Laser accidents: Reviewing thirty years of incidents: what are the concerns — Old and new?

Overall analysis reveals that laser accidents are generally caused by one or more of the following: unanticipated eye exposure during alignment; non-use of available eye protection; equipment malfunction causing unwanted exposure; improper methods of handling high voltages, leading to severe shock or death; lack of protection for non-beam hazards; improper restoration of equipment following service; and incorrect eyewear selection and/or eyewear failure, leading to unwanted exposure. The statistical laser information given in this review provides a starting point for more complete analysis into the types of hazard occurring in laser environments and suggests areas of emphasis that should be placed in control measure selection and training programs.