Sachin

When working at a construction site it is important to be aware of a few safety precautions as you work.

While there are many dangerous tools you may be handling around the site, lasers are some of the most intense and should be taken seriously when used.

This will ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind next time you use a laser to prevent injury.

1. Never intentionally stare into the laser beam. This could damage your retina or other important areas of your eye and cause potential vision loss. Eyesight deteriorates naturally, so it is best not to help it along.

2. It is important to wear the proper attire in order to protect your skin from burns. Lasers are powerful enough to give you burns ranging from mild sunburn to a blistering rash, so wearing the correct gear is key to your safety.

3. There is a wide of different lasers available. The ones to pay attention to would be the Class 3B and 4 lasers because they can cause significant damage to your skin and eyes. Damage that is done to the cornea often feels like there is sandpaper in the eye and leaves you feeling a bit gritty. If not careful, a laser of this magnitude can also cause blindness.

4. Training will also help you stay safe next time you are working with lasers. These tools are not toys and should be treated as such. Having a Laser Safety Officer or someone knowledgeable about them will help you correctly manage your construction site and avoid accidents.

5. Educate and warn everyone who is going to work on a site about the dangers of lasers. Even though there is no law that people need to be taught or certified before handling lasers, it is in the best interest of the company to teach their employees about them. Not only could this prevent serious injuries, but it could also help retain good employees who feel safe working in a controlled environment.

6. It will be safe and helpful to barricade in the area that is using lasers to ensure the safety of the people working on the site. These tools should be treated carefully, even though most people do not think they are dangerous. Laser may not have the same reputation as power tools, but it is still important to be mindful of them.

7. Ask your employer about what sort of safety equipment you can purchase to wear to work to keep you safe from any potential laser damage. Glasses or other garments will protect you against lasers if you were to come into contact with them.

Written by Kent Murdock, owner of Randy Adams Construction in Columbia, MO. Randy Adams Construction is one of the premiere commercial construction companies in Columbia, MO has to offer.