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2012

AssociationofUniversityRadiation

ProtectionOfficers

GUIDANCEONTHESAFEUSEOFLASERSIN

EDUCATIONAND

RESEARCH

AURPOGuidanceNoteNo.7

2012RevisedEdition

Preparedby

Trevor

Moseley,

University

of

Sheffield

andGusZabierek,UniversityofBirmingham

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ii

FOREWORD

This document represents general guidance on good practice. It is intended to aid in the

identificationof thehazardsassociatedwithworkwith lasers, toassist inassessing the risk

andtooutlineappropriatecontrolmeasuresinaneducationandresearchenvironment. The

guidance is not mandatory and each Institution is responsible for detailing their own

anagementstructuresandarrangements,appropriatetolocalcircumstances.mThisguidancedrawsfrom,andshouldbeusedtogetherwith,theapplicableBritishStandards

document(s)intheBSEN60825seriesofdocuments(especiallyPDIEC/TR6082514Safetyof

laserproducts,Part14:Ausersguide)andassociatedamendments. Thisrevision,which

replacesthe2007version,hasbeenproducedfollowingareviewoftheguidanceavailable

andchangesmadetostatutoryrequirements. NB thedocumentdoesnotprovidedetailed

guidanceonallaspectsoftheuseoflasersandtheadviceandassistanceofaLaserSafety

dvisershouldbesoughtforworkwithhighpoweredlasers.A

ImportantchangesmadetoBSEN608251:1994in2000included:

Newlaserclasses 1M,2Mand3R(Table1showshowthesefitin);

Newmeasurementconditions forclassification,whichareofparticularbenefit tohighdivergencelasersources;

OverhaulofMPE levelsespeciallyvalues forultrashortpulsesandshorterwavelength

visibleradiationunderlongexposureconditions(retinalphotochemicaldamage);

Improvedtreatmentofextendedsourceviewing;and

Newwordingoflaserwarningsigns

TABLE1

CLASS MEANING

Old

Classification

New

Classification Reason

for

Change

Class1

NormallySafe 1

1

1M

1M diverging/lowpowerdensitydevicesthatcould

behazardousifbeam

focussed

Class2 Eyeprotected

byaversion

response

(visibleonly)

2 2

2M

2M diverging/lowpower

densitydevicesthatcould

behazardousifbeam

focussed

3A&3B* 3R Loweyehazard,power

densityrestriction

removed

Class3 Eyehazard

3B** 3B Nosignificantchange

Class4 Eyeandskin

hazard

4 4 Nosignificantchange

On27April2010, theControlofArtificialOpticalRadiationatWorkRegulations2010came

into forcewith theaim toprotectworkers from the risks tohealth fromhazardoussources

ofartificialopticalradiation(AOR)includinglasers.

Itisintendedtoreviewandupdatethisdocumentonaregularbasisandtopublishitonthe

URPOwebsiteat:A

http://www.aurpo.org.uk
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.aurpo.org.uk/http://www.aurpo.org.uk/http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1

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iii

CONTENTS

Page

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. LASERSAFETYPOLICY&ADMINISTRATIVEARRANGEMENTS 2

3. HAZARDCLASSIFICATIONFORLASERS 4

4. GENERALSAFETYPRECAUTIONS 6

5. PRECAUTIONSFORSPECIFICCLASSESOFLASER 8

6. HAZARD/RISKASSESSMENT 9

7. PERSONAL PROTECTION 12

8. MEDICALSUPERVISION,EMERGENCYEYEEXAMINATIONS AND 13

ACCIDENTALEXPOSURES

9. LASERPOINTERS 13

10. DISPLAYLASERS 14

11. REFERENCES 15

APPENDIX1 LaserInventoryproforma 16

APPENDIX2UserRegistrationForm 17

APPENDIX3 UseofClass1M,2/2M,and3Rlasers 18

Hazard/RiskAssessmentproforma

APPENDIX4 UseofClass3B/4lasersHazard/RiskAssessmentproforma 19

APPENDIX5 ExamplesofLaserSafetySchemesofWork 23

APPENDIX6 Summaryofwarningsandprotectivecontrolmeasures 30

APPENDIX7 Summaryofmanufacturersanduserrequirements 31

APPENDIX8 Thesafeuseoflaserpointers 32

APPENDIX9 EmergencyProcedure 33

APPENDIX10 LaserSignsandLabels 34

APPENDIX11 OpticalHazardsandBiologicalEffectsoflaserradiation 37

APPENDIX12 Resourcesandlinks 39

APPENDIX13TrainingRecordForm 41

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1. INTRODUCTION

Theword laser isanacronym forLightAmplificationby theStimulatedEmissionofRadiation.

Thelightproducedbyalaser,aformofnonionisingopticalradiation,hasauniquecombination

ofspatialcoherence(allthewavesareinphase);monochromaticity(i.e.havejustonecolourora

narrowbandwidth)andusuallyhighcollimation(i.e.lowangulardivergencesuchthatthebeam

does not spread out significantly with distance). This combination of characteristics

istinguisheslaserradiationfromallotherlightsources.d

Lasers come in various shapes and forms. They have many uses in teaching, research,

manufacturing,medicine,dentistry,shopcheckoutsandmostcommonlyatwork in theoffice.

