Posted By Euan Could anyone point me in the right direction for information on the precuations to be taken (and any paperwork/registration etc that may be required) in relation to using lasers? The type of laser in question would be a diode laser, running off a normal 13 amp socket, with a power output in the range of 500mw - 2.5w - used as part of a lighting show in a pantomime. many thanks, Euan

Posted By Dave Daniel There are British and US standards for lasers - which tend to get very technical and theoretical. You need first to determine the classification of your system. On the face of it this is a Class 3-4 system (eye hazard from direct/indirect viewing) but there may be factors that result in this system being downgraded - eg it might scan and not remain static burning a hole in someone's eyeball. The power alone is not enough. You need to know about the focussing arrangments etc etc. I got heavily involved in power lasers (2-3kW beams) some years ago, and ended up developing some standards for their use in welding and metal cutting on robots. Much of the highly theoretical BS and ANSI/NIOSH standards went out the window! Dave Daniel, Consultant, Coventry dave-daniel@drdservices.swinternet.co.uk