Laser Safety
LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers are devices that produce beams of monochromatic light, in which all the waves are in phase or are coherent. Lasers are classified by the manufacturer and labeled with appropriate warnings.
Modification of an existing laser, or an unclassified laser, must be approved and/or reclassified by the campus Laser Safety Officer (LSO) prior to use.
Laser control measures are to be implemented to eliminate exposure of the eye or skin to hazardous levels of laser radiation. Substitution of engineering controls with administrative controls may only be done with the approval of the LSO. Administrative and procedural controls are instructions or methods which specify rules, work practices, or both, that implement or supplement engineering controls, and which may specify use of personal protective equipment.
Laser protective eyewear is to be available and worn by all personnel within the Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ) of Class 3 b and Class 4 lasers where the exposures above the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) can occur. The attenuation factor (optical density) of laser protective eyewear at each laser wavelength shall be specified by the Laser Safety Officer (LSO).
Training
Laser Safety (Initial)
Frequency: One-time
Contact: EHS
Required orientation for lab staff who will work with Class 3B or 4 laser equipment.