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Laser Accident Database

Laser Accident Database

Laser Accident Detail

The laser accident database maintained by Rockwell Laser Industries has been gathered from a broad range of sources since 1964. By studying this data, the laser community as a whole can promote the safe and knowledgeable use of lasers and prevent similar events from occurring in their own facilities.

For more information about the laser accident database, please contact us via email or call an RLI representative at (800) 94-LASER.

 

Laser Accident Database

Case:
Year:
Country: 
5315
1979
USA
 

During alignment of laser on production line through an opening in the top. During adjustment, eyewear slid up as he leaned over. Reflection from test paper went into eye causing a bright afterimage lasting 20 minutes and faded into a central scotoma.

Case:
Year:
Country: 
5316
1978
USA
 

During work on a laser production line, person bent over to adjust beam when reflection from a Brewster's window went into right eye causing immediate visual blur and scotoma. Power into eye estimated at 25 mW.

Case:
Year:
Country: 
5317
1979
USA
 

During assembly of laser on production line person removed safety screen to align beam. Beam was directed on liquid stream. Reflection from stream went into eye causing scotoma. Testing revealed visual defect that remained at 16 months.

Case:
Year:
Country: 
5318
1988
USA
 

No eyewear used during alignment task. There were reportedly five individuals involved but only one with a possible retinal lesion.

Case:
Year:
Country: 
5319
1992
USA
 

Shell on foot peddle connector broke off. Nurse attempted to plug cable into receptacle w/o shell for alignment.

Case:
Year:
Country: 
5320
1991
USA
 

Individual exposed in right eye during alignment. No protective eyewear used. Partial loss of vision reported.

Case:
Year:
Country: 
5321
1990
USA
 

Technician inadvertently opened shutter to CO2 with beam focused onto hand. Reported massive swelling. Did not loose hand or fingers but still has loss of feeling in hand.

Case:
Year:
Country: 
5322
1980
USA
 

Technician sustained retinal burn in left eye. Physician recorded burn area on slides. Resulted in vision loss. Later exam showed repigmentation of scar area. Injury may have been caused by other exposures to lasers (he was a hunter/shooter).

Case:
Year:
Country: 
5323
1992
USA
 

Researcher received an accidental exposure during alignment. Opthalmic exam confirmed retinal burn in upper medial quadrant of right eye. No foveal damage. At 2 mo's, a 20% translucency remains in field of view. Beam reflected from silicon caused incident.

Case:
Year:
Country: 
5324
1987
USA
 

A summer research assistant was doing alignment on argon/dye laser located under optical bench. Beam was coming upwards and person was located above the bench looking downward. Using no eyewear, looked into beam. Immediate retinal burn.

    
 

 

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