Class 2 / Class II Lasers

A Class 2 laser is relatively weak. It normally would not harm an eye unless a person deliberately stared into the beam. Laser protective eyewear is normally not necessary. A class ii laser pointer is not a skin or materials burn hazard. However, even a laser can be a distraction, glare or flashblindness hazard for pilots and drivers. NEVER aim any laser towards an aircraft or vehicle that is in motion. A class 2 laser pointer is considered to be safe because the blink reflex (glare aversion response to bright lights) will limit the exposure to no more than 0.25 seconds. It only applies to visible-light lasers (400–700 nm). Class-2 lasers are limited to 1mW continuous wave, or more if the emission time is less than 0.25 seconds or if the light is not spatially coherent. Intentional suppression of the blink reflex could lead to eye injury. Some laser pointers and measuring instruments are class 2.