C. Eugene Moss

A Radiation and Industrial Hygiene Survey of Video Display Terminal Operations

Radiation surveys were performed on 136 terminals of some 530 in use at three different sites. Researchers measured both ionizing and nonionizing radiation. In the industrial hygiene survey, samples of workroom air were analyzed to determine worker exposure to selected airborne chemical contaminants. The results of these tests demonstrated that the VDT operators included in this investigation were not exposed to hazardous levels of radiation or chemical agents.

Safety recommendations for laser pointers

The use of laser diode pointers that operate in the visible radiation region (400-760 nm) is becoming widespread. These pointers are intended for use by educators while presenting talks in the classroom or at conventions and meetings. They are also useful in any situation where one needs to point out special items during any instructive situation. The pointers can be purchased in novelty stores, mail-order magazines, office supply stores, common electronic stores, and over the internet. The power omitted by these laser pointers ranges from 1 to 5 mW. The potential for hazard with laser pointers is generally considered to be limited to the unprotected eyes of individuals who might be exposed by a direct beam (intrabeam viewing). No skin hazard usually exists. There are, however, even more powerful laser pointers now appearing. The units are imported into the U.S. often without proper manufacturer certification or labeling. The potential for hazards with these devices is not well understood by the general public and workers, and numerous exposure incidents have been recorded by the authors. Users of these products need to be alerted to the potential hazards and be encouraged to follow appropriate safety recommendations. These factors are discussed and safety recommendations for laser pointers are presented.

Optical Radiation Hazards of Laser Welding Processes Part 1: Neodymium-YAG Laser

High power laser devices are being used for numerous metalworking processes such as welding, cutting and heat treating. Such laser devices are totally enclosed either by the manufacturer or the end-user. When this is done, the total laser system is usually certified by the manufacturer following the federal requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1040.10 and 10.40.11 as a Class I laser system. Similarly, the end-user may also reclassify an enclosed high-power laser into the Class I category following the requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z-136.1 (1980) standard. There are, however, numerous industrial laser applications where Class IV systems are required to be used in an unenclosed manner. In such applications, there is concern for both ocular and skin hazards caused by direct and scattered laser radiation, as well as potential hazards caused by the optical radiation created by the laser beams interaction with the metal (i.e. the plume radiation). Radiant energy measurements are reported for both the scattered laser radiation and the resultant plume radiations which were produced during typical unenclosed Class IV Neodymium-YAG laser welding processes. Evaluation of the plume radiation was done with both radiometric and spectroradiometric measurement equipment. The data obtained were compared to applicable safety standards.

Laser accidents: A fifty-year review of medical and non-medical exposure C101

Advancements in the optical area have greatly increased the widespread use of lasers, in many technical areas. However, the increasing use of lasers in such areas often brings concerns for health and safety issues. The authors have discussed these concerns in previous presentations to the International Laser Safety Conference using results obtained from the Rockwell Laser Incident Database (RLID). Such presentations have shown the types of accidents that arise when workers use lasers. This particular presentation will use information from the expanded RLID to compare laser incidents from medical and non-medical cases. No data will be used that -involves laser pointer or Federal Aviation Agency cases.Advancements in the optical area have greatly increased the widespread use of lasers, in many technical areas. However, the increasing use of lasers in such areas often brings concerns for health and safety issues. The authors have discussed these concerns in previous presentations to the International Laser Safety Conference using results obtained from the Rockwell Laser Incident Database (RLID). Such presentations have shown the types of accidents that arise when workers use lasers. This particular presentation will use information from the expanded RLID to compare laser incidents from medical and non-medical cases. No data will be used that -involves laser pointer or Federal Aviation Agency cases.

Optical radiation levels produced by single-phase direct arc furnaces

Radiometric and spectroradiometric measurements of three similar 1700 kW single-phase direct arc electric furnaces revealed that optical radiation hazards could exist for furnace workers in unshielded work areas unless proper safety precautions are taken. The measurements indicate that over 95% of the optical radiation produced by such furnaces at the end of their charge cycle is infrared radiation. The optical measurement protocol is outlined and suggestions are presented to reduce potential optical radiation hazards.

An Overview Of The National Institute For Occupational Safety And Health (NIOSH) Activity In Nonionizing Radiation

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a major component of the Center for Disease Control in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (DHEW). Headquarters for NIOSH are located in Rockville, Maryland, with laboratory facilities in Morgantown, West Virginia and Cincinnati, Ohio. NIOSH has approximately 900 employees with about 60% located in Cincinnati.