a laser cutting plastics. Mechanical hazards may include moving parts in vacuum and pressure pumps; implosion or explosion of flashlamps, plasma tubes, water jackets, and gas handling equipment. High temperatures and fire hazards may also result from the operation of high-powered Class IIIB or any Class IV Laser. In commercial laser systems, hazard mitigations such as the presence of fusible plugs, thermal interrupters, and pressure relief valves reduce the hazard of, for example, a steam explosion arising from an obstructed water cooling jacket. Interlocks, shutters, and warning lights are often critical elements of modern commercial installations. In older lasers, experimental and hobby systems, and those removed from other equipment (OEM units) special care must be taken to anticipate and reduce the consequences of misuse as well as various failure modes. See also Lasers and aviation safety Laser weapon Audience scanning – use of lasers in light shows, where they are deliberately directed into the audience to create special effects References External links New York State Certified Laser Safety Officer Laser safety fact sheet (University of Kentucky) US Dept of the Navy Laser Safety website OSHA Technical Manual Section III, Chapter 6, Laser Safety Laser safety resources (Vanderbilt Environmental Health & Safety) OSHA Web Page on Laser Hazards Laser safety and standards