Purpose

The purpose of the LSASA Safety Framework is to define the core principles that support the safe and compliant planning and use of laser systems.

The framework improves consistency across the industry by guiding how laser behaviour, control measures, and operating environments are assessed and documented before any system is activated.

It focuses on how an installation is planned, supervised, and controlled in practice, rather than relying on assumptions or visual appearance.

Core Principle

Laser safety is determined by where the beam can travel and how it is controlled.

Brightness alone does not define risk. Beam position, movement, environment, and supervision all influence whether unintended exposure may occur.

For this reason, installations must be designed so that beam behaviour remains defined and predictable at all times, regardless of changes in show content during operation.

Responsibility

Clear responsibility is essential for the safe use of laser systems.

Each installation must have defined individuals responsible for control, supervision, and overall safety oversight. These roles must be established before operation begins and maintained throughout the event.

All parties involved, including operators, organisers, and venues, share responsibility for ensuring that the installation is implemented within defined parameters and that safety controls remain in place at all times.

Planning

An installation must be clearly understood and defined before it is operated.

Planning should consider beam travel areas, accessible and restricted spaces, operator position, shutdown capability, and potential environmental changes.

It should also account for system reliability and failure conditions, ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent unintended beam behaviour in the event of control or scanner failure.

The objective is to define how the system will behave before live operation, reducing the need for last-minute adjustments on site and ensuring controlled, predictable performance.

Supervision

A designated safety oversight person should be present for all Class 4 laser operations to ensure that defined safety controls are maintained and that any change in conditions can be addressed immediately.

For the purposes of consistent safety oversight, LSASA recognises ILDA-accredited Laser Safety Officers as the accepted standard for competency in this role and expects that individuals fulfilling this function meet this level of qualification.

Environment

Laser behaviour is influenced by the surrounding environment and must be assessed as part of the planning process.

Relevant factors may include ceiling height, structures and rigging, balconies and elevated positions, defined audience areas, potential public access points, reflective surfaces, and, where applicable, open airspace.

Minimum separation distances must be maintained at all times, with beams kept at least 3 metres above audience areas and a minimum lateral clearance of 2.5 metres from any accessible space.

Changes in the environment can alter beam paths and exposure conditions, and must be identified and accounted for in advance to ensure controlled and predictable operation.

Control

Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems may only be operated under direct and continuous operator control. Unattended or stand-alone operation is not consistent with controlled and predictable use.

Control measures include mounting position, defined beam direction, restricted access, and continuous operational supervision.

The use of physical hard masking is required to enforce beam limits and prevent unintended exposure beyond defined zones.

Laser systems must be operated by a competent individual with appropriate experience and understanding of system behaviour, safety controls, and emergency procedures.

The most reliable control is achieved through fixed and predictable beam placement, rather than reactive adjustment during live operation.

Control must be built into the installation from the outset, using defined limits, physical constraints, and immediate shutdown capability, ensuring consistent and manageable operation at all times.

Documentation

Prepared documentation enables organisers, venues, and operators to clearly understand an installation before arriving on site.

Clear and structured information reduces uncertainty, supports effective communication, and ensures that installations are properly assessed and aligned in advance of operation.

As a minimum, documentation should include a health and safety file, a project-specific risk assessment, and a site plan indicating beam paths, projection areas, and control positions. Supporting documentation should also include confirmation of appropriate public liability cover and evidence of recognised safety oversight competency.

Documentation forms an integral part of responsible planning, providing a defined record of how the installation is intended to be implemented, controlled, and managed.

Outcome

The objective of the framework is not to limit the use of laser effects, but to support their safe, controlled, and predictable implementation within the events industry.

When installations are planned in a structured and consistent manner, communication improves, uncertainty is reduced, and operation can proceed with greater confidence and control.

The framework promotes thorough preparation and clear alignment between all stakeholders, enabling laser systems to be implemented professionally, with defined parameters and a shared understanding of safety responsibilities.