Lasersemitradiationasnarrowconcentratedbeamsoflight,notnecessarilyvisibletothehuman

eye.Theopticalandskinhazardspresentedbylasersvarymarkedlyaccordingtothewavelength

andpoweroftheoutput.Thehazardsoflasersareoftenassociatedwiththeabilityofthelaser

todamageeyesightorburnskin,butquiteoftentheradiationoropticalhazardsarenottheones

thatpresentthegreatestrisk,withassociatedrisksfromelectricalsupplies,cryogenic liquidsor

hemicaldyesbeingmorehazardous.c

Thereisalegalrequirementtoidentifyrisksandtakeappropriateactiontoeliminateorcontrol

thoserisks

(optical

and

non

optical).

We

all

have

aresponsibility

under

the

Health

&

Safety

at

WorketcAct1974 toensure thatworkwith lasers iscarriedoutsafely. Usershaveaduty to

protect both themselves and others from the potential hazards involved, particularly when

workingwiththemorepowerfullasers.

Within the EU, the Optical Radiation Directive was published in the Official Journal of the

EuropeanCommunitieson27April2006(Ref:L114)underthetitleofDirective2006/25/ECon

the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks

arisingfromphysicalagents(artificialopticalradiation). Laseropticalradiationisdealtwithin

AnnexIIoftheDirectiveandInstitutionsshouldhaveaccesstothisasareference. Withinthe

UK, theControlofArtificialOpticalRadiationatWorkRegulations2010 (AOR)came into force

with the aim to protect workers from the risks to health fromhazardous sources ofartificialopticalradiation(AOR)includinglasers. TheRegulationsincludetherequirementtoassessand

controlthehazardsfromlightemittedfromallartificialsourcesinallitsformssuchasultraviolet,

infraredandlaserbeams. GuidanceforEmployersontheControlofArtificialOpticalRadiation

atWorkRegulations(AOR)2010hasbeenproducedbytheHealth&SafetyExecutive(HSE). In

addition, the European Commissions publication A nonbinding guide to the Artificial Optical

RadiationDirective2006/25/ECcoversapplicationsposingminimalriskandprovidesguidanceon

others. An assessment methodology is set out and the guide outlines measures to reduce

hazardsandcheckforadversehealtheffects.

Theassessmentofnonopticalhazardsaredealtwithbyanumberofdifferentregulationswhich

maybeappropriate; forexample,PPERegulations,WorkplaceRegulations,ElectricityatWork,andCoSHH.

The safety of laser products is covered by the BSI, BS EN 60825 series of documents. The BS

standard is a `euronorm' based upon the corresponding International Electrotechnical

Commission'sIEC60825documents. The60825standardencompassesarangeofstandardsfor

manufacturers on lasers, fibre optic systems, laser guards and freespace communications

systemsetc. OfparticularimportanceforusersistheTechnicalReportPDIEC/TR6082514:2004

hichisadetaileduser'sguidethatincorporatesariskassessmentapproachtolasersafety.w

ManyInstitutionshaveinternetaccesstoBritishStandardsOnlineandhavelicencesubscriptions

allowingstandardstobedownloaded. EachshouldatleasthaveaccesstoTechnicalReportPD

IEC/TR6082514:2004oritscurrentversion.
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.g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Thepreviousclassificationsystem,whichwasbasedonfiveclasses(1,2,3A,3B&4),hasbeen

replacedwithasystemofsevenclasses(1,1M,2,2M,3R,3B&4). Itshouldbenotedhowever

thatmostof thechangesrelate to the lowerclassesof laserand that therehasbeenminimal

changestotherequirementsforClass3BandClass4lasers.

2. LASERSAFETYPOLICYandADMINISTRATIVEARRANGEMENTS

The lowestpower lasersuitableforthepurposeshouldbeusedand lasersshouldbeoperated

so that individualsarenotexposed to levels inexcessof the"MaximumPermissibleExposure

Levels" given in the current BS EN document. These levels can often be established by

calculation. Insomecasesappropriatemeasurementsusingspecificdetectors/instrumentation

may be necessary; if this is the case then a suitably qualified person will be required to

undertake the measurements. Written procedures for the safe operation of lasers should be

rawnupandapplied.d

Each Institutionshouldhave theirown localarrangementsandmanagementstructuredefined

with the ViceChancellor or Principal or Chief Executive, as appropriate, having overall

responsibilityforensuringtheeffectivemanagementofallhealthandsafetymatters including

lasersafety. Allpersonnelinvolvedinlaserworkhavearoletoplayinensuringthehealthand

safetyofthemselvesandotherswhomaybeaffectedbytheirwork. Somekeypersonnelhave

pecialresponsibilitiesrelatedtolasersafetyandthesearedescribedbelow.s

A useful guide to the levels of competency required in laser safety is given in PD CLC/TR

50448:2005 Guide to levels of competence required in laser safety. This guide provides

informationandguidancetoemployersandemployeesusing lasers. Itoutlinesproceduresfor

the management of laser safety and defines levels of competence for both those who have

responsibilitiesforlasersafetyandthosewhoworkwithlaserequipment.

