Table of Contents
- Legal Framework: The Importance of FAA Compliance
- Practical Challenges of Outdoor Laser Use
- Environmental Factors Affecting Laser Performance
- Entertainment Applications: Light Shows and Events
- Industrial and Scientific Applications
Lasers have become an increasingly popular tool for a variety of outdoor applications, from scientific research to large-scale entertainment events. However, their powerful beams, such as those from
laser light projectors and outdoor laser lights, can pose significant safety risks if not properly managed.
The ANSI Z136.6-2015: Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors standard offers a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure that lasers are used responsibly and safely in open environments. By following these guidelines, operators can prevent accidents and comply with important federal regulations like those set by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In this blog, we’ll explore real-world cases of outdoor laser use, review the risks involved, and explain how the ANSI Z136.6-2015 guidelines can mitigate those dangers.
Legal Framework: The Importance of FAA Compliance
One of the most critical legal aspects of laser use outdoors is ensuring that the beams, like those from laser beam lights, do not interfere with aircraft. According to U.S.C. TITLE 18, CHAPTER 2 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a federal offense. The law was established after several incidents where lasers temporarily blinded or distracted pilots, putting passengers and crew at risk. Given the range and strength of outdoor lasers, such as lazer lights, this is a particularly pressing issue.
For example, in 2015, a high-powered green laser was aimed at a commercial jet flying over New York, forcing the pilots to divert the plane’s path. The incident sparked renewed calls for stricter regulation of outdoor lasers and underscored the importance of following FAA guidelines. It’s now mandatory for operators of lasers used in environments where aircraft are present to notify regional FAA offices prior to any activity that could impact air traffic.
Practical Challenges of Outdoor Laser Use
Unlike indoor environments where walls and ceilings naturally limit a laser beam’s reach, outdoor lasers like laser light projectors have the potential to travel long distances without obstruction. This unrestricted range poses a number of risks, particularly in crowded or public spaces. The diffraction of laser beams can cause them to widen as they travel, increasing the chance that someone will be inadvertently exposed to the beam. This is particularly dangerous at public events like concerts or festivals, where large crowds may be gathered.
The ANSI Z136.6-2015 guidelines address these types of situations by recommending that laser operators map out beam paths carefully, ensuring that lasers are aimed only at designated areas. Additionally, proper diffraction control measures, such as using beam-blocking shields or refractive lenses, can help reduce the risk of stray beams reaching unintended targets.
Environmental Factors Affecting Laser Performance
Outdoor laser use, including outdoor laser lights, is also heavily influenced by atmospheric conditions, which are not a concern for indoor operations. Factors like scintillation, which results from temperature variations in the atmosphere, can cause the laser beam to flicker or change its energy distribution, potentially making it less predictable. Aerosols, such as dust or humidity, can cause attenuation, which alters the wavelength and diminishes the power of the beam.
These conditions were illustrated in a famous case involving a laser communication experiment between Earth and the International Space Station (ISS). In this scenario, upward-facing lasers were used to transmit data to the ISS, but varying atmospheric conditions interfered with the beam’s power, making it difficult to maintain a steady connection. By compensating for factors like scintillation and attenuation, the scientists were able to successfully conduct the experiment.
The ANSI Z136.6-2015 standard advises laser operators to account for these variables, ensuring that lasers are calibrated correctly for outdoor conditions and using weather monitoring systems to predict changes in atmospheric conditions that could affect laser performance.
Entertainment Applications: Light Shows and Events
Outdoor laser lights have become a staple in major events, from music festivals to theme park attractions. These events often require high-powered lasers, such as
laser beam lights, to create dramatic visual effects, especially at night. However, the intense light produced by these lasers can pose serious risks to spectators' eyes, particularly if beams are not properly controlled.
To address this issue, NEWFEEL Laser Company, leveraging years of technical expertise, has developed a "Laser Scanning Fail-Safe Protection" technology. When stage laser lights are equipped with this feature, the laser system will automatically shut down if the laser beam unexpectedly stops scanning. To protect your eyes and those of your customers, it is crucial to ensure that the laser demonstration products you purchase have this "Laser Scanning Fail-Safe Protection" feature, and that this function is verified. All NEWFEEL Laser systems fully comply with the latest EN 60825-1, FDA safety regulations, and TUV laser safety requirements. As a trusted safety partner of many renowned companies, NEWFEEL Laser is your top choice!
The ANSI Z136.6-2015 guidelines emphasize the importance of keeping laser beams confined to specific areas and ensuring that they do not stray into crowds. For example, it is recommended that laser operators use laser scanning systems that automatically adjust beam direction to avoid unintentional exposure. Additionally, signage and barriers can be implemented to keep the audience at a safe distance from the lasers.
Industrial and Scientific Applications
Lasers also play an important role in outdoor scientific research and industrial applications. For example, upward-facing lasers are often used for atmospheric research, such as monitoring ozone levels or mapping weather patterns. These lasers, however, can pose a risk to air traffic if they are not properly managed.
The ANSI Z136.6-2015 standard advises that any project involving upward-facing lasers should coordinate with the FAA or local aviation authorities and use laser control systems that automatically de-activate the lasers when aircraft are nearby.
Conclusion: Safe and Responsible Laser Use
Whether used for entertainment, industrial, or scientific purposes, laser lights and outdoor laser lights provide impressive functionality but also require careful management to ensure safety. From complying with FAA regulations to mitigating risks posed by environmental factors and protecting the public from accidental exposure, the ANSI Z136.6-2015 standard offers the necessary guidelines to make sure lasers are used effectively without posing hazards.
By adhering to these safety standards, laser operators can avoid legal issues, prevent accidents, and make the most of this powerful technology in outdoor environments.