Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ames!ucsd!rutgers!caip.rutgers.edu!scarter From: scarter@caip.rutgers.edu (Stephen M. Carter) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans Subject: Re: IR ethernets Keywords: infrared, lasers, safety Message-ID: Date: 30 Mar 89 07:29:59 GMT References: <22125@agate.BERKELEY.EDU> Reply-To: scarter@caip.rutgers.edu (Stephen M. Carter) Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J. Lines: 23 In article <22125@agate.BERKELEY.EDU> macklin@garnet.berkeley.edu (Macklin Burnham) writes: >What about the issue of laser safety? The LACE unit has a 20mw laser in it, >and is classified as a class III-b device. How do you prevent someone from >looking into the transmitter long enough to incur retinal damage? Our >applications would involve unattended operation of these boxes on rooftops, >and I'm seeking reassurance that the transmitted beam is not powerful enough, >or not tightly enough focused,to present a hazard. I asked the installer this question. He stated that they are considered safe at about 20 feet. He advised not going up to the front of the unit and looking into the beam, but other than that they should cause no harm. Being that they are rooftop devices, you need only plan the mounts such that you keep safety in mind. This shouldn't be to difficult for most roof tops (eg use back corners). Stephen Carter Rutgers - CAIP PS: They focus the units at the factory for your desired distance such that the beam is about 6 foot diameter on the other end, if that helps any caculations.