2.1

LaserSafety

Adviser

(LSA)

/Laser

Safety

Officer

(LSO)

The Institutionwillneed theadviceandassistanceofaLaserSafetyAdviser to implement the

requirementsofBSEN60825whenClass3andClass4 lasersarebeingused. Thisrolemaybe

takenbytheRadiationProtectionAdviser,ifsuitablytrained,orothercompetentpersonwithin

theorganisation,orassistancecouldbeobtainedasandwhenrequiredfromanexternalexpert.

Whatever thearrangements forexpertadvice the institutionwillneed toappointan inhouse

LaserSafetyOfficertoperformexecutivedutiesonbehalfoftheVice Chancellortoensurethat

theinstitutionproceduresrelatingtolasersafetyarefollowed. Inparticular,theLSOwillneed

toensurethatarrangementsareinplacefor:

thetraining

of

new

staff/students;

identificationoflasersandusersofequipment;

provisionofameasuringservice(whereappropriate);

inspectionofallnewlaserfacilities;and

theroutineauditingoflaserfacilities.

2.2 DepartmentalLaserSafetyOfficers(DLSO)

IndepartmentswhereClass3BandClass4lasersareusedtheHeadofDepartmentinconsultation

with the Laser Safety Adviser/Officer should appoint a suitably qualified member of staff as

Departmental Laser Safety Officer who will be responsible for ensuring that all lasers used in the

department are identified and used in compliance with the Institutions Policy/Guidance on lasersafety. AsystemshouldbeinplacesothattheDLSOisawareoflasersbeingacquired,priortothem

arrivingonthepremises,toensurethatadequatefacilitiesareavailablefortheirsafeuse.

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2.2.1 DutiesoftheDepartmentalLaserSafetyOfficer

Aguide to thedutiesofaDLSO isgivenbelow. Insomesmall Institutions thesecouldwellbe

lookedonasthedutiesoftheLSOaswell. TheDLSOshouldensurethat:

all lasers except for low power Class 1 devices (and excluding laser printers, DVDs,

Class2laserpointersetc)areidentified;

all lasersare labelled inaccordancewithAppendix10and laserdesignatedareas

clearlyidentified;

schemesofworkaredrawnup,wherenecessary, for thesafeoperationof lasers (see

example in Appendix 5). These will normally be required for all Class 3B and Class 4

laserswhennottotallyenclosed;

personnel intending to work with Class 3R, Class 3B and Class 4 lasers, and others

who may be working with modified Class 1M or Class 2M devices, will need to be

identifiedandreceivetraininginthesafeuseoflasers;

lasersafetyeyewearareprovidedandworn (whenappropriate)byallpeopleworking

withClass3BandClass4laserswhenthebeamisnottotallyenclosedandthattraining

isgivenintheuseandmaintenanceofthiseyewear;

undergraduatesworkingwith lasersshoulduse theminimumpower laserpracticable

andfollowawrittenschemeofwork;

alllasersinthedepartmentareusedinaccordancewiththisguidance;and

routinesurveysareundertakentoensurecompliancewiththisguidance.

AsummaryoftherequirementsplacedonmanufacturersandusersbyBSEN60825isgivenin

Appendix 7 together with a survey form/checklist for new laser installations. More detailed

informationcanbeobtainedbyreferringtothestandardsdirectly.

IfasurveyrevealsnoncompliancewithBSEN60825andapotentiallydangeroussituation,the

laser should not be used until the situation has been remedied by the adoption of additional

controlmeasures.

2.3 ResponsibilitiesofResearchSupervisor/PrincipalInvestigator

The daytoday health and safety management of individual research projects is normally the

responsibilityoftheresearchsupervisor. Allwork involvinghazardous lasersmustbecovered

by riskassessmentsandwhereappropriatebywritten schemesofworkandprotocols. There

shouldalsobeprocedurestoensurethat lasersaremadesafepriortodisposalanddealtwith

appropriately if theycontainhazardousmaterials. Theresearchsupervisorshouldalsoensure

that their laser workers are effectively trained in the operating techniques required and that

inexperiencedstaffareadequatelysupervised.

2.4 ResponsibilitiesofLaserUsers

Laserusersalsohaveresponsibilities:

toobserve thePolicy/GuidanceandSchemesofWorkapplicable to the lasers thatwillbe

usedandtofollowtheguidanceofsupervisorsandtheDepartmentalLaserSafetyOfficer;

nottoleavealaserexperimentrunningunattendedunlessariskassessmenthasestablished

thatitissafetodoso;

fortheirownsafetyandthatofotherswhomaybeaffectedbytheiractsoromissions;and

whenworkingwithClass3BorClass4 lasers there is thepossibilityofstray laserbeamsthatcoulddamage theeyesight;whererequired theappropriate lasereyewearMUSTBE

WORN.

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3. HAZARDCLASSIFICATIONFORLASERS

Lasersproduceelectromagnetic radiationat wavelengthsextending from100nm in theultra

violet, through the visible (400700 nm), and the near infrared (700 1400 nm), to the far

infrared(1400nm 1mm). Thus,thelightemittedcanbeeithervisibleorinvisible. Laserscan

beoperatedinanumberofdifferentmodes. Somelasersproduceacontinuousoutputandare

knownascontinuouswaveorCWlasers. ThepoweroutputsofCWlasersareusuallyexpressed

intermsofwatts(W). Othersoperateinapulsedmodeproducingshortburstsofradiation. Thepowerofthelaseroutputcanvaryfromlessthan1mWtomanywattsinsomeCWdevices. The

energyoutputofpulsedlasersisgenerallyexpressedinjoules(J)perpulse.

