Laser/Optical Radiation Producing Equipment

TB 430133

(21) Familiarize maintenance personnel with the potential hazards associated

with the RF equipment they maintain (CECOMR 38517, paragraph 9.a).

(22) Maintenance personnel should use dummy loads or closed loop configu-

rations rather than generating potentially hazardous free space radiation indoors during

testing. If free space radiation is required, mount the antenna either on the roof or at a

height such that the antenna and potentially hazardous beam are inaccessible to per-

sonnel. Consult the applicable TM for more information (CECOMR 38517, para-

graphs 9.b and 9.c).

(23) Designate individual(s) to be notified in the event of emergencies (i.e.,

equipment or safety device malfunction, potential exposures, or suspected accidental

exposures), (AR 405, paragraphs 99.a.2.(e)).

(24) Review, coordinate and ensure investigations pertaining to reports of ac-

cidents or incidents involving RF radiation producing equipment are performed and re-

ported (DoDI 6055.11, Enclosure 5, Paragraphs 5.a through 5.c; DASG Memorandum,

11 April 1994, paragraph 8.; AR 405, paragraphs 99.a.(2)(b)3, and 912.a through

912.c).

6. Laser/Optical Radiation Producing Equipment. The following provides general

guidance for the safe use of optical and laser radiation producing equipment. It is based

upon the guidance of a number of regulations, and upon a "common sense" approach

to safety. For more details, consult the applicable references listed in Appendix A.

a. Laser/High Intensity Optical Radiation Hazards. Lasers and equipment

generating high intensity optical radiation can be a hazard to personnel. The radiant in-

tensities typically produced by lasers are of magnitudes that could previously be ap-

proached only by the sun, nuclear weapons, burning magnesium, or arc lights (TB MED

524, paragraph 21). The type of hazard present depends upon both the intensity and

the wavelength of the light. Skin damage can occur at wavelengths between 315 nano-

meters (nm) and 1 millimeter (mm) (TB MED 524, paragraph 21). Dependent upon the

intensity of the exposure, anything from skin reddening to blistering and charring can

occur. The most vulnerable organ to injury is the eye. Once again, the kind of potential

damage depends upon the wavelength and intensity of the radiation. Because lasers

can concentrate light into a very narrow beam of radiation, the potential for injury from

them is greater than that from a high intensity optical radiation source of the same out-

put power. A brief description of the hazards associated with the different wavelength

ranges follows:

(1) Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation (200 400 nm). UV radiation is the most com-

mon cause of light induced ocular injury. It is invisible to the human eye (Occupational

Health, The Soldier and the Industrial Base, 1993, pages 272 273). The primary haz-

ards from this wavelength range are: damage to either the lens or the cornea of the

eye. Long term, low level and short term, high level exposures can cause corneal and

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