Any good tips on how to handle class IV (445nm 1W) laser light safely?

[JohnTheRipper]

I recently bought a class IV 1W handheld laser kit from survival lasers, and while I am waiting for it to arrive I might as well as if anyone has any good and/or little known info on how to handle 445nm 1 watt lasers safely? This is my first "big" laser, and I really want to make sure I do everything right-- I only have one pair of eyes!

I bought glasses with the laser, and plan on using them at all times unless using it outside pointed at least 50+ feet from me, and I don't plan to let anyone else even touch the laser (I would hate to have someone hurt themselves or others with it), and to keep it disassembled at all times while not in use (laser, batteries and tailcap in different places, out of the reach of nosy children). And to keep people in general very far from it.

I'm just scared a little scared s**tless by this laser's predicted power, and I want to make sure nobody gets hurt.

I also got the tripod with it, so I should be able to be safer by using that, which has less of a tendency to fall over and direct the laser towards something that it shouldn't be pointed at.

As for diffuse reflections, how dangerous is this? Like is white surfaces or glossy ones no-nos, or do I only need to watch out for mirrors/streetlights/shiny metal?

As for the 445nm light emitted, is the light dangerous without goggles if the dot is farish away, on a non-glossy wall? Or should I just make sure to keep people away and wear goggles at all times when I'm inside?

I already read up on a bunch of laser safety (including the resources on this forum), but I realized that this thing is ridiculously powerful, and that I need to be as safe as possible with it.

Anyways, I just wanted to ask the pros for advice, as I think I am pretty sure on how to safely handle this, but it's a scary thought at how much power I just bought, so I am just seeking some extra advice (and I can't wait for my laser to come! Just trying to make sure I am ready.).

:lasergun:

 

[chipdouglas]

looking at the beam is fine.

looking at the dot is generally considered unsafe and stupid at close range. but common sense is vital. if you are 50yds away from the dot you will be fine. pretty much all reflections are dangerous.
some people recommend handling high powered lasers like a loaded gun.

good luck and enjoy your new laser

 

[Haloid95]

If you are inside then always wear goggles, especially while burning. Make sure if you point it outside, to make sure nothing in that direction is reflective (Window, street sign, etc.....) If your pointing at the sky make sure there is no aircraft's. For sky pointing it is OK to to keep glasses off, just make sure no one not properly protected is in the area. The most important thing is to make sure you never get it in your eyes or another persons eyes. A split second direct hit could give you a blind spot. Good luck with the laser.

 

[JohnTheRipper]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Meatball]

The loaded and constantly firing machine gun is one of the best analogies to use. It works best for outdoor use of course, for when in public and when you only think you're in the middle of nowhere and alone.

For indoors, just treat everything in the room as having a surface made of flash paper dunked in gasoline. Mind where and what surfaces on which you decide to land the beams for pointing and for long term beam visualization.

More often than not, I will have a photo-shoot with fog and the works, and by the end of the hour, my 15ft away white wall will gain a few more black splotches.

Remember, you're not "playing" when your lasers are on. The more proper terms to set your attitude straight are "using", or "displaying".

 

[jcranmer]

Be careful of the tripod if it's the small one with the bendy legs. They are good to use to take photo's with, but they tend to fall over VERY easy and make the laser more dangerous in my opinion.

Your best bet is to use the removable clamp from the bendy tripod and put it on one you may already own for a camera with stiff legs.

Also as mentioned above treat it like a loaded gun. Always wear goggles and know where you have it pointed.

I know it sounds like overkill, but you and those around you (including pets) only have one set of eyes. It doesn't take much at all (micro seconds) to permanently cause vision damage for life.

 

[JohnTheRipper]

Meatball-- Yeah, the machine gun image is what I was guessing... I hope I don't end up with burn marks all over my walls . And yes, I understand that it's nowhere near a toy, and should be treated like a loaded and constantly firing firearm.

jcranmer-- Thanks for the tip, I got this, which does look a little unstable, but I might just remove the head and attach it to a nicer tripod I already own like you suggest.

I assume that the goggles would protect against a incidental glancing hit? I have no intention of trying that out (haha, never), but I'm just wondering what happens in the worst case-- I'll be keeping the beam far from anyone's eyes, goggles or not.

(sorry, quoting posts appears to be glitchy on iOS, so I responded this way)

 

[Haloid95]

Meatball-- Yeah, the machine gun image is what I was guessing... I hope I don't end up with burn marks all over my walls . And yes, I understand that it's nowhere near a toy, and should be treated like a loaded and constantly firing firearm.

jcranmer-- Thanks for the tip, I got this, which does look a little unstable, but I might just remove the head and attach it to a nicer tripod I already own like you suggest.

I assume that the goggles would protect against a incidental glancing hit? I have no intention of trying that out (haha, never), but I'm just wondering what happens in the worst case-- I'll be keeping the beam far from anyone's eyes, goggles or not.

(sorry, quoting posts appears to be glitchy on iOS, so I responded this way)

As long as you are wearing glasses you should be ok. But never keep it pointed at your eye. Usually the glasses only protect for a second. Treat it with glasses as if your not wearing any ( but always wear them )

 

[JohnTheRipper]

As long as you are wearing glasses you should be ok. But never keep it pointed at your eye. Usually the glasses only protect for a second. Treat it with glasses as if your not wearing any ( but always wear them )

Thanks!