Laser Safety Eyewear - Basics for workers

Laser safety eyewear is the last line of defence between a worker and the laser beam. In the hierarchy of controls it sits at the bottom; it is the least effective control available, and it only works when the appropriate eyewear is used, the eyewear fits correctly, the eyewear is not damaged, and workers are compliant with wearing eyewear. Supplying safety eyewear is the responsibility of the PCBU or employer (Safework Australia, 2025), usually with input from a laser safety officer, the equipment manufacturer, or a qualified professional. Although it is not the job of the worker to figure out which eyewear is correct. If there is ever any uncertainty, it is important for the worker to stop and ask prior to any exposure to the laser. This is important because there is no one-size-fits-all approach and every pair of laser safety eyewear must be tailored to the laser system in use.

Understanding Markings on Laser Safety Eyewear

Marking systems in Australia, may relate to the current system: AS/NZS ISO 19818.1:2023, and an older system AS/NZS 1337.4:2011

Eyewear marked to the AS/NZS ISO 19818.1:2023 show

• The wavelength or wavelength range, in nanometres (nm) — for example 630–660. This is the band the filter is certified to protect against.

• Optical density (OD) describes how strongly the filter reduces transmittance of light at that wavelength Under this standard the optical density must be defined for each wavelength the eyewear is intended for. Where the eyewear covers a continuous range of wavelengths, the value marked is the minimum optical density across that whole range (Standards Australia, 2023).

• A letter for the laser emission type — C (continuous), P (pulsed), S (short pulsed) or U (ultra-short pulsed).

• A reference to the standard

The older system: AS/NZS 1337.4:2011 which is equivalent to EN 207

Eyewear imported into Australia may be marked to the older European scheme. It will show:

• The wavelength or wavelength range, in nanometres (nm) 

• A scale number written as LB followed by a digit from 1 to 10. Similar to optical density, this relates to the ability of a lens to filter out a specific wavelength. 

• A letter for the operating mode — D (continuous wave), I (pulsed), R (Q switch) or M (mode-coupled).

• A reference to the standard 

Workers are not expected to know which standard the workplace has specified. However there must be a marking, and it must be legible. Laser safety glasses without a marking are not fit to use. 

Importance of Fit

Not wearing eye protection is a well-documented factor in avoidable laser eye injuries, however poorly fitting eyewear has also been implicated (Barat, 2022; Biswas & Kaliyadan, 2026; Jbara et al., 2023), Laser safety eyewear is only effective if it is worn 100% of the time whilst there is a potential for laser irradiation. A poorly fitting frame may not only be uncomfortable, it may result in gaps where laser radiation can enter the eye (Jbara et al., 2023). Workers should check that their eyewear sits close to the face, has no obvious gaps and does not fall off. PCBUs and employers have a legal duty to ensure personal protective equipment is a suitable fit for the worker wearing it (Safe Work Australia, 2025). If a worker notices their protective eyewear does not fit properly, then this should be raised with a supervisor who will need to source an alternative. An example of this may be a spectacle wearer who requires a frame that accommodates their prescription eyewear. 

Cleaning and Inspection

Laser protective eyewear should be cleaned and inspected on a regular schedule, ideally as a documented part of the workplace’s laser safety management plan (Wamsley et al., 2021). Harsh cleaning agents and solvents can degrade lens coatings and filter materials (Wamsley et al., 2021). Workers should always follow cleaning procedures specified by the manufacturer. During the inspection of laser safety eyewear, workers should look for lens scratches and discolouration, cracking of the frame, and damage to straps or hinges that could affect how the eyewear sits on the face (Glover & Richer, 2023; Wamsley et al., 2021).Whilst this may be the duty of the PCBU or employer, if a worker identifies any of these issues they should report it to a supervisor immediately.

Storage

Laser protective eyewear should be stored in an accessible location outside the controlled area, so it can be put on before entering the hazard zone. Workers should ensure eyewear is stored in a manner to avoid scratching the lenses; this may involve keeping frames in protective cases, or storing the frames with the lenses facing upwards. Goggles should not be hung by their straps and similarly, spectacle-style eyewear, should not be hung by the arms. Over time this may result in a frame that no longer fits properly (Barat, 2022).

Key Points

Workers must ensure the following with laser protective eyewear:

1. The markings are present and legible 

2. The laser safety eyewear is free of scratches, cracks, discolouration

3. They are using the correct laser safety eyewear for the laser and task as provided by their employer or PCBU.

4.  If unsure always ask

References

AS/NZS 2211.1:2004 Safety of laser products - Equipment classification, requirements and user’s guide (IEC 60825-1:2001, MOD) SUPERSEDED. In: Standards Australia,.

Barat, K. (2022). Laser safety : practical knowledge and solutions (Second edition. ed.). IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/978-0-7503-5504-9

Biswas, K., & Kaliyadan, F. (2026). Ocular Complications of Cosmetic Laser Use in Patients and Treating Doctors/Estheticians: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 17(3), 340–346. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_26_25

Glover, C., & Richer, V. (2023). Preventing Eye Injuries From Light and Laser-Based Dermatologic Procedures: A Practical Review. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 27(5), 509–515. https://doi.org/10.1177/12034754231191064

Jbara, D., Tiuseco, K., & Azar, D. (2023). Unintentional macular injury following high-energy cosmetic laser calibration. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 55(2), 159–163. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23630

Safework Australia. (2025). Model WHS Regulations.  Retrieved from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-whs-regulations

Standards Australia. (2011). AS/NZS 1337.4:2011 Eye and face protection, Part 4: Filters and eye protectors against laser radiation (laser eye-protectors). In.

Standards Australia. (2022). Safety of laser products, Part 14: A user’s guide. In: Standards Australia.

Standards Australia. (2023). AS/NZS ISO 19818.1:2023 Eye and face protection - Protection against laser radiation, Part 1: Requirements and test methods. In.

Wamsley, C. E., Hoopman, J., & Kenkel, J. M. (2021a). The Role of the Laser Safety Officer and Laser Safety Programs in Clinical Practice. Aesthetic surgery journal, 41(11), 1550–1554. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa239

Wamsley, C. E., Hoopman, J., & Kenkel, J. M. (2021b). Safety Guidelines Concerning the Use of Protective Eyewear and Gauze During Laser Procedures. Aesthetic surgery journal, 41(10), 1179–1185. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa233