Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is your last line of defense — but when other controls fail, it’s the one that saves your vision.

Laser Safety Glasses

This is non-negotiable. Your laser safety glasses must meet three criteria:

Common mistake: Buying “laser safety glasses” online without checking the wavelength rating. If it doesn’t explicitly state 1064nm protection, don’t wear it near a fiber laser.

Additional PPE

• Protective clothing — Tight-weave cotton or flame-resistant fabric; no synthetics that can melt
• Closed-toe shoes — No sandals in the laser area
• Gloves — When handling materials near the beam path
• Respiratory protection — N95 minimum if fume extraction is inadequate