[Noisebridge-discuss] Lasers for Noisebridge

[Walter Funk]

I think Rick said it right about playing with at their whim, they are not toys. 

These lasers are not plug and play, since they will need some hacking anyhow, they can be used for a specific project where all involved or observing would have to take necessary precautions. 

Due to the nature of the devices, and the concerns mentioned on this list, it seem like they should not be just up for grabs to anyone, but to someone who is aware of all safety measures in regards to working with the lasers.

Here is the info on the lasers-

Class 111C, complies with 21 CFR Chapter 1 Subchapter J
Peak Power 30 MW

2 Lasers, 3 Receiver modules and 2 other prototype parts

Now the Umatic I will offer in a few weeks, THAT'S scary!

~Walter



--- On Wed, 3/11/09, Jacob Appelbaum <jacob at appelbaum.net> wrote:

> From: Jacob Appelbaum <jacob at appelbaum.net>
> Subject: Re: [Noisebridge-discuss] Lasers for Noisebridge
> To: "Rick Wesson" <rick at support-intelligence.com>
> Cc: marybraindoe at yahoo.com, noisebridge-discuss at lists.noisebridge.net, "David Molnar" <dmolnar at eecs.berkeley.edu>
> Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 2:42 PM
> Rick Wesson wrote:
> > <wet blanket>
> 
> Awww, You're not a wet blanket. But you should come to
> see the space
> more often! You'd understand that while totally valid,
> you shouldn't be
> fearful of the lasers. Love the lasers. :-)
> 
> > 
> > NB: management/board
> > 
> >   Whats your liability insurance cover in the case
> someone points a IR lazer at
> >   a reflective material and blindes one or more ppl?
> > 
> 
> I do not know the status of coverage for lasers blinding
> people in a
> freak accident. Perhaps David knows off hand from his
> discussions with
> the insurance agent? David?
> 
> > Is NB incorporated or is the board and its members
> personally liabable?
> > 
> 
> We're incorporated and we're insured. Additionally,
> the board has
> liability insurance. I'm unsure if we're covered
> for this specific issue
> and someone should check.
> 
> > since there is a well documented email thread on the
> topic of safety, me thinks
> > you should think real hard about bringing such devices
> by for untrained hands to
> > play with at their whim.
> > 
> > </wet blanket>
> 
> In my humble opinion, if I may be so bold:
> 
> You enter Noisebridge at your own risk. We have all
> accepted this,
> especially the members who go through a... "vigorous
> process" to
> participate in our consensus process. Those that do not
> accept this
> should steer clear of our little lab.
> 
> Please do not misunderstand me, I do not wish to suggest
> that
> Noisebridge is inherently dangerous. Rather, I wish to
> convey that
> you're the one responsible for your own safety. Just as
> you are in the
> rest of the world. We all try to keep the place awesome and
> safe (as you
> pointed out, we do have a lot of discussions on safety) but
> nothing is
> perfect. No life guard is posted for duty, no one is paid
> to keep things
> within any specific definition of deny-by-default rule set.
> People could
> be powering up lasers in the space right now (I bet they
> are with their
> CD/DVD-ROM drives!).
> 
> While I'm certain that there are many things that could
> be viewed as a
> bad idea, I do not think that anyone should think too hard
> about
> *bringing* a laser to the space. Or a laser diode. Or
> mirrors.
> 
> Just as I don't think it's a big deal if people
> bring in fire art
> equipment, how it's used is important. We try to keep
> the fire outside
> in the street, where it belongs. :-)
> 
> In this case, it almost goes without saying that people
> shouldn't blind
> each other or put people in direct or indirect danger. I
> assume by
> default that this is the case for people who use the space.
> 
> I think people who use the laser should think long and hard
> before they
> power it up. I'm fairly certain that they will and they
> (not I) started
> this thread. Perhaps they'll (wink, wink; nudge, nudge)
> teach a workshop
> on how to safely use the lasers?
> 
> We have lots of equipment that, if misused, could seriously
> harm people.
> From photo chemicals to RF equipment; the phrase that comes
> to mind is:
> "Responsibility to the responsible." We'll
> ventilate the dark room and
> we'll shield the RF when needed; I don't see why
> the lasers will be any
> different, the people involved are the same reasonable and
> responsible
> people that have made and keep the space totally amazing.
> 
> With that said: Don't look into the lasers with your
> last good remaining
> eye!
> 
> Best,
> Jake