Becauseofthewiderangespossibleforthewavelength,energycontentandpulsecharacteristics

oflaserbeams,thehazardsarisingfromtheirusevarieswidely. Itisimpossibletoregardlasers

asa singlegroup towhichcommon safety limitscan apply. A systemof laser classification is

usedto indicatethelevelof laserbeamhazardandmaximumAccessibleEmissionLevels(AELs)

have been determined for each class of laser. The previous classification system, which was

basedonfiveclasses(1,2,3A,3B&4),hasbeenreplacedwithasystemofsevenclasses(1,1M,

2,2M,3R,3B&4)andthesearedescribedbelow.

3.1 Class1:Lasersthataresafeunderreasonablyforeseeableconditionsofoperation,either

becauseof the inherently lowemissionof the laser itself,orbecauseof itsengineeringdesign

such that it istotallyenclosedandhumanaccesstohigher levels isnotpossibleundernormal

operation. NB Ifaccesspanelsofatotallyenclosedsystemareremovedforservicingetcthen

thelaserproductisnolongerClass1andtheprecautionsapplicabletotheembeddedlasermust

beapplieduntilthepanelsarereplaced.

3.2 Class1M:Laserproductsemittinginthewavelengthrange302.5nmto4000nm,whose

totaloutputisinexcessofthatnormallypermittedforClass1laserproductsbutbecauseoftheir

divergingbeamsorverylowpowerdensitydonotposeahazardinnormaluseandcomplywiththemeasurementconditions foraClass1Mproduct. However theymaybehazardous to the

yesundercertainconditionsifgatheringopticsareusedwiththem,i.e.e

a)With a diverging beam if optics are placed within 100 mm of the source to

concentrate/collimatethebeam.

b)Withalargediametercollimatedbeamviewedwithbinocularsoratelescope.

3.3 Class2:Lasers thatonlyemitvisibleradiation inthewavelengthrange from400nmto

700nmandwhoseoutputislessthantheappropriateAEL. Theyaresafeforaccidentalviewing

aseyeprotectionisaffordedbyaversionresponses,includingtheblinkreflex. Thisreactionmay

be expected to provide adequate protection under reasonably foreseeable conditions of

operationincludingtheuseofopticalinstrumentsforintrabeamviewing.

3.4 Class2M:Laserproductsthatonlyemitvisibleradiationinthewavelengthrange400nm

to700nm,whosetotaloutputisinexcessofthatnormallypermittedforClass2laserproducts

butbecauseoftheirdivergingbeamsorvery lowpowerdensityaresafeforaccidentalviewing

during normal use and comply with the measurement conditions for a Class 2M product.

Howevertheymaybehazardoustotheeyesundercertainconditionsifgatheringopticsareused

iththem,i.e.w

a)With a diverging beam if optics are placed within 100mm of the source to

concentrate/collimatethebeam.

b)

Withalargediametercollimatedbeamviewedwithbinocularsoratelescope.

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3.5 Class3R:Lasersthatemit in thewavelengthrange from180nmto1mmwheredirect

intrabeam viewing is potentially hazardous but the risk is lower than for Class 3B lasers, and

fewer manufacturing requirements and control measures for the user apply. The AEL is

restrictedtonomorethanfivetimestheAELofClass2forvisiblewavelengthsandnomorethan

fivetimestheAELofClass1forotherwavelengths.

3.6 Class3B:Lasersthatarenormallyhazardouswhendirectintrabeamexposureoccurs(i.e.

withinthe

Nominal

Ocular

Hazard

Distance

(NOHD),

which

isthe

distance

within

which

the

beam

irradianceorradiantexposurewillexceedtheappropriateMPE). Viewingdiffusereflections is

normallysafe. OutputlevelsmustbelessthantheappropriateAELsforClass3Bdevices.

3.7 Class 4: High power lasers that exceed the AELs for Class 3B products that are also

capable of producing hazardous diffuse reflections. They may cause skin injuries, could also

constitute a fire hazard and could cause hazardous fumes to be produced as well as being a

hazardtotheeyes. Theiruserequiresextremecaution.

3.8 ExampleAELs

TheAELsforHeNelasersemittinganarrowbeaminCWmodeat633nmareasfollows:

Class1and1M 0.39mW

Class2and2M 1mW

Class3R 5mW

Class3B 500mW

These limitswillalsoapplytoothernarrowbeamCW lasersoperatinginthewavelengthrange

400 700 nm except for Class 1 and 1M devices where there are further restrictions for

avelengths

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4. GENERALSAFETYPROCEDURES

4.1 IdentificationofLasers/LaserInventory

Asageneralrule,allClass3R,3BandClass4devicesshouldbeidentifiedandalaserinventory

foreachdepartmentmaintained;seeexampleinventoryproformainAppendix1. Theremaybe

occasions when this is not practicable because the laser products are in factjust electrical

components. Incircumstances likethis itshouldbetheuseofparticulartypesof laserdevice

thatshouldberecorded. ItmaybeusefultoalsonotetheuseofClass1M,Class2MandClass2

productsbutitisnotnecessarytorecordtheuseoflowpoweredClass1devices,Class2 laser

pointersortheuseofembeddedlasersinproductssuchasDVDplayersandlaserprinters. The

LSA/LSOshouldkeepacopyofeachdepartmental list. Departmentswillmaintain these lists

and notify the LSA/LSO of changes. Before the operation of any new laser or significant

modificationstheLSA/LSOshouldbeconsulted.

