Can You Use Lasers at a Holiday Event? A Safe and Legal Guide

Yes, you can use lasers at a holiday event in the US, as long as you have an FDA variance, buy lasers that are legal for US use, carry adequate insurance, keep every beam at least 3 meters (about 10 feet) above anywhere an audience can stand, and end every beam on a solid surface, never the sky or trees.

Key Takeaways

• A variance from the FDA is required, and it can take a month or longer to get.

• Buy lasers from a US-based vendor. An imported laser that is not approved for US use is not legal, even if it is half the price.

• Beams must stay at least 3 meters (about 10 feet) above audience-accessible surfaces, with a separation of 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) to the side.

• Every beam needs something solid to land on, like a wall, ceiling, or building.

• Train everyone on site to use the emergency stops.

Lasers are really cool, and they can add a huge punch to a holiday event. But how do you know if lasers are the right thing for your event, or whether you can even use them in a safe and legal way?

Let's dive in.

At Above AVL, we work with a number of holiday events and holiday decorators to put lasers in their spaces. We also see a lot of bad practices out there, and some things that are just plain dangerous. If you like your insurance company, and you like not being sued, you'll want to avoid them.

What Do I Need to Legally Use Lasers in the US?

You need an FDA variance first. Then you need liability coverage that includes entertainment lasers, and a setup that meets the physical safety requirements. Those three things, in that order, get you legal and safe.

What Is a Laser Variance?

A variance is like a driver's license for using a laser. You go through an application process with the FDA, and it gives a person or a company permission to use lasers in their events.

Typically, we can help you do this through the manufacturer of the lasers you buy. It's an easy process when your lasers come from a legal, US-based vendor.

Keep in mind that a variance does not mean you are automatically using lasers safely. It only gives you permission to use them. Plan for about a month, and sometimes a little longer, from the day you apply. Once it's in hand, you can legally operate your laser. You can read more about how the FDA handles laser light shows on the FDA's laser light show page.

Do I Need to Talk to My Insurance Company?

Yes. Once the variance is handled, make sure you have adequate liability protection and have a conversation with your insurance company about using entertainment lasers.

Typically there are no problems as long as your coverage is adequate. The number of laser incidents in the US is extremely low, and we want to keep it that way so everyone's liability insurance costs stay in check.

Why Should I Buy Lasers From a US-Based Vendor?

Because a laser has to be compliant with US law to be legal here. If you are in the United States, your laser needs to meet the requirements of the United States for lasers.

We've seen so many customers say, "I can get this laser internationally for half the cost." Here's the reality: if the FDA has not approved it as a laser you can use in the US, it is not legal. That matters because if you go through the steps to get your variance and run a legal laser show, you need a laser that is verified safe for use here.

It is not just about having an emergency stop. Plenty of lasers made overseas have an emergency stop and still are not compliant with US laws and regulations for other reasons. Legal use takes all of these together: the variance, the emergency stop, and how the laser works, how it scans, and how it responds.

How Are Lasers Controlled at a Holiday Event?

Most holiday laser setups run in one of three ways: a standalone mode built into the laser, an app on a phone or tablet, or computer software. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages for control. Most can be set up to run somewhat automatically for a recurring event.

Every laser system has three parts: the software, the emergency stops, and the lasers themselves.

The emergency stops are critical. As part of the variance process, the staff and whoever is on site operating the lasers need to be trained on how to hit the emergency stop if anyone enters the area near a laser beam.

What Are the Laser Safety Distance Rules?

The core rule is simple: we don't shoot lasers into the sky, and we don't shoot them at people.

More specifically, beams need to stay at least 3 meters (about 10 feet) above any surface an audience member can stand on. There is also a side-to-side separation of 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) from anywhere the audience is permitted to be. These figures match what FDA laser show variances require, as summarized by Laser Show Safety's guide to US laser laws.

Once you design your setup and find a space that fits those distances, make sure each beam has an object to terminate on. Indoors, that is a wall or a ceiling. Outdoors, it can be a building or a man-made wall.

It can't be the sky, and it can't be trees.

Can I Shoot Lasers Into the Sky?

Technically, yes, if you get FAA permission, and there is a process for it. But the FAA is allowed to say no. Even when they say yes, you need people watching the sky, ready to stop the show if any air traffic enters that space.

For most holiday events, it's much easier to plan around solid surfaces.

What Can Lasers Do at a Holiday Event?

Quite a lot. Once your setup is programmed, the safety requirements are checked, and your staff knows how to use the emergency stops, you're ready for an awesome show.

For Halloween, lasers can shine through the air to make beam show patterns. For Christmas, you can project patterns on pretty much any hard surface, write words, and scroll messages with a vibrant projection that outshines most video projectors and other forms of projection.

Add a little atmosphere, and you can create a truly breathtaking environment. Lasers can also be programmed to music, and we often use timecode to make that happen.

How Can Above AVL Help With Lasers?

We are authorized dealers for a variety of laser companies, so you have a lot of options, and we're here to guide you along the way.

We can help you figure out what type of lasers you need, how many, and where to place them. We can guide you through getting your variance and make sure you're operating safely. We can even handle the programming, along with other consulting if you want it.

At the end of the day, we want to help you create wonder and a real wow factor at your next holiday event, and lasers are just one way to do that.

If that resonates with you, reach out through our contact page, or add some lasers to your cart at aboveavl.com and ask us for a quote. We want to be your one-stop shop for everything you need to make your next event happen.

FAQ

• Does a laser need a variance if I only use it for a small display? FDA guidance indicates that laser shows and displays using lasers above 5 milliwatts need a variance. Check the FDA laser light show page or ask your laser supplier before you assume you're exempt.

• Does an emergency stop make a laser legal in the US? No. An emergency stop is only one requirement. The laser also has to meet US requirements for how it scans, how it responds, and how it is built.

• How long does a laser variance take? Plan for about a month, and sometimes a little longer, from the day you apply.

• Can I aim lasers at trees or the sky? Trees are not an acceptable place to end a beam. Sky shows require FAA involvement, the FAA can say no, and you need spotters watching for aircraft.

• Can lasers run automatically for a recurring event? Yes. Most laser setups can run semi-automatically from standalone mode, an app, or computer software, and music-based shows often use timecode.