Re: Damage Thresholds

[michael_coogen@hq2ccgw.hq.dla.mil]

     I would contact Dr. David Sliney or Mr. James Franks at the US Army 
     Center For Health Prevention and Preventive Medicine in Aberdeen, MD.  
     You can call 301-671-3502/3526 and ask Ms. Linda Bullis for the number 
     to the laser-micorwave division...Can use my name as a reference.  
     Mike Coogen


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Damage Thresholds
Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at hq2ccgw
Date:    9/19/95 3:46 PM


     
Hello, everyone.
     
Do any of you know of any standards that might provide information 
concerning the amount of damage a laser protective barrier must be able 
to take, yet still protect the system operator? We have a case where the 
operators want to switch from solid plexiglass barriers around a CO2 
laser, and go to cheaper, thinner flexible plastic curtains similar to 
thick shower curtains. True, the thin stuff stops the beam, but it 
probably would burn through in short order. The rigid plexiglass will 
eventually burn through, but not before the operator has enough time to 
shut the machine off. I've checked ANSI Z136.1 and 21 CFR 1040 to no 
avail.
     
     
How long _does_ a barrier have to protect the operator? Inquiring minds 
want to know.
     
Donald P. Mercado, O/47-20, B/106      PROFS Nickname: DMERCADO 
Radiation Safety Officer        Internet: Don@LMSC.Lockheed.com 
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space            Tel. (408) 742-0759 
Sunnyvale, Ca 94089                         Fax. (408) 742-0611