Re: laser pointer eye damage

I just bought a cheap 5 mW green pointer for experimenting with aiming my scope. Works very well but I did notice many 20 to 100 mW pointers and one even claiming to be a 300 mW unit (my understanding is that focused a 300 mW beam can even be used to etch/cut aluminum).

Even with the 5 mW low power unit I would never aim it so that I or any one around me would get the beam in their eye. It's indeed scary that some manufacturers are so irresponsible.

Most Laser manufacturers put warning lables on their products, however, the smaller the product, the smaller the odds of a warning lable.

As for our crowd, thier are a variety of Laser ponters available, and of course, no matter how low powered it may be, it is a single frequency tight beam so don't point it into anyone's eyes.

In the construction industry OSHA requires us to post Warning "Laser in Use" signs no where any Laser is in use.

Steve
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