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Laser Classifications

Class 3R

A Class 3R laser system is potentially hazardous under some direct and shiny or mirror-like viewing conditions if the eye is focused and stable. The probability of an actual injury is small. This laser will not pose either a fire hazard or diffuse reflection hazard.

Class 3B

A Class 3B laser system may be hazardous under direct and specular viewing conditions, but is normally not a diffuse reflection or fire hazard.

Class 4

A Class 4 laser system, the most common class of laser used in surgery, is a hazard to the eye and skin from the direct beam, and may pose a diffuse reflection or fire hazard. This type of laser system may also produce laser-generated airborne contaminants and hazardous plasma radiation.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-4. What type of laser system may produce laser-generated airborne contaminants and hazardous plasma radiation?