4.2 Record/RegistrationofUsersofLasers

Inordertomakepeopleawareofthehazardsoflasersandtoensurethatsafesystemsofwork

arebeingpracticedmanagementarrangementsshouldbeinplacetoidentifyusersoflasers.Riskassessments should also identify users of lasers and a list/record must be kept up to date in

departments.Institutionsmaychoose,foroperationalreasons,tohavesomeformofregistration

systemanexampleregistrationformisgiveninAppendix2. Allpeopleintendingtoworkwith

any class of laser, except for inherently safe Class 1 or Class 2 devices or embedded laser

productssuchasthoseinlaserprintersorCDplayers,shouldbeidentified. Personswhocould

or are going to modify Class 1M or 2M devices should also be identified, as they will require

instruction/training.

4.3 Training

Initialtrainingwillbeabasicinstructioninlaserhazards,risksandtheircontrol.Class3R,Class3B

andClass4 laserworkersshouldattendtrainingbeforecommencinganylaserworkandshould

alsobefamiliarwiththeschemesofwork/protocolsprovided. Arecordofattendanceshouldbe

made.TrainingintheuseofindividuallasersistheresponsibilityoftheResearchSupervisorand

a record of this training must also be made. Appropriate refresher training should also be

providedtoensurethatpeoplearekeptuptodatewiththelatestBritishStandardrequirements.

AnexampleofatrainingrecordformforauthorisedlaserusersisgiveninAppendix13.

PDCLC/TR50448:2005Guide to levelsofcompetence required in lasersafetydetails that laser

workersshouldbesufficientlycompetentintheoperationanduseoftheequipmentandshould

understand

thegeneralnatureoflaserradiation;

thehealthhazards, the tissuesof thebodyat risk,and theseverityofharmwhichcan

result;

the different laser classes and the meaning of the warning labels appropriate to the

classes;

the proper use of hazard control procedures and where appropriate the need for

personalprotectiveequipment;

the need for any necessary additional precautions when undertaking nonroutine

activities;and

be familiar with the Institutions procedures and policy governing laser use, including

emergencyactionandaccidentreportingprocedures.

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4.4 UndergraduateWork

If reasonably practicable, undergraduate work should be restricted to Class 1/1M, 2/2M or

visible 3R lasers, especially for class experiments. Sometimes it is possible to downgrade a

higherpoweredlaserbytheuseofneutraldensityfiltersorbeamexpanders.

It is important to introduce students to good safety practice and a written Scheme of Work

shouldbedrawnupandposted inthe laboratory. Inaddition,clearwritten instructionsshould

beprovidedforeachstudentexperiment.

Studentsinvolved inprojectworkandworkingwithClass3BorClass4 lasersshouldbetreated

as laser workers and be subject to the normal registration and training process. The risk

assessment should take into account the inexperience of the users and additional close

supervisionislikelytobenecessary.

4.5 LabellingofLasers

LasersthataresafewithinreasonableforeseeableconditionsofoperationinClass1donotneed

warning labels. Supplementary informationdescribing the laserproductasa TotallyEnclosed

System' with details of the embedded laser clearly displayed is required in situations where

accesstotheembeddedproductisroutinelyrequired. Allotherlaserproductsshouldcarrythe

appropriate warning labels in accordance with BS EN 608251. Recently manufactured lasers

shouldallconformtothisStandard.ForfulldetailsoflabelsrequiredseeAppendix10.

Where lasersand lasersystemsarenotadequately labelled(someAmericansystemshavevery

smalllabelsthatarehardtoreadanddonotcomplywithourBS),theywillneedtoberelabelled.

Institutionsshouldnotethatformainspoweredequipmentthe labellingof lasers infuturewill

havetocomplywithEuropeanStandardsandanyInstitutionobtaininga laserdirectlyfromthe

U.S.andelsewhereoverseaswillassumetheresponsibilitiesoftheimporterandsupplier.

4.6 DesignationofLaserAreas

Alasercontrolledareaisanareawheretheoccupancyandactivityofthosewithinissubjectto

controlandsupervisionforthepurposeofprotectionfromthelaserradiationhazards. Access

toalasercontrolledareashouldberestrictedtoallexceptauthorisedpersonswhenthelaseris

turnedonandthereisthepossibilityofexposure. Class3Band4lasersshouldbeoperatedina

lasercontrolledareaifengineeringcontrolshavenotentirelyeliminatedtherisks;inthiscasean

interlock system should be fitted (or other means of protecting unauthorised people, e.g. by

controllingaccessbyswipecardorkeyaccess).

