A few times I have been told that people are using a piece of cloth to cover windows when they are using a laser. They believe that since the window is blocked to light that a laser beam will not pass through. This is NOT a true statement! This would be similar to saying, "I'm wearing a coat, so a bullet can't go through". In order to protect yourself from a bullet, you need o bulletproof vest or bulletproof windows. If you want to protect yourself, your staff, and visitors from a laser beam, you need certified laser protective materials.
Most Class 4 and many Class 3B lasers present an eye hazard over very long distances. Therefore, it is imperative to have comprehensive laser safety protection in place wherever they are present. Ordinary curtains are rarely capable of stopping a laser beam and specially designed blocking products are required.
Lasers are often added to a Healthcare Program without adequate window safety/protection. As a result, this puts the healthcare facility, its workers, patients, and visitors at significant risk of laser injury.
Laser blocking blinds are a simple way to cover a window. They are relatively easy to install and easy to clean. The blinds can be mounted around the frame of the window, or they can be mounted inside a recessed area. The operation of the blind is controlled by a chain (most common) or crank handle. We also offer motorized blinds that can be controlled wirelessly.
The blind is built into a white finish aluminum frame, which encapsulates the top, both edges, and bottom of the blind. This eliminates the possibility of laser beams passing around the sides of the blind, blocks out direct light, and provides a neat finish.
The material used in the blinds is CE marked and certified to EN 60825-4 (Safety of Laser Products Part 4: Laser Guards).
It is vital that the roller blinds are certified and the material has been tested to the relevant laser safety standards. If non-compliant material were to be used - for example - untested, uncertified sun-blocking material, this may have the potential to allow laser beams to penetrate the blind and consequently may cause harm to personnel and/or equipment.
Please contact us with any questions you have regarding laser blocking blinds or other laser needs you may have at 770.332.0092 or contact@rtlasersafety.com.
