GUIDANCE FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF LASER EYE PROTECTION (LEP) FOR THE INDIVIDUAL MILITARY USER (ED A@ Ver 1; To obtain please contact your national Defense Standardization Office or the NATO Standardization Office website: http:/ so.nato.int so@ Phone: +32 (
Laser sources are commonly encountered in military operational environments and integrated in systems such as laser range finders@ target designators@ laser dazzlers@ laser weapons and active imagers@ and are used as stand-alone hand-held devices. The range of laser power outputs is broad with the capacity to cause visual impairment (e.g. dazzle) and moreover@ permanent eye damage. Laser Eye Protection (LEP) is required when the risks of laser exposure cannot be reduced to an acceptable level through a reasonable adjustment of military operations or other engineering solutions. This AEP provides general guidance in identifying and specifying the requirements for LEP@ more specifically on protection levels@ physical design@ optical properties@ and quality obustness@ covering a range of considerations including: ? Application assessment: Identifying relevant laser systems together with likely engagement and usage scenarios. ? Laser protection requirements: Procedures for establishing required laser protection levels. ? Physical requirements: Considering practical aspects such as LEP format and integration@ size and weight@ and materials considerations. ? Optical properties: Ensuring that the LEP will incur the minimum possible visual penalty by considering task integration and visual quality metrics. ? Quality and robustness: Making sure that LEP withstands anticipated exposures such as abrasion and environmental conditions. Additional procurement requirements (e.g. life cycle and disposal) are also discussed. The process described herein should be conducted as a collaborative effort between procurement personnel@ laser safety experts@ defence intelligence@ and military users. Specifications and testing methods should be taken from national or international standards wherever possible@ as referenced throughout this AEP