Green laser safety

I am new to the world of lasers but have been around them a lot.We used them while performing on stage and setting up shows backstage.We had some pretty powerful green lasers that bounced around the stage and venue.Over the years I have had several of these lasers hit me in the eyes very briefly as they swung around the stage.I never had any vision problems or "spots".After finding this site and learning of the dangers of lasers and the importance of proper glasses I am worried about some of my mates still in the stage lighting business and the people in the crowd that these lasers my be hitting directly or with a reflection.Are the stage lasers different from the handheld kind?Should my friends be wearing glasses on stage around the lasers?I have seen and participated in tons of concerts with these green lasers so I am curious about possible dangers people may not be aware of.Sorry for long post still playing with new IPad :crackup: thanks

I am sure others will chime in with exact figures and laws.
As for your eyesight, it would not hurt to see your eye Doc.
If you haven't noticed any issues, you are probably ok, but better to check than worry.

I personally don't have experience in stage laser lighting laws, but from what I have heard along the way in my hobby for lasers, there are some strict permits and guidelines to follow for safe and legal laser light shows.

First off without question, A laser beam is a laser beam, doesn't matter if it is a handheld, bench-top, laser show, or professional lab set-up.
And a reflected beam can be just as dangerous as the direct beam itself.
So the dangers apply across the board.

AFAIK, NO beam in a show is allowed to hit any person there, thus all lighting is to be above one's head.

Only the audience scanning you see at some shows must be done with a proper power as to not damage people's eyes.
There are exact figures that must be met to even aquire the proper permits for this.

If you are operating without said permits and using the equipment outside those guidelines, you personally could and would be held liable for any complaints of damage.

I would google for the laws that govern such laser shows so you are covered legally and being safe for all those that come to your shows.

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Thanks for the info.No need for dr. though ,all this happened to me many many many years ago.Green lasers had just started to take off for concerts.I just still have friends in the business and was just curious about the risks.Thanls for your thorough response.