1. Before You Begin
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12/7/2010 9:44 AM
Laser Safety and Operating Instructions
Laser Light is different from any other light sources with which you may be familiar. The light from
this product can potentially cause eye injury if not set up and used properly. Laser light is
thousands of times more concentrated than light from any other kind of light source. This
concentration of light can cause instant eye injuries, primarily by burning the retina (the light
sensitive portion at the back of the eye). Even if you cannot feel “heat” from a laser beam, it can
still potentially injure or blind you or your audience. Even very small amounts of laser light are
potentially hazardous even at long distances. Laser eye injuries can happen quicker than you can
blink.
It is incorrect to think that because these laser entertainment products split the laser into
hundreds of beams that the laser beam is scanned out in high speed, that an individual laser
beam is safe for eye exposure. This laser product uses dozens of milliwatts of laser power (Class
3B levels internally) before it splits into multiple beams (Class 3R levels). Many of the individual
beams are potentially hazardous to the eyes.
It is also incorrect to assume that because the laser light is moving, it is safe. This is not true.
Nor, do the laser beams always move. Since eye injuries can occur instantly, it is critical to
prevent the possibility of any direct eye exposure. In the laser safety regulation, it is not legal to
aim Class 3R lasers in areas which people can get exposed. This is true even if it is aimed below
people’s faces, such as on a dance floor.
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Do not operate the laser without first reading and understanding all safety and technical
data in this manual.
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Always set up and install all laser effects so that all laser light is at least 3 meters (9.8 feet)
above the floor on which people can stand. See “Proper Usage” section later in this manual.
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After set up, and prior to public use, test laser to ensure proper function. Do not use if any
defect is detected. Do not use if laser emits only one or two laser beams rather than
dozens/hundreds, as this could indicate damage to the diffraction grating optic, and could
allow emission of higher laser levels above Class 3R.
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Do not point lasers at people or animals.
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Never look into the laser aperture or laser beams.
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Do not point lasers in areas in which people can potentially get exposed, such as
uncontrolled balconies, etc.
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Do not point lasers at highly reflective surfaces, such as windows, mirrors and shiny metal.
Even laser reflections can be hazardous.
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Never point a laser at aircraft, this is a federal offense.
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Never point un-terminated laser beams into the sky.
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Do not expose the output optic (aperture) to cleaning chemicals.
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Do not use laser if the laser appears to be emitting only one or two beams.
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Do not use the laser if the housing is damaged, open, or if the optics appear damaged in
any way.
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Never open the laser housing. The high laser power levels inside of the protective housing
can start fires, burn skin and will cause instant eye injury.
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Never leave this device running unattended.
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The operation of a class 3R laser show is only allowed if the show is controlled by a skilled
and well-trained operator, familiar with the data included in this manual.
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The legal requirements for using laser entertainment products vary from country to country.
The user is responsible for the legal requirements at the location/country of use.
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Always use appropriate lighting safety cables when hanging lights and effects overhead.
Stop and read all laser safety data.
