Laser Safety Face Shields: What Are They and Why Do You Need Them?

Laser safety face shields are specialized protective equipment designed to shield the face and eyes from the potential hazards of laser radiation. Laser radiation can cause serious damage to the skin and eyes, such as burns, blisters, scars, cataracts, and blindness. Therefore, it is essential to wear appropriate laser safety gear when working with or near lasers.

Laser safety face shields are constructed using materials that have been specifically chosen for their ability to block or absorb specific wavelengths of laser light. Different types of lasers emit different wavelengths of light, ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR). Each wavelength has a different level of penetration and interaction with the human tissue. For example, UV lasers can cause photochemical damage to the skin and eyes, while IR lasers can cause thermal damage to the skin and eyes. Therefore, different laser safety face shields are needed for different laser applications.

Laser safety face shields feature a durable and replaceable screen that provides visibility while offering a reliable barrier against harmful laser beams. The screen is a special filter that reflects or absorbs the laser light, depending on the wavelength and the optical density (OD) of the filter. The OD is a measure of how much light is blocked by the filter, and it is usually indicated on the screen. The higher the OD, the more protection the filter provides. For example, a filter with an OD of 5 can block 99.999% of the laser light at a given wavelength.

Laser safety face shields also come with an adjustable head strap and a ratcheting nape strap for a customized fit. They also have a pivot action feature that allows them to be lifted while being worn. 

Laser safety face shields are available for various types of lasers, such as YAG, CO2, UV, Ruby, Diode, Argon, KTP, and more. Each type of laser safety face shield has a different color and a different filter to match the specific laser wavelength and output parameters. For example, a laser safety face shield for YAG and KTP lasers has a green screen that blocks or attenuates the wavelengths of 190-532 nm and 10,000-11,000 nm. A laser safety face shield for UV and CO2 lasers has a clear visor and a filter that blocks or attenuates the wavelengths of 190-375 nm and 10,600 nm.

To choose the right laser safety face shield for your needs, you need to know the following information about your laser:

•  The wavelength or range of wavelengths of the laser light

•  The output power or energy of the laser beam

•  The exposure time or duration of the laser beam

•  The beam diameter or spot size of the laser beam

•  The divergence or spread of the laser beam

Laser safety face shields are an essential part of laser safety and should be worn whenever there is a risk of exposure to laser radiation. They can protect your face and eyes from serious injuries and ensure your safety and comfort while working with or near lasers.