Handheld Lasers
Handheld lasers are not permitted at SideBurn. Mounted lasers are only permitted on art pieces, Mutant Vehicles, and theme camps if they comply with specific restrictions. While lasers are not new, technological advances have made it so that even inexpensive, readily available handheld lasers may be powerful enough to cause permanent injury from distances up to 10 miles away.
Mounted Lasers
All theme camp, art installation, and DMV Mutant Vehicle applications include the requirement to disclose the presence or inclusion of a laser as part of the project or operation. Board members will be visiting camps on Thursday and Friday to assess laser installs for safety.
Mutant Vehicles may use lasers on Saturday night before the Burn. All lasers must be off before the fire conclave performance. Lasers can begin being used after the perimeter has been released.
If you see a laser you feel is being operated unsafely anywhere, please note the location and other relevant details, and contact a Ranger as soon as possible.
Tips when considering incorporating a laser into your theme camp, art installation, or Mutant Vehicle.
- Follow industry guidelines.
- Treat laser operations as a serious safety matter.
- Ensure all operators are sober.
- Designate someone to monitor the laser to make sure it is operated safely.
- If your laser operates automatically or without an operator, have someone monitor the system so they can shut it down if necessary.
Guidelines on the safe use of lasers from the International Laser Display Association can be found here:
These guidelines cover use in crowded areas and all aspects of a laser’s operation, including movement, scanning, system control, masking, and filtering. These links provide basic information only — if you are unsure about laser safety, please include a professional laser operator in the planning and execution of your laser activity. Unsafe laser installations will not be permitted to operate.