ThepointsofaccesstoareasinwhichClass3BandClass4lasersareusedmustbemarkedwith

appropriatewarningsignsseeAppendix10. Theremayalsobeexperimentswhereopenbeam

work with modified Class 1M/Class 2M or Class 3R lasers are used that will also warrant the

displayofappropriatewarningsigns.

4.7 LaboratoryDesign

The following considerations relate mainly to the use of Class 4 lasers but some may be

appropriateforClass3Bdevicesaswell,orasgeneralspecificationsforalaserlaboratory.

Ifpracticablethelaserlaboratoryshouldhaveahighlevelofilluminationthatwillminimisepupilsizeandreduce the riskofstray laser light reaching the retina. Windowsshouldbekept toa

minimumandmayneedtobecoveredorprotectedbyblinds. Theseshouldbenonreflective

andmayneedtobefireproofwherehigherpoweredlasersareused.

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Walls, ceilings and fittings should be painted with a light coloured matt paint to enhance

illumination and minimise specular reflections. Reflecting surfaces such as the use of glass

frontedcupboardsshouldbeavoided.

Ventilation is important especiallywith higherpowered lasers ifcryogens are used, or if toxic

fumesareproducedthatneedtobeextractedandinthiscaseitisimportantthattheextraction

isveryclosetothesource. Facilitiesmayalsobeneededforthehandlingoftoxicchemicalsthat

areassociatedwithsomedyelasers.

Thelaboratoryshouldbeequippedwithappropriatefirefightingequipment. Electricalsupplies,

switchandcontrolgearshouldbesitedinorderto:

enablethelasertobeshutdownbyapersonstandingnexttothelaser;

enablethelasertobemadesafeinanemergencyfromoutsidethelaserareaifreasonably

practicable;

preventaccidentalfiringofalaser;

provideanindicationofthestateofreadinessofthelaser;

enablepersonneltostandinasafeplace;

providesufficientandadequatepowersuppliesforallancillaryequipmentandapparatussothattheuseoftrailingleadsisminimised.

4.8 Experimentalsetup

Beforestartingtouseyourlaserthereareanumberofbasicriskreductionmeasuresthatshould

econsidered.b

Canalowerpoweredlaserbeused?

Cantheoutputpowerofthelaserberestrictediffullpowerisnotneeded?

Canintrabeamviewingbepreventedbyengineeringdesign? Canthelaserbeusedinascreenedoffarea limitingpotentialforotherstobeaffected?

Canworkbecarriedoutinatotalenclosure?

Beampathsshouldbeasshortaspossible,opticalreflectionsshouldbeminimisedand

thebeamterminatedwithanenergyabsorbingnonreflectivebeamstop.

The laser and optical components should be securely fixed to the bench to avoid

displacementandunintendedbeampaths.

Ifpracticablealignpowerfullaserswithlowpowerdevicesthataresafeforaccidental

viewing,orreducethepowerofthelaserbyturningitdownorintroducingneutral

densityfilters.

The

aim

should

be

to

get

the

output

power

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5. PRECAUTIONSFORSPECIFICCLASSESOFLASER

5.1 Class1 laserproducts/systemsdonotrequireanyspecialprecautionsor formalcontrol

measures.Theexception iswheresuchasystemconsistsofatotallyenclosedClass3B/4 laser

and access is required for the purpose of servicing or alignment. In this case, it should be

includedonthelaserinventoryandthereshouldbeaSchemeofWorkforthatactivity.

5.2 Class1M

and

2M

products can be hazardous if the output is viewed

with optical

instruments. Modificationoftheseproductsneedstobecarefullyassessed,reclassificationmay

benecessaryandtheappropriatecontrolmeasuresdetailed.

5.3 ForClass2 laserproducts,protection isbasedonexposurebeing limitedbythenatural

aversionresponse(0.25sec).Simplemeasuressuchas informationtousersnottodeliberately

aim thebeamatpeople,stare into thebeamand terminate thebeamat theendof itsuseful

pathwillbesufficient.

5.4 ForClass3Rproducts,thecontrolmeasureswillinclude:

terminatingthe

beam

at

the

end

of

its

useful

path;

avoidingbeampathsateyelevelandwherepracticableenclosethebeam;

instructionandtrainingtoanappropriatelevel;

takingcaretopreventunintentionalspecularreflections;

where nonvisible wavelengths are used an emission indicator device is to be used to

indicatethelaserisenergised.

5.5 ForClass3Bor4lasers,eachlaserlaboratoryorexperiment,asappropriate,shouldhave

itsownLaserSchemeofWorkbasedupontheconclusionsofariskassessment.

ThenameofthelocalLaserSafetyOfficerandthepermittedauthorisedusers,theextentofany

laserdesignatedareaandreferencetospecificprotocolsthataretobeusedshouldbeincludedintheschemeofwork.(SeeexampleschemesofworkwithplanningprocedureinAppendix5).

All theabovecontrolmeasures indicated forClass3R lasersshouldbeusedaswellas remote

interlocks,safety interlocks,keycontrol,beamstop/shutterandthefull listofuserprecautions

detailedinAppendix7. Areasneedtobedefinedandwarningsignsused.

TheSchemeofWorkshouldbedisplayed inaprominentpositionor readilyavailablewithina

laboratoryfolder.

