Performance numbers versus safety numbers for laser hazard evaluations

Laser classification and hazard evaluation require certain laser beam parameters to perform the required measurements and calculations. When parameters are provided to one performing a laser safety evaluation, the evaluator is often given from the manufacturer’s specifications which are based on performance of a laser or laser system. While the performance numbers are not incorrect, they often are not what a laser safety evaluator really needs to do their measurements or calculations to perform a reasonable, realistic laser hazard evaluation.