Is the Laser Safety Halo Safe for Human Exposure? Here’s What Mining and Industrial Sites Need to Know
At Incident Zero, safety is more than a feature—it’s the foundation of our products. One of our most common questions from mining and heavy industrial clients relates to the Laser Safety Halo system and the potential risks associated with laser exposure.
In particular, we’re often asked:
How close can a person be to the laser without being at risk?
Are there official health studies or safety certifications that confirm this laser is safe for human use?
Let’s answer these questions directly—starting with the facts about laser classifications.
1. How Close Can You Be to a Class 2 Laser?
The Laser Safety Halo uses a Class 2 laser, which emits visible light and is regulated for safe use around humans under standard operating conditions.
The key points:
Class 2 lasers are considered safe for direct viewing for up to 0.25 seconds—this is the duration of the human aversion response (blinking or turning away).
There is no hazardous effect at any practical working distance under normal use, including close proximity or incidental exposure.
A person can be within centimeters of the beam without risk—as long as they do not intentionally stare into the beam.
The maximum output power of a Class 2 laser is less than 1 milliwatt (mW)—too low to cause harm from brief exposure.
In simple terms: you can walk near, under, or through the laser line safely. The only theoretical risk would be to deliberately override your natural blink reflex and stare directly into the beam for an extended period—something highly unlikely in a dynamic industrial environment.
2. Real-World Use and Global Safety Record
Class 2 lasers are routinely used in everyday life:
Barcode scanners in supermarkets
Industrial scanning systems
Measurement tools
Medical devices
And yes—within many mining, construction, and warehousing operations
Despite billions of Class 2 lasers in global use for over six decades, there has never been a single documented case of eye injury from accidental exposure under normal conditions.
3. What Standards Does Laser Safety Halo Comply With?
The Laser Safety Halo has been independently assessed and is compliant with the most widely accepted global laser safety standards, including:
AS/NZS IEC 60825.1:2014 (Australia and New Zealand)
IEC 60825-1:2014 Ed. 3 and A11:2021 (Global standard)
These standards include built-in laser risk assessments and exposure limits—meaning the classification itself serves as the risk evaluation. No separate risk assessment is typically required for Class 2 laser products.
Every Safety Halo system is shipped with a printed and digital User Guide that outlines:
Laser safety warnings
Beam divergence and technical data
Proper installation instructions
Certification information
4. Still Have Concerns? Speak to the Global Laser Safety Authority
For clients who want additional assurance, we recommend contacting:
Casey Stack
Founder, Laser Compliance Inc.
Vice Chair & Co-author – IEC Laser Safety Standards
📧 casey@lasercompliance.com
📞 +1 801 971 7160
Casey is one of the most respected experts in laser compliance worldwide and helped author the very standards we follow.
Conclusion: Certified Safety, Trusted Technology
Laser Safety Halo is not just compliant—it’s proven. Backed by decades of safe use, international standards, and robust design, our system ensures human-machine separation while protecting your team from harm.
Whether you’re running a mining operation, warehouse, or logistics hub, you can trust the Laser Safety Halo to keep your people safe—even when working in close proximity to the laser.
Would you like the full compliance pack? We can provide:
IP Rating Certificates
Explosive Gas (ATEX) Compliance
FCC & ICC Electrical Safety Certificates
Just let us know.
Need help with documentation or want to see the system in action?
Contact our team today.