power to obtain or adjust an experimental setup. These guidelines are provided to protect CUA employees and students operating lasers and other personnel likely to be exposed to their hazards. The responsibility for laser safety is primarily that of the investigating scientist under whose direction the laser is being used.