AsummaryofwarningsandprotectivecontrolmeasuresfromBSEN60825forallclassesoflaser

isgiveninAppendix7.

6. HAZARD/RISKASSESSMENT

Excessiveexposureto laserradiationwillresult inbiologicaldamage.Themainareasatriskare

theeyeandtheskin.Visibleandnearinfraredlasersareaspecialhazardtotheeyebecausethe

verypropertiesnecessaryfortheeyetobeaneffectivetransduceroflightresultinhighradiant

exposurebeingpresentedtohighlypigmentedtissues. Thebiologicaleffectofirradiationofskin

bylasersoperatinginthevisible(400nmto700nm)andinfrared(greaterthan700nm)spectral

regions may vary from a mild erythema to severe blisters. See Appendix 11 for furtherinformation. This topic is covered in depth in Annex C of PD IEC/TR 6082514:2004. When

carryingouta riskassessment for theopticalhazard, it is important toknowof theeffectsof

laserradiationonbiologicaltissue.

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Special considerations apply to the use of lasers for medical and dental work, and lasers for

display purposes. Such work must be very carefully planned and controlled and specialist

guidancefollowed.

Before the appropriate controls can be selected and implemented, laser hazards must be

identified and evaluated together with nonbeam hazards that may be present. The laser's

capabilityofinjuringpersonnelandtheenvironmentandthewayinwhichthelaserorlasersare

to be used needs consideration. A risk assessment must be carried out to establish the

significantrisksandwhethersuitableandeffectivecontrolsexist.

6.1 StagesinaRiskAssessment

Therearebasically5stagestoariskassessment:

1. Identifythehazards,i.e.thepotentialforharm;

2. Assessriskfromthesehazardsandwhoisatrisk;

3. Determineandimplementthenecessarycontrolmeasures;

4. Assessresidualriskrepeatingstage3ifnecessary;and

5.

Recordthefindings.

Toassist in identifyinghazardsand riskcontrolmeasures,aproformahasbeendeveloped for

Class1M,2/2Mand3Rlasers(Appendix3)andClass3B&4lasersystems(Appendix4).

Class 3B and Class 4 lasers are capable of causing significant eye injury to anyone who looks

directlyintothebeamoritsspecularreflections. Diffusereflectionsofahighpowerlaserbeam

canalsocausepermanenteyedamage.Highpower laserbeamscanburnexposedskin, ignite

flammablematerialsandheatmaterialsreleasinghazardousfumes,gasesordebris.Equipment

and optical apparatus required to produce and control laser energy may also introduce

additionalhazardsassociatedwithhighvoltage,highpressure,cryogenics,noise,otherformsof

radiation, flammable materials and toxic fluids. Each proposed experiment or operation

involvingalasermustbeevaluatedtodeterminethehazardsinvolvedandtheappropriatesafety

measuresandcontrolsrequired.

6.2 AssessingRisk

The people who may be at risk need to be identified. These may include cleaning, service

personnel,othercontractors,visitorsandthepublicaswellastrainedoperatives.

Riskcanbeassessedbyusingquantitativemeasuresthatcombinethe likelihoodofoccurrence

withtheseverityofinjury;however,inlasersafetyitisusuallymoreimportanttoeliminatethe

risk of injury by adopting appropriate control measures in all situations where there is the

possibilityofMPEsbeingexceeded.

6.3 LaserControlsopticalhazards

The simplest rule to follow to avoid eye injury is not to lookdirectly into a laser beam or its

specularreflection,regardlessof the laser'spowerorclassificationor the lasereyewearbeing

worn. AMaximumPermissibleExposure,MPE,shouldbecalculatedforlasersourcespresentin

a laser system based on the radiated wavelength(s), output power(s) or energy(ies), and, if

appropriate,thepulsedurationandpulserepetitionrate. MPEsapplytoaspecificcombination

oftheseparametersandwillusuallychangeifanyoftheparameterschanges. EngineeringandadministrativecontrolsshouldbeusedtokeepexposuresbelowtheMPEwheneverpracticable.

Skinprotectionand laser eyewear shouldbeused onlywhere engineering and administrative

controlsareimpractical.

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6.3.1 Laseralignment

Aboutsixtypercentoflaseraccidentsinresearchsettingsoccurduringthealignmentprocess.

Laseralignmentguidelinestohelppreventaccidentsshouldinclude:

Restrictedaccess,unauthorisedpersonnelmustbeexcludedfromtheroomorarea.

Thewearingoflaserprotectiveeyewearwhenappropriate.

ThetrainingandinstructionofClass3B/4laserusers.

Instructions to removewatchesand reflectivejewellerybeforeanyalignmentactivities

begin.

Thelowestpossible/practicalpowermustbeusedduringalignments.

The use of a HeNe or CW diode alignment laser, when possible, for a preliminary

alignment.

Identifying individual responsibilities the individual who moves or places an optical

componenton an optical table is responsible for identifying and terminatingeachand

everystraybeamcomingfromthatcomponent.

Identifyingwhenthebeamisdirectedoutofthehorizontalplane.

Checks on the stability and rigidity of all optical mounts, beam blocksand stray beamshields.

Useofbeampathsatasafeheight,beloweyelevelwhenstandingorsittingandnotata

levelthattemptsonetobenddownandlookatthebeam.

