New for 2026: Updated Laser Use Policy and Oversight
Context and History
While lasers are a staple of the Black Rock City skyline, rapid technological advances have fundamentally changed the risk landscape. Today, inexpensive and readily available lasers of all shapes and sizes can be dangerous if not operated correctly.
In recent years, BRC staff, volunteers and participants —including Rangers and the Pyrotechnic team—reported feeling unsafe after being repeatedly flashed by handheld lasers. In 2014, a Black Rock Ranger suffered permanent loss of eyesight due to a laser strike on the night of the Man Burn.
As a result, handheld lasers are no longer permitted at the Burning Man event. Do not bring them. Period. This policy is in line with nearly all major festivals and events in the United States and Europe.
New for 2026
To prevent accidents and ensure the sustainability of art and light on the playa, Burning Man Project has updated its laser-use policy. This protocol, developed with community Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), focuses on rigorous oversight, hardware standards, and operator competency.
All laser operators in Black Rock City (BRC) are required to follow this new protocol.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a laser virgin, our community of experts are here to help you do it safely.
How to Register your Laser and Ask Questions
- Registration: Indicate your intention to use lasers in your art, theme camp, or mutant vehicle (MV) application and provide a detailed Plan of Operations as shown on page 31 of this Sample Application.
- Direct Contact: If you are not part of a mutant vehicle, art installation, or theme camp application process, or you missed those application deadlines, you must email lasers@burningman.org to apply to use lasers no later than July 1st.
- Already a laser operator? Want to connect with others, troubleshoot problems or ask questions of subject matter experts? Join our community discussion email group! Email laser_community+subscribe@burningman.org and let us know you’re interested.
- Approval: No laser may be operated until it has been inspected on-playa and approved by the Safety Team.
Mandatory Compliance & Safety Standards for Lasers
- Operator Certification and Training
- Lead LSO: Each installation must have at least one named Certified Laser Safety Officer (LSO) overseeing the entire operation. Approved Certifications include: ILDA, Laser Safety Services. Other certifications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to lasers@burningman.org.
- Crew Training: The Lead LSO is responsible for all sub-operators. Each sub operator must complete a formal training provided by the LSO. (suggested 4 hours + competency quiz).
- E-Stop Competency: Operators must know exactly “When to E-Stop” based on changing conditions (dust-outs, low-flying aircraft, or approaching art cars).
- The “Active Beam Zone” must stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from anywhere a person could be at all times. It must also stay at least 10 feet from any other art installation or vehicle not within the LSO’s control at all times. See image below.
- Required FDA & FAA Documentation
You must submit these via your online application or subsequently during the application review process:- Projector Variance: Every projector must have a valid US FDA Accession Number.
Consumer-grade/imported lasers without a US variance are not permitted. - Show Variance: The entity must possess a valid FDA Show Variance for the specific performance type.
- FAA Determination: For non-terminating lasers, a Letter of Determination stating “no objection” is mandatory.
- Projector Variance: Every projector must have a valid US FDA Accession Number.
- Physical Safety Hardware (Non-negotiable)
- Aperture Masking: Software masking is not enough. You must use a physical Aperture Plate, Beam Mask, or Cinefoil to prevent beams from dropping below 12 feet (3.6m) above ground level.
- Physical E-Stop: A physical, hard-wired E-Stop button must be within the operator’s immediate reach. Software “kill buttons” or keyboard shortcuts without a physical E-Stop are not acceptable.
- Aperture Masking: Software masking is not enough. You must use a physical Aperture Plate, Beam Mask, or Cinefoil to prevent beams from dropping below 12 feet (3.6m) above ground level.
- Operational Rules
- No Crowd Scanning: Strictly prohibited.
- Sobriety & Attendance: No laser shall be left unattended. Operators must be sober.
- Agreements: Each operator must sign a Laser Use Agreement for their specific location and year.
- Licensing: Approved installations must prominently display a 2026 “License to Operate” sticker near or adjacent to the access point or laser operations point.
- No Crowd Scanning: Strictly prohibited.
- All lasers must be off during all Burns from the time that Black Rock Rangers arrive to establish the burn perimeter until the perimeter has been released by the Rangers.
Zero Tolerance: Failure to maintain these physical safety standards will result in the immediate removal of the equipment.
Daily Safety Checklist
This list includes operations that should be reviewed daily. This list is not exhaustive; you may wish to add more items based on your specific setup. The checklist should be completed by the Lead LSO or shift operator before every operational period.
Hardware Check: Is the laser housing securely attached and unable to shift?
Aperture Masking: Is the physical beam mask/aperture plate (or Cinefoil) securely in place and calibrated to maintain the 12-foot floor?
Zoning Verification: If the vehicle or art installation has moved, has the software zoning been re-checked by an experienced operator to account for the new environment?
Physical E-Stop: Is the physical E-Stop button visible, unobstructed, tested, and ready for immediate use? (Software buttons do not count).
Shift Briefing: Have all operators been trained on the “10-foot buffer” rule, “12-foot above ground” rule, and “When to E-Stop” for tonight’s specific conditions?
Documentation: Is the 2026 BMP License-to-Operate sticker visibly displayed?
Deadlines
Black Rock City Participation Forms
Application Deadline:
- Art AIQ: May 20, 2026
- Placement PCQ: March 19 – April 16, 2026
- DMV Application: April 29, 2026
If you did not submit the laser section of the main application, you must email lasers@burningman.org to apply. The deadline for this is July 1.
Remember, no laser may be operated until it has been inspected on-playa and approved by the Safety Team, and the use agreement signed.
You can find more information about the safe use of lasers and high-powered LEDs from the International Laser Display Association here:
– Overall safety (https://www.ilda.com/safety-basics.htm)
– Federal laws (https://www.ilda.com/safety-info.htm)
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 consult a professional laser operator in the planning and execution of your laser activity. Unsafe laser installations will not be permitted to operate.