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Laser Safety Resources

 

Laser Accident Archive 1964-2010

This laser accident database has been gathered from a broad range of sources and covers a period from 1964 to 2010. By studying this data, the laser community as a whole can promote the safe and knowledgeable use of lasers and prevent similar events from occurring in their own facilities.

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Case NbrYearCountryDescription
53151979USADuring alignment of laser on production line through an opening in the top. During adjustment, eyewear slid up as he leaned over. Reflection from test paper went into eye causing a bright afterimage lasting 20 minutes and faded into a central scotoma.
53161978USADuring work on a laser production line, person bent over to adjust beam when reflection from a Brewster's window went into right eye causing immediate visual blur and scotoma. Power into eye estimated at 25 mW.
53171979USADuring assembly of laser on production line person removed safety screen to align beam. Beam was directed on liquid stream. Reflection from stream went into eye causing scotoma. Testing revealed visual defect that remained at 16 months.
53181988USANo eyewear used during alignment task. There were reportedly five individuals involved but only one with a possible retinal lesion.
53191992USAShell on foot peddle connector broke off. Nurse attempted to plug cable into receptacle w/o shell for alignment.
53201991USAIndividual exposed in right eye during alignment. No protective eyewear used. Partial loss of vision reported.
53211990USATechnician inadvertently opened shutter to CO2 with beam focused onto hand. Reported massive swelling. Did not loose hand or fingers but still has loss of feeling in hand.
53221980USATechnician sustained retinal burn in left eye. Physician recorded burn area on slides. Resulted in vision loss. Later exam showed repigmentation of scar area. Injury may have been caused by other exposures to lasers (he was a hunter/shooter).
53231992USAResearcher received an accidental exposure during alignment. Opthalmic exam confirmed retinal burn in upper medial quadrant of right eye. No foveal damage. At 2 mo's, a 20% translucency remains in field of view. Beam reflected from silicon caused incident.
53241987USAA summer research assistant was doing alignment on argon/dye laser located under optical bench. Beam was coming upwards and person was located above the bench looking downward. Using no eyewear, looked into beam. Immediate retinal burn.
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