Reducing hazards of consumer laser pointer misuse

Abstract

This paper begins with a review of significant laser pointer news since ILSC 2017. These include new laws in the U.K., Canada and Switzerland; an MIT-developed laser pointer detection system, the SAE-published ARP6378 with pilot mitigation recommendations, a review of 111 laser pointer eye injuries worldwide, the status of FDA’s 2016 proposal to allow only red laser pointers, and the new LaserIncidents.com website that lists known databases that compile laser incidents and accidents.The paper then looks at methods for reducing the number and severity of laser pointer incidents. For example, Australia and New Zealand have laws severely restricting ownership of laser pointers over 1 mW. In Australia, aircraft illumination incidents increased significantly after the 2008 ban and currently are roughly equal to U.S. incidents on a per capita basis. In New Zealand, aircraft incidents increased after a ban went into effect in 2014. The ARP6378 document cites pilots as the last line of defense. Pilot education, training and protective eyewear/windscreens are discussed in the document. Changes in labeling are suggested. The usefulness of prosecuting laser offenders is discussed. A summary is given of a Jan. 2019 symposium in Tokyo, seeking new laws and ideas for reducing aircraft incidents, consumer eye injuries, and injuries from laser cosmetic devices. Finally, suggested directions for future research are given.This paper begins with a review of significant laser pointer news since ILSC 2017. These include new laws in the U.K., Canada and Switzerland; an MIT-developed laser pointer detection system, the SAE-published ARP6378 with pilot mitigation recommendations, a review of 111 laser pointer eye injuries worldwide, the status of FDA’s 2016 proposal to allow only red laser pointers, and the new LaserIncidents.com website that lists known databases that compile laser incidents and accidents.The paper then looks at methods for reducing the number and severity of laser pointer incidents. For example, Australia and New Zealand have laws severely restricting ownership of laser pointers over 1 mW. In Australia, aircraft illumination incidents increased significantly after the 2008 ban and currently are roughly equal to U.S. incidents on a per capita basis. In New Zealand, aircraft incidents increased after a ban went into effect in 2014. The ARP6378 document cites pilots as the last line of defense. Pilot education, t...