May I ask if anyone has any experience with laser projected virtual walkways. These are walkways or pedestrian crossings or just a red line that are projected onto the floor from an overhead projector or series of projectors. Effectively a laser line.

I know of a waste site in the UK that use these as a visual warning to staff to not cross a certain threshold as there is a drop into a waste pit. I have a client who has the same requirement but as a visual indicator on the floor behind which operational staff must stand when an FLT approaches the work station. In other words an indicator or safe line. Currently this line is painted on the floor but due to the environment the line keeps wearing away and is difficult to maintain particularly in winter.

I have done some research and these systems are readily available in the US, Germany, France & Poland etc BUT I cannot find a supplier in the UK. I am aware of the designations of laser generation and which categories these fall into under UK safety legislation but I cannot find out anything about the legalities of installing such a system in the UK. The HSE have been no help so may I ask if anyone has any experience with this type of system please. HELP!  

Sorry Can’t see the point really if its just a visible line and there is no alarm triggered if you cross it. You do mention painted lines being worn out but what happens if the laser fails due to a power cut or just good old dirt on the projector.

I think that there is also a mistaken belief that you can see a  laser beam: you can’t. The things that you in films etc a special effects added postproduction. To be able to see the beam you need something like smoke or mist which begs the question what happens if the smoke machine fails, or a draught blows away the mist?

And then there is the matter of how safe this beam is? Can it be deflected into someone’s eye. Remember to be clearly visible it will need a certain power level.

Thank you for the opinions. I am well aware of the requirement for separation but for various reasons that are too long winded to explain the staff cannot be separated physically from the operation. Imagine a vehicle being presented onto a work rig by FLT. When the FLT has withdrawn the staff then depollute the vehicle. The critical point is to ensure they are in a safe area when the FLT is operating. Essentially staff and FLT operate in the same space just not at the same time. This isnt a physical deterrent or physical separation as that is not possible this is a visual warning system not a physical prevention to augment the safe protocols already in place. Hope thats clear. :) 

Great advice though especially the website and thats the conclusion I have drawn is that a system like this falls foul of UK laser classification.