Some of us here use the term "common sense" when describing safety practices. I use it not assuming, but generalizing the basics. The way some people are so safety happy, one could almost sell a laser unit with out a laser at all inside it with some goggles. Then say only use with your saftey glasses, and that's why you can't ever see the dot! Anyway, a sensible person would know the correct angles to avoid danger if planning on using lasers to shine on reflective materials (or when to wear glasses if expecting to be in a “danger zone”). Be careful, stay on focus, and respect the ambient laser radiation. Wear safety glasses when the application suits. You wouldn't go to far in a gun battle with the safety on. Like I've said before, anybody can sound smart, intelligent, educated etc, blah blah blah by saying to wear your safety glasses all the time no exceptions, "wear your safety glasses, wear your safety glasses...you only get two eyes so you can only look at a laser twice, look into beam with remaining eye... "
If I'm working on aligning crystals of a DPSS laser, it is really hard to see with my safety glasses on. I use sunglasses to dim the coherent un-collimated light at 6' away. If I'm distance pointing, I do not wear safety glasses because I would never see the dot. Same with star pointing if you want to see the beam. If I'm divergence testing, I wear the safety glasses because I need an accurate measurement of the dot up close. If I'm burning or lighting, I wear safety glasses. If I'm melting a black reflective plastic object to see the crazy liquidy transforming reflection on a wall, I do not wear safety glasses (but then I'm not looking at the burning).
Common sense to me means to exercise safe practices and understanding basic concepts and decide accordingly regarding unique scenarios. I am a carpenter. I cannot be afraid of the saws, just respect them and understand and use the precautions necessary to remain safe. It’s not that difficult.
Now not everybody’s common sense level is equal. Some are less then average. Those people should stay clear of operating lasers all together. They probably won't though, and that's the problem, not strictly people’s method of explaining safety. Some drivers have absolutely NO business on the road, but unfortunately society doesn't prevent that, but they should stay clear of cars all together.
Newbie’s. Haven’t had the experience to develop “common sense” with lasers. Start off small, with a 5mW. Then later get a higher-powered laser. Fortunately for me, lasers above 5mw were virtually non-existent when I got in the hobby. You wouldn’t want to learn how to drive with a Ferrari being your first car would you? Not common sense. Start off with a civic (although still a good car! ;D).
Do not underestimate lasers and run ramped without safety glasses. I’m not saying to be carefree either. I suppose there is a fine line between common sense and stupidity, as there must be one between accident and luck. Even my 30 year experienced coworker cut off his fingers on a saw, but he was not using a blade guard on a very elaborate cut.
I was reading a review thread where this topic grabbed my interest, so I thought instead of posting on that thread, I would make a new. I would very much like to see everybody’s input of this topic if anyone would like to contribute thought.
If I'm working on aligning crystals of a DPSS laser, it is really hard to see with my safety glasses on. I use sunglasses to dim the coherent un-collimated light at 6' away. If I'm distance pointing, I do not wear safety glasses because I would never see the dot. Same with star pointing if you want to see the beam. If I'm divergence testing, I wear the safety glasses because I need an accurate measurement of the dot up close. If I'm burning or lighting, I wear safety glasses. If I'm melting a black reflective plastic object to see the crazy liquidy transforming reflection on a wall, I do not wear safety glasses (but then I'm not looking at the burning).
Common sense to me means to exercise safe practices and understanding basic concepts and decide accordingly regarding unique scenarios. I am a carpenter. I cannot be afraid of the saws, just respect them and understand and use the precautions necessary to remain safe. It’s not that difficult.
Now not everybody’s common sense level is equal. Some are less then average. Those people should stay clear of operating lasers all together. They probably won't though, and that's the problem, not strictly people’s method of explaining safety. Some drivers have absolutely NO business on the road, but unfortunately society doesn't prevent that, but they should stay clear of cars all together.
Newbie’s. Haven’t had the experience to develop “common sense” with lasers. Start off small, with a 5mW. Then later get a higher-powered laser. Fortunately for me, lasers above 5mw were virtually non-existent when I got in the hobby. You wouldn’t want to learn how to drive with a Ferrari being your first car would you? Not common sense. Start off with a civic (although still a good car! ;D).
Do not underestimate lasers and run ramped without safety glasses. I’m not saying to be carefree either. I suppose there is a fine line between common sense and stupidity, as there must be one between accident and luck. Even my 30 year experienced coworker cut off his fingers on a saw, but he was not using a blade guard on a very elaborate cut.
I was reading a review thread where this topic grabbed my interest, so I thought instead of posting on that thread, I would make a new. I would very much like to see everybody’s input of this topic if anyone would like to contribute thought.
