PASCO OS-8170A Brewster’s Angle Accessory - Manual (Page 24)

Brewster’s Angle Accessory Model No. OS-8170A
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Appendix B: Laser Safety Information
The OS-8525A Laser Diode is a low power, Class 2 laser. When Class 2 lasers are used in
accordance with Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards, Class 2
lasers are not harmful. However, when appropriate safety precautions are not taken, Class 2
lasers can cause permanent, irreversible damage to the eyes. As an instructor, you should always
inform your students of the hazards of lasers and the necessary preventative, safety measures.
PASCO cannot be held liable for negligent use in the classroom. As a courtesy, we are providing
you with the following laser safety instructions. These reminders are not a comprehensive list of
all possible safety measures or hazards. For more information, see the OSHA web site (http://
www.osha.gov). Also see http://www.safetymanual.com or www.laserinstitute.org
Safety Reminders:
• Never look directly into the laser or at any reflection from the laser at eye level.
•Do not point a laser at your own eye, through glass, mirrors or transparent objects in your
surroundings, or at the eyes of other individuals.
•Never remove any of the covering or components of the OS-8525A Diode Laser. If the laser
is defective, return the defective laser immediately to PASCO scientific.
•If you are uncomfortable or unsure about working around lasers, wear protective laser
goggles or spectacles.
About Laser Protective Eyewear
The eyewear must be designed for use with lasers and meet OSHA standards specific to the type
and class of laser you are using. You can tell if the type of goggle or spectacle you are using
meets laser standards by looking at the insignia on the side of the frame. Any type of plastic
chemical protective goggle will not suffice. Also, you need to select protective eyewear with the
correct filter for the wavelength range of the laser (For a Class 2 laser, you need a 400-780 nm
filter.)
Example: Laser goggles designed to protect for Class 1 lasers do not provide maximum
protection when using Class 2 lasers. For more information, see the OSHA web site
(www.osha.gov).
Laser Injuries
Severe corneal injuries or eye burns may or may not present with pain at the surface of the eye.
In retinal injuries, the individual may see red spots, or have blurred vision or altered color
perception.
Less severe injuries may not show up immediately and are more hazardous when they occur
repetitively.