6.4 ControlofNonopticalhazards

Many hazards (other than from laser radiation) that can be found in the laser area must be

adequately assessed and the risks controlled. The manufacturers safety guidance material

shouldhelpinidentifyingmostoftheassociatedhazards. Themainnonopticalhazardsinclude:

electrical high voltages and capacitors used with pulsed lasers can present a serious

hazardparticularlyduringservicing;

collateralradiation

thiscouldincludexrays,UV,RF,visibleandIRradiation;

fumecanbereleasedfromtheactionofhighpowerlasersusedinmaterialsprocessing

andsurgery;

hazardous substances substances used in dye and excimer lasers can be toxic and

carcinogenic,cleaningsolutionsmayalsobehazardous;

cryogenicliquidsusedwithhighpoweredlaserscanpresentaburninghazard,possible

oxygendepletionhazardandpossiblyanexplosionhazardfromoverpressureofgasesin

aclosedsystem;

fireandexplosionhighpowered(class4)laserscanignitematerialsandevenrelatively

lowpoweredlasers(>35mW)cancauseexplosionsincombustiblegasesanddusts;

mechanicalhazards

fromgascylinders,trailingcablesandwaterhoses,cutsfrom

sharp

objects,handlingdifficultieswithlargeworkpieces;

noise fromdischargingcapacitorbanks, from somepulsed lasersand from someair

cooledlasers.

Other hazards may also arise from the environment in which the laser is used adverse

temperature and humidity, low lightlevel conditions, mechanical shock and vibration,

interruptions to the power supply, computer software problems and ergonomic problems

causedbypoordesignofthelayoutofequipment. Issuessuchascleanersormaintenancestaff

inadvertentlydisturbingequipmentorunsupervisedaccessmustalsobeaddressed.

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6.5 Laseraccidents

Somecommonunsafepracticesthatarecausesofpreventablelaseraccidentsare:

Lackofpreplanningandfailuretofollowsafetyprotocols.

Misalignedopticsandupwardlydirectedbeamspayparticularattentiontoperiscopes,

andreflectionsfromwindowsandbeamsplitters/combiners.

Availableeyeprotectionnotusedparticularlyduringalignmentprocedures.

Wearingthewrongeyewear. Bypassingofdoorinterlocksandlaserhousinginterlocks.

Insertionofreflectivematerialsintobeampaths.

Lackofprotectionfromnonbeamhazards.

Impropermethodsofhandlinghighvoltage.

Operatingunfamiliarequipment.

6.6 Assessingresidualriskandrecordingtheresults

In most circumstances after introducing control measures one should be able to assess the

residual riskas being low. One then needs toproducewrittenSystems ofWork andmake it

availabletoalluserssothattheyareawareofallprotectivemeasurestheyshouldbetakingand

theprocedurestheyshouldbefollowing. SeetheexampleriskassessmentinAppendix4.

Itshouldbenotedthatwiththechangingnatureofexperimentalwork it is importantthatthe

risk assessment and operating procedures are routinely reviewed and, most importantly,

reviewedpriortoanysignificantchange.

7. PERSONALPROTECTION

Whenever there is a risk of laser exposure to levels above the specified MPEs, personal eye

protection is one of the commonest and important elements of personal laser protection.Personaleyeprotectionshouldbe regardedasa last lineofdefenceagainstexposure to laser

radiation; itcanbeadoptedonlyaftera full safetyevaluationhasbeencarriedoutandother

means of affording protection have been considered and rejected. Its use should not be

regarded as a convenient alternative to proper engineering controls or thorough hazard

assessments.

RequirementsapplywithinEuropecoveringthespecification,markingandtestingoflaser

eyeprotection, usingprotectiveeffect rather thanopticaldensity.Scalenumbers which

take into account maximum spectral transmittance and resistance to laser radiation are

used. Theseare detailed inBSEN207:2009Personaleye protectionequipment Filters

andeye

protectors

against

laser

radiation

(laser

eye

protectors) and BS EN 208: 2009

Personaleye protectionEye protectors foradjustmentworkonlasersandlasersystems

(laser adjustment eye protectors). Annex B of both BS EN 207 and BS EN 208 give

recommendations for the selectionofpersonaleyeprotectiondependingon the typeof

laserradiationandthe operatingconditions.

Whenchoosingpersonal eyeprotection, it is important toconsidernotonly theability of the

eyeweartoattenuatetheincidentradiationbutalsotohaveadamagethresholdhighenoughto

withstandthemaximumpossibleexposure longenoughforavoidingactiontobetaken,andto

take into account comfort and visual light transmission (mean percentage of visible spectrum

that is not filtered by the eyewear). Special consideration needs to be made when selectingeyewear for femtosecond and picosecond pulsed lasers. Information on specifying eye

protectionisgiveninPDIEC/TR6082514:Ausersguide.

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Laser protective eyewear should never be relied on to provide protection against deliberate

exposure to a laser beam but should be regarded as a means of providing some protection

againstaccidentalexposure.

Eye protection which is designed to provide adequate protection against specific laser

wavelengthsshouldbeused inallhazardareaswhereClass3R laserproductsemittingenergy

outsideof