What is a common type of protective equipment used in laser safety?

Safety glasses are a primary form of protective equipment in laser safety because they are specifically designed to protect the eyes from potentially harmful laser light. Lasers can emit a wide range of wavelengths, and safety glasses are tailored to filter out specific wavelengths associated with the lasers used in a particular environment. This means they can significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries, such as burns or permanent vision damage, which can occur from direct or reflected laser beams.

In contrast, while gloves, ear plugs, and hard hats offer protection in various other contexts, they do not address the direct hazards posed by laser radiation to the eyes, which is typically the most critical concern in environments where lasers are used. Therefore, safety glasses are essential to ensure that individuals working with lasers maintain adequate eye protection in compliance with safety standards.