• What control measures will used to mitigate risks?
• What standard/regulations does a laser show company
adhere to? (Such as ANSI Z136, IEC and/or CFR 1040.10
and .11)
See if they know what acronyms M.P.E. (maximum per-
missible exposure) or N.H.Z (nominal hazard zone) stand
for.
It is always a good idea ask for references from other clients
they have worked with before and ask to see insurance cer-
tificates.
Examples of Control Measures:
Engineering control measures usually refer to projector de-
sign. In the US projectors are required to comply to CFR
1040.10 and .11. They must have protective housing, prop-
er labels, an emission indicator light, remote interlock, key
switch and/or computer coded access and manual reset are
examples of engineering control measures. There has been
an influx in recent years of non-compliant laser projectors
turns on - when it ‘hears’ music that this is an ‘illegal’, non-com-
pliant projector? Only an operator can active/turn on a laser.
An audio activation card should only enable movement of the
laser after an operator has turned on the laser system. If your
lasers are imported from China with this feature – return it for
a refund!
Procedural control measures are actions taken by the LSO/
Operator to ensure risks are mitigated. Examples of proce-
dural control measures are announcing to crew when zoning
is about to begin, assigning crew to assist in watching beam
path during alignment, knowing where e-Stop buttons are,
educating crew on laser hazards, completing safety checklist
to verify lasers are mounted securely, verify beam blocks are
locked into place, and ‘mask’ around aperture, if needed, to
avoid beams hitting unwanted reflective objects.
Event producers are expected to provide administrative
support to the laser operator who is the on-site Laser Safety
Officer. If the laser operator requests crew to assist them by
watching the beam path at any time please provide someone
or if the operator requests no one be present
during zoning it is imperative that producers
support these requests.
Fun Fact: Is it ever ok to project lasers into au-
diences? Yes, this effect can be done – BUT in
the US a laser company MUST have an audience
scanning variance! If they cannot produce an
audience scanning variance – which must be
renewed every 2-3 years – then they cannot
legally provide this effect. Audience scanning
variances do not qualify for auto renewal!
Laser show companies that have audience scan-
ning variances are required to take certain pre-
cautions and extra measures to ensure this effect
is done safely. There several different tech-
niques used – some are as simple as a diffrac-
tion grating filter that the laser projects thru; oth-
er systems involve special lenses and/or special
software that monitor the speed of scanners and
power of the laser to ensure safety. Be aware
that if the effect is too bright to enjoy then the
power may not be adjusted correctly. Ask your
laser operator to produce the measurements
they are supposed to take at closest area where
the audience can be exposed.
from other countries; meaning these lasers have not been re-
ported as certified via a product report to the FDA. Ask your
laser company to show you the certification label on the lasers
they will be using to be sure the laser projectors they use are
compliant with 21 CFR 1040.10 and .11 (https://www.fda.gov/
downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuid-
ance/GuidanceDocuments/UCM095304.pdf)
Fun Fact: Did you know if a laser is automatically activated -
Fun Fact: Lasers are so special they should be on
all the time and at the same time with other stage lighting,
right?
Wrong – lasers used well are often limited to the peak mo-
ment of a show or event (rather like pyro) and look best if not
competing with other stage lighting. A good lighting de-
signer will want to work closely with a laser show operator/
designer to get the most dramatic effect and value for the in-
vestment for your production.
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