LASER SAFETY - THE USERS PROBLEMS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SOLUTIONS

The findings of an interview programme carried out with a representati ve sample of the UK laser community in order to establish their proble ms and requirements with regard to laser safety is reported The sample comprised laser manufacturers, laser users and inspectors of the UK H ealth and Safety Executive (HSE). The results indicated that 80% of in terviewees had experienced problems in using the current UK Laser Safe ty Standards. The usefulness of these Standards is reduced when the br oader laser user community is considered. Analysis of user requirement s highlighted the importance of laser application-orientated laser saf ety material and training. Some areas of laser safety were identified as requiring further investigation.