LaserPointerSafety.com

A laser pointer above 1 milliwatt is a prohibited weapon. It is defined as "A hand-held, battery-operated article designed or adapted to emit a laser beam with an accessible emission limit of greater than 1 mW" according to a list of prohibited weapons.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, someone who points a laser at an aircraft could be charged with a number of different sections, depending upon the circumstances. Some of these sections carry significant penalties, up to and including life imprisonment. These criminal charges could be laid in addition to the sections under the Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Some examples of Criminal Code sections that could be laid are as follows:

• Obstructing Public or Peace Officer, section 129(a), in the case of a law enforcement aircraft being lased
• Common Nuisance, section 180(1)
• Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm / Death, section 221/220(b)
• Assault, section 266
• Assault Cause Bodily Harm, section 267(b)
• Mischief to Property, section 430(1)(b)
• Mischief Endangering Life, section 430(2)

Thanks to Constable Jeffrey Sharp, Laser Project - Airport Division, Peel Regional Police (Pearson International Airport) for this information. He notes that the above "might remove any doubt that this criminal activity will be viewed by police here as a very serious matter."

The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR) prohibit "projecting a bright light source" into airspace.

An interesting section, 601.22, prohibits pilots from intentionally flying into a an area where lasers are in use. This has sometimes been a problem at locations with fixed shows, such as Walt Disney World's nightly Illuminations display at EPCOT. Pilots in small aircraft will "buzz" the show to watch the fireworks and lasers. The lasers then have to be shut down if the aircraft are too close to the beams.

These are from CAR 2009-1. Since laser pointer incidents are ongoing in Canada, you may wish to check online in case these have been changed or superceded.

DIVISION II - AIRCRAFT OPERATING RESTRICTIONS AND HAZARDS TO AVIATION SAFETY

Interpretation

601.14 In this Division, "directed bright light source" - means any directed light source (coherent or non-coherent) including lasers, that may create a hazard to aviation safety or cause damage to an aircraft or injury to persons on board the aircraft; (source lumineuse dirigée de forte intensité)

Projection of Directed Bright Light Source at an Aircraft

601.20 Subject to section 601.21, no person shall project or cause to be projected a bright light source into navigable airspace in such a manner as to create a hazard to aviation safety or cause damage to an aircraft or injury to persons on board the aircraft.

Requirement for Notification

601.21 (1) Any person planning to project or cause to be projected a directed bright light source into navigable airspace with sufficient power to create a hazard to aviation safety shall provide written notification to the Minister before the projection.

(2) On receipt of the notification, the Minister may issue an authorization if the projection of the directed bright light source is not likely to create a hazard to aviation safety.

Requirment for Pilot-in-command

601.22 (1) No pilot-in-command shall intentionally operate an aircraft into a beam from a directed bright light source or into an area where a directed bright light source is projected, unless the aircraft is operated in accordance with an authorization issued by the Minister.

(2) The Minister may issue the authorization if the operation of the aircraft is not likely to create a hazard to aviation safety

As of 1 Jan 2011, possession and use of laser pointers 5 milliwatts and above is restricted by the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority.

Highlights of the law are below. The complete document is available (in Norwegian) from NRPA here.

NORWEGIAN RADIATION PROTECTION AUTHORITY REGULATION 1380

Regulation 29 October 2010 No. 1380 on Radiation Protection and Use of Radiation (Radiation Protection Regulations) came into force on 1 January 2011, and is sanctioned by law, 12 May 2000 No. 36 on Radiation Protection and Use of Radiation (Radiation Protection Act).

The weakest laser pen can be used for purposes of teaching in or out various demonstrations. It is not known that laser pointers that are stronger than approx. 20 milliwatts can be used for anything useful. The effect of laser pointers used to point out constellations and like at night, should not exceed a maximum of 20 milliwatts. The reason is that the beam can destroy the night vision of the spectators so that they can no longer perceive weak starlight.

Although the weak laser pen (also laser class 2) can be illegal when they are part of toy or marketed as toys. This emerges from the Toy Regulations § 11 It has been several tragic accidents involving children and young people have permanent eye damage after playing with lasers.

Public space is a physical area that everyone has access to, such as roads, in nature, shops, schools, restaurants, sports fields, etc. Since the laser beam can be harmful long-distance, the provision for the area that can be taken by the laser. It will therefore involve the requirement for approval to use a laser pointer in a private room if you point out of the room through a window. To possess a laser pointing means to have it with him, for such as in pocket, purse or keeping it in your hand. This also applies if it is in transport.

When the application for approval for laser pointers, requires radiation protection regulations § 10 that shall be made ​​in writing, and § 9 provides NRPA opportunity to set conditions for approval. We have prepared an application form. Below is given some advice for filling in this. It says also the conditions under which the NRPA will focus on when reviewing the application. We do note that the Radiation Protection Authority may revoke approvals are given (§ 11).

Laser Pointers of the older model may be incomplete mark or designed in another way than that required for laser standard.

• If it is clearly marked on the appliance in manual or accompanying papers like the Laser class 3R, 3B or 4 "(or in English or German), there is reason to believe that this is true and you have to promote an application for approval (see below) if plan to have or use it in public space.
• If it is not marked or labeled in a different manner than that required in laser standard, one cannot assess the risk belongs to the laser, and NRPA will not give approval. Then it is best to get rid of it properly show through the recycling schemes that apply to electrical equipment of this type.
• If you do not have approval for a laser pointer that can be in one of the Laser classes that requires approval, it will be illegal to take it out of your own home or bright in public space. NRPA WARN against allowing the laser pointers that can represent a danger to others, be such that they are accessible to unauthorized persons, especially children. It would be safest to get rid of these lasers in a responsible manner.

If you have a laser pointer, you must also be aware that the resale or other form of transfer must be done in a responsible manner. This follows from the Radiation Protection Act, § 5 For approval subject to laser pointers implies the requirement of reliability that you need to ask relevant approval before the transfer.

Make sure to get approval before going to purchase a laser pointer. It is easy to obtain equipment by, for example, purchases over the Internet, but it will not always be legal goods you get in. If you import the laser itself, you must ensure that there is a legitimate type of laser. See the application form to determine what information you must provide the laser. The use of the laser must also meet several requirements, some of which are mentioned in the last chapter of this guide. Radiation Protection Regulations, § 5 [immediately below] requires justification and optimization, which is essential when using strong sources of radiation.

§ 5 Eligibility and optimization

Any use of radiation should be justified. For radiation to be justified, it shall benefits by allowing radiation to be greater than the disadvantages radiation may cause. Furthermore, radiation to be optimized, ie the radiation exposure should be kept as low as practical, social and economic factors taken into account (ALARA principle - As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

An applicant for approval must provide a reason for the acquisition and the need to have a laser pointer corresponding class 3R, 3B or 4 It should also state the purpose of using can be achieved by the use of alternative means, such as laser pointers or weaker in a way that leads to reduced exposure. Useful use must be documented.

Usually, the NRPA claim written certificate from the employer if you need a laser pointer in a job such as involves teaching. For hobby use must also be documented and explained the need for example, through membership in the union engaged in astronomy, etc. Application in writing to the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, PO Box 55, 1332 Østerås, or by e-mail to nrpa@nrpa.no.

Manufacturers of lasers have a number of duties as described in the laser standard (EN 60825-1). All duties are described in Section 6.1, and information should be provided on request to suppliers and others (Chapter 6.2). The producer is obliged to inform the security aspects, including approval requirement, because the provisions of the laser standard should be followed (§ 35 of the Radiation Protection Regulations, quoted above).

APPLICATION FOR USE

Seeking
Individual (name of applicant - must be 18 years ):__________________
Company / business :____________________________
Company registration number: ____________________
For business: Radiation coordinator - name :___________

Type of laser is sought: ____________________________
Laser class, classified according to EN 60825-1 (tick):
 3R
 3B
 4
Manufacturer: ___________________________________
Energy: ________________________________________
Color (wavelength): _______________________________
Model number / serial number :______________________

Application (tick one or more):
 Teaching, outdoor
 Astronomy
 Indoor use in the demonstration / teaching
 Other (specify): _____________________________

Appendix
Documentation that can confirm a need for a laser pointer stronger than Class 2: (employment as teaching staff, membership in the association, other)

Describe the purpose and what is attached as proof:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________

Why can’t a laser class 2 (typical energy below 1 mW) be used for this purpose?: ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________

Planned security measures that are adapted to the use and the appropriate laser class, cf. guide No. 12: Guidelines for safe use of powerful laser pointers:
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

Date: ___________________________
Signature: _______________________

The Swedish Radiation Protection Authority's Regulations on Lasers, updated in 2008, bans the possession or use of lasers over 5 milliwatts in public space. The relevant document is the "SSMFS 2008:14". The Swedish language document is Strålsäkerhetsmyndighetens föreskrifter om lasrar. We could not find an English-language version on the Internet.

An earlier version of the Regulations, issued June 9 2005, includes a requirement for licensing for Class 3B or 4 lasers "if the intended use is entertainment, art or advertising or if there is a possibility that exposures may exceed the MPE values in public places or in the air."

A December 2008 update adds a Section 2 to the licensing requirements. Persons in Sweden must have a license for possession of Class 3B or 4 laser pointers "in a public place, within school district where the primary or secondary education is conducted, or the vehicle in a public place. The requirement for permits for possession of laser pointers in accordance with Section 2 applies not for traders who in his profession and is not user-conductor transporting or otherwise held lasers." [from Google Translate, sorry…] This new requirement went into effect February 1 2009.

An English version of the 2005 regulations is in a PDF document here. It does NOT include the 2008-added licensing requirements for possession in a public space.

A June 18 2010 news article stated that "The prohibition of strong laser-pointers came after several Swedes, including two policemen in southern Sweden, have been deliberately exposed to radiation which can cause permanent eye damage."

The following information is about laser pen offences in the U.K.

Air Navigation Order 2009 outlines two offences - directing or shining any light at any aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract the pilot of the aircraft, and recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft, or any person therein.

The former offence could result in a fine up to £2,500, and the latter in a fine up to £5,000, and/or five years imprisonment.

Regarding vehicles, the Road Traffic Act 1988 Section 22A(1)(a) states that causing danger to other road-users could result in a fine up to £5,000, and/or a maximum of seven years imprisonment.

If such action results in a fatal accident, then consideration will be given to an offence of manslaughter.

In cases of assault, the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 states that causing actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm could result in a fine up to £5,000, and/or five years imprisonment.

Source: Surrey police press release as reported in Redhill and Reigate Life, June 2011. See also this story about Surrey incidents.

The 1995 Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons has been signed by 99 countries, including the U.S., as of Feb. 2011. It prohibits the use of lasers to cause permanent blindness. The full text of the protocol is:

Article 1: It is prohibited to employ laser weapons specifically designed, as their sole combat function or as one of their combat functions, to cause permanent blindness to unenhanced vision, that is to the naked eye or to the eye with corrective eyesight devices. The High Contracting Parties shall not transfer such weapons to any State or non-State entity.

Article 2: In the employment of laser systems, the High Contracting Parties shall take all feasible precautions to avoid the incidence of permanent blindness to unenhanced vision. Such precautions shall include training of their armed forces and other practical measures.

Article 3: Blinding as an incidental or collateral effect of the legitimate military employment of laser systems, including laser systems used against optical equipment, is not covered by the prohibition of this Protocol.

Article 4: For the purpose of this protocol "permanent blindness" means irreversible and uncorrectable loss of vision which is seriously disabling with no prospect of recovery. Serious disability is equivalent to visual acuity of less than 20/200 Snellen measured using both eyes.