Goggles color means/rules/selects nothing ?

[Externet]

Hi. Saw goggles of several colors sold for protection to violet. Lenses color has no relation to protect from a laser color ?











If someone is working with several wavelenght lasers, can pick any goggles from the pretty colorful pile in the drawer; or the reverse, working behind a certain color goggles will protect from several wavelenghts ? ? The ones I have and any I see advertised, none is stamped/labeled band-pass, band-cut, 'for protection from such wavelength'
If am working with 'X' wavelegth, are the goggles supposed to block that 'X' to reach my eyes ? Then how do I know what/where the beam is doing ?
Light, please !

 

[RedCowboy]

It's recommended to use certified laser safety glasses that will attenuate the wavelength you are working with, because wearing the wrong PPE can result in injury, in short you can't choose by color, you need to understand the OD rating and wavelength absorption range.

Buyers Guide | How to Choose Your Laser Safety Glasses

Discover how to choose laser safety glasses based on your laser’s wavelength, required optical density, and frame options. Ensure proper protection with expert tips and detailed comparisons of materials like polycarbonate, glass, and dielectric coatings.

lasersafetyindustries.com

Choosing the right laser safety glasses is essential for protecting your eyes from harmful laser radiation, and it involves understanding the laser's specifications and ensuring proper fit and comfort.

Key​

1. Know Your Laser's Wavelength:

• The most critical parameter is the wavelength of the laser you will be working with. Different lasers emit light at specific wavelengths, and safety glasses must be designed to filter out those wavelengths effectively.
  
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1. Determine Required Optical Density (OD):

• The Optical Density indicates how much light is blocked by the glasses. It is essential to select glasses with an OD that meets or exceeds the requirements specified for your laser. This information can often be found in the laser's manual or by consulting with a laser safety officer.
  
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1. Comfort and Fit:

• Ensure that the glasses fit well and are comfortable to wear for extended periods. Look for adjustable frames or options that accommodate prescription lenses if needed.
  
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1. Material and Lens Type:

• Laser safety glasses come in various materials, including polycarbonate and glass. Each material has different properties regarding weight, durability, and optical clarity. Choose a lens type that provides the best visibility while still offering adequate protection.
  
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1. Compliance with Safety Standards:

• Ensure that the glasses meet relevant safety standards and certifications. This guarantees that they have been tested for effectiveness in protecting against specific laser wavelengths.
  
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Additional​

• Consult Experts: If you are unsure about the specifications needed for your laser safety glasses, consult with the laser manufacturer or a safety expert to ensure you select the appropriate eyewear.
  
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• Avoid Ordinary Sunglasses: Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection against laser radiation. Always use glasses specifically designed for laser safety.
  
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  By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting laser safety glasses, ensuring that your eyes are well-protected while working with lasers.
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[Externet]

Thank you, RedCowboy, for a good link on the subject.

The two major things learned here, -in my wording- are :
- The color of the goggle lenses tells nothing related to the wavelenght meant to protect/block/attenuate. Is like a fashion preference. A lens color selected must be tested for blockage of the pertinent beam wavelenght.
The specifications of the product are to be considered and not its color.

- The optical density is the attenuation amount the goggle lens pose to the beam. Too much attenuation and the wearer may not discern where is the beam. Too little attenuation and the beam partially passes the lenses resulting in poor protection.

Hope I got it.

 

[RedCowboy]

If the OD factor is based on the power of 10

You also need to look at the graph associated with the glasses to know how well they will work for your specific wavelength of laser.

Here's a link to certified glasses with graphs, beware of cheap Chinese glasses that may not provide the full protection for their advertised range.

Certified Laser Safety Glasses

Thorlabs designs and manufactures components, instruments, and systems for the photonics industry. We provide a portfolio of over 22,000 stocked items, complimented by endless custom solutions enabled by vertical integration. Thorlabs is comprised of 22 wholly owned design and manufacturing...

www.thorlabs.com

EXAMPLE

 

[Externet]

Thanks again; that was also good education. LB rating is a new concept to me and will take some time to understand it clear.

For a case of a 2 watt in the range of 405 to 450 nm used undersea ! continuous wave for 5 seconds; projected away from the observer operator point, is a filter LG20 as per the Thorlabs chart linked above a reasonable safe choice allowing to discern the surrounding natural environment without any artificial reflective items in it ?

Difficult to ask to a non-diver; but --- do you know of any unexpected unusual scattering/reflection/refraction artifact effect to be aware of ? Example... a passing silverish fish skin bouncing the beam towards the operator

 

[RedCowboy]

Diffuse reflections are much less a hazard than specular as energy decreases by the cube over distance.

Granted anything over 5mw is an eye hazard, however looking at a silverfish, I doubt the diffuse reflection at any distance over 1 meter, from a 2W 450nm would do any damage, of course if you're operating underwater equipment, you should be aware of the possibility of a momentary bright flash, much like the sun reflecting off a chrome bumper or window and how that could affect what you're doing.