What type of laser requires direct supervision during use?

Class 3B lasers require direct supervision during use due to the potential for eye hazard and the risk of skin injury. These lasers can produce direct beams that are hazardous, particularly if viewed directly or if the beam reflects off a surface. The supervision is critical to ensure that safety protocols are followed, that appropriate protective eyewear is used, and that unauthorized personnel are kept at a safe distance from the operational area.

This level of oversight is necessary because, while Class 3B lasers can cause injuries, they do not have the same extreme hazards as Class 4 lasers. Class 4 lasers not only pose risks similar to Class 3B but also present additional dangers, such as fire hazards and the potential to cause significant damage to skin and other materials. For Class 1 and Class 2 lasers, the safety risks are considerably lower, making direct supervision unnecessary. Class 1 lasers are inherently safe under normal operating conditions, and Class 2 lasers, while they can potentially cause harm, are designed to be safe when used properly with minimal risk of injury in typical situations.