Risk Management Services

www.riskmanagement.ubc.ca

LASER Registration at UBC

Class 3b and Class 4 lasers

Laser Safety and Program Development

OHS Guidelines Part 7 Radiation Exposure p9, Dec 2004: “A laser safety program is regarded as being equal to the measurement of laser exposure”

Radiation Exposure

LASER REGISTRATION DATA Department_______________________________________ Supervisor________________________________________ Phone _____ Unit Location____________________________Rm______ Unit Description Commercial Unit Y N Manufacturer__________________________________ Model_________________________________________ Serial No.____________________________________ Class I II III IV Wattage _____________ Wavelength_________ Range___________________nm Check: Gas___ Solid State___ Semiconductor___ Liquid___ Continuous Wave Y N or Check: Normal Pulse___ Long Pulse___ Q Pulsing___ (Mirror___ or Shutter___) Enclosed Beam Y N Partial

Laser Registration Data Sheet Example

• New wavelengths, higher power/energy, shorter pulses

• Improved power efficiency (lasers may be plugged in wall

outlets)

• Miniaturization: dime size Class 4 lasers (eye and skin hazard)

• High power laser components (exempt from manufacturer

standards - engineering safety features, labels, etc.) may be

“under the radar” of LSO and laser safety programs

• Most of the these components operate within the invisible

near IR retinal hazard range, e.g. 808, 850, 920, 980 nm

New Developments

• High power (class 4) levels used in fiber optic applications,

e.g. pumping lasers in fiber amplifiers

• Laser output possibly accessible far away from laser source

• “Fiber fuse” effect: occurs in fibers when the power

propagating along the fiber is > 1W

• Multiplexing (combining optical signals)

New Developments (cont.)

Keys to a Successful Laser Safety Program

• Active involvement and support of laser users

• Effective oversight by Laser Safety Officer

• Support from management at all levels

A new Laser Safety Page is now available on the RMS website

with additional resources and information.

Richard Colwell, MSc Chemical and Occupational Hygiene Associate

Phone: 604-822-2273 Fax: 604-822-1637

richard.colwell@ubc.ca www.riskmanagement.ubc.ca

Questions?