Why might protective barriers be necessary even for lower-class lasers?

Protective barriers are essential even for lower-class lasers primarily to prevent accidental exposure and enforce safety protocols. While lower-class lasers may pose a reduced risk compared to higher-class lasers, they can still cause eye injuries and other hazards if not properly managed. Protective barriers help to create a safer environment by limiting direct access to the laser beam and providing a physical barrier that can prevent exposure to both personnel and the public. This reinforces safe working practices and ensures that individuals who may be in proximity to the laser are not subjected to potentially harmful exposure, which is a crucial aspect of laser safety.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not fully address the primary safety concerns associated with laser use. Enhancing visibility of the laser beam, for instance, does not directly contribute to safety; rather, it could potentially draw attention to the laser output unnecessarily. Legal requirements may exist for some laser applications but are not the main reason for implementing protective barriers in all cases. Lastly, reducing operational costs is not a goal associated with the use of protective barriers, which are put in place primarily for safety reasons rather than economic considerations.