The use of laser pointers in business presentations allows speakers to stress a key point on the video screen by the use of the concentrated beam of light. Also, these are used in other purposes like the alignment of lasers to each other, pipe-laying in construction sites, and as target devices in firearms.



Like most gadgets that start out with noble intentions, however, these have been used for mischief! This ought not to be so because of the risks involved in their misuse. Here then are safety tips for their proper use.

When Buying

When you are considering the purchase of laser pointers, always look for those that have clear warnings in their labels about the dangers of misuse. You have to follow the instructions to ensure your safety and those of others especially as these high-tech substitutes for metal pointers have varying classes/strengths.

Also, you have to choose the type of pointer that lights up only when pressure is applied by the fingers. In this way, you can leave them anywhere and not worry about leaving them on an "on" mode by accident, thereby, causing harm.

When Using

One you have chosen the laser pointers that will serve your needs best, there are safety measures to adopt. These will safeguard the health and even the lives of the people around you.

First, you must never point these laser gadgets at anyone. This is not just rude behavior in an office but this can also cause flashblindedness in the person, which is akin to the effects of flash photography on the eyes.

It is temporary, admittedly, but when the eyes are exposed to the beam for a longer time, about a minute and a half, serious optic damage can occur. Besides, these gadgets are designed for inanimate objects preferably with matte surfaces, so, keep them that way!

Second, as much as you must never point the laser beam directly into other people's eyes, you must also never point it at reflective surfaces like mirrors. You are exposing yourself and others to greater optical risks, even blindness.

For example, pointing the laser pointers through the lenses of a binocular or telescope can either lead to eye burns on the spot where the beams where directed or blood vessels cut in the eye's retina. Either way, you are instigating grave eye damages! Think of it as using the magnifying glass in sunlight to form a concentrated beam of light to light a fire.

Third, you must always take appropriate measures to keep laser pointers out of reach of children. You can, of course, educate young children about the dangers of these pointers but children being what they are, your warnings might very well go unheeded when childish curiosity takes over.

And even when your high-tech pointers fail to function, don't ever dare opening them. Don't needlessly expose yourself and others to the dangers of the small parts inside laser pointers.

Indeed, high-tech gadgets are your friends as long as you know how to use them properly and appropriately.