Guide · Lasers
Laser safety for events
A laser show is spectacular while it stays inside safety limits. These are the basics every organiser and technician should know before powering a projector.
1. Laser classes
Show lasers are almost always class 3B or 4 — a beam can damage eyesight in a fraction of a second. Safety therefore comes from geometry and power control, not from “careful handling”.
2. Audience zones
- Project beams above the audience — as a rule of thumb at least 3 m above the floor where people stand.
- Audience scanning only with projectors and software that limit exposure (MZB/MPE calculation) — never improvised.
- Define and protect a safety zone around the projector.
3. Equipment and control
- Projector with ILDA control, a beam attenuation map and an E-stop.
- Scan-fail protection: if the scanner stops, the beam cuts out automatically.
- An operator at the controls at all times, with a clear view of the audience.
Risk assessment: for public events prepare a written assessment (power, geometry, zones) and keep it with the event documentation.
Pre-show checklist
- Beams min. 3 m above the audience ✓
- MZB/MPE calculation for audience scanning ✓
- E-stop within the operator’s reach ✓
- Scan-fail tested ✓
- Risk assessment archived ✓
Need equipment? See our ILDA laser systems with DMX/Art-Net control.