1) the laser is already in a box that makes it into a class 1 laser device (same regulatory category as a CD-ROM!). Already adding goggles and extra distance is well beyond recommended occupational protections.
2) the process does need to be supervised and stopped and fires extinguished now and then.
3) the kids acting as the actual machine operator is an important part of the process, IMO.
I've been a laser safety officer for actual class 4 lasers. A proper commercial medium-power CO2 laser cutter is class 1. It's not free of hazards (fumes, fire, and somewhat bright non-coherent light-- not as bright as some LEDs), but the number of boxes of concern you can check are far lower.
1) the laser is already in a box that makes it into a class 1 laser device (same regulatory category as a CD-ROM!). Already adding goggles and extra distance is well beyond recommended occupational protections.
2) the process does need to be supervised and stopped and fires extinguished now and then.
3) the kids acting as the actual machine operator is an important part of the process, IMO.
I've been a laser safety officer for actual class 4 lasers. A proper commercial medium-power CO2 laser cutter is class 1. It's not free of hazards (fumes, fire, and somewhat bright non-coherent light-- not as bright as some LEDs), but the number of boxes of concern you can check are far lower.