Nov 7 2013
NPL has developed an online training guide to introduce you to the basics of using light safely (or 'optical radiation' to use the technical term for light).
This latest good practice online guide, on Optical Radiation safety, is aimed at beginners to the subject and the aim is to increase your awareness of the subjects covered.
To make the guide more accessible we:
- Use non-technical language wherever possible to introduce the basics concepts
- Include practical examples
- Intersperse the content with interesting 'Did you know?' items
The online guide comprises four modules:
Module 1: What is light?
This module introduces you to the basics of light, how it behaves, how it is measured, how it interacts with lenses, and we introduce the 'light collection principle'.
Did you know?
Whilst microwaves, x-rays, and gamma rays might have exotic sounding names they are really just descriptions of different colours/wavelengths of light that are invisible to us.
Module 2: The human eye and light
In this module we explain how light interacts with your eyes, and how your eyes and brain perceive light.
Did you know?
Incredibly, the eye's colour response to green light is so strong that if you looked at the spot on a wall produced by some 1 milliwatt red laser pointers as compared with a 1 milliwatt green laser pointer the green laser pointer spot would look approximately 30 times brighter.
Module 3: Lasers
In this module we explain how a laser works, how they are classified, and also how non-laser light sources are classified.
Did you know?
The word 'laser' is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is now widely used as a standard noun rather than an acronym.
Module 4: How do I protect myself when working with light?
In this module we outline how to protect yourself when working with light, and we also introduce you to the concept of 'accessible emission limits' and the standards that relate to optical radiation.
Did you know?
In the workplace, you have a duty of care to protect yourself and others. If you are in any doubt about the safety of what you are doing - STOP.
This course is the latest in a series of NPL good practice online guides. Other subjects include:
- Introduction to measurement
- Measurement uncertainty
- Practical radiation monitoring
- Temperature measurement
- Humidity measurement
- Dimensional
The guides are freely accessible to everyone, and introduce a range of technical material starting at beginner's level. All guides include short quizzes to test your understanding, and Further Information sections point you in the direction of more technical resources as well as any relevant NPL videos.
Not a beginner?
For those of you wishing to build on your existing knowledge of optical radiation, you can refer to specific NPL Guides (look under 'By science area' under the Optical Radiation & Photonics section) or you can explore whether any NPL Training courses.
Source: http://www.npl.co.uk/