2 May 2018
Do you know the hidden dangers of laser pointers?
The University’s health and safety team are appealing to staff and students across campus to be extremely cautious when using laser pointers.
The move follows reports of a number of dangerous incidents taking place on campus as a result of these devices being used inappropriately.
Follow the Health and Safety team’s top tips to ensure you use a laser pointer safely and effectively:
- Only buy laser pens from UK based suppliers
- Never point a laser pen at someone
- Check if your laser pointer is graded Class 1 or 2 (only these are permitted to be used as teaching aids at the University)
- Check your laser pen has this label:
The misuse of laser pointers is a serious disciplinary matter for both staff and students at the University.
Hugh Weaver Deputy Health and Safety Manager says: “Laser pointers can be very valuable aids for teaching and learning across campus, but it is important that staff and students understand that they are extremely powerful and can cause significant damage. Last year nearly 150 people in the UK suffered eye injuries as a result of misusing laser pointers.”
If you’re not sure how powerful your laser pointer is, you can get it tested by contacting Rebecca Ford, Laser Safety Support Administrator, at r.a.ford@lboro.ac.uk.
Further guidance about laser pointer safety is available online.
For more information, contact the Health and Safety team at hse@lboro.ac.uk or by ringing 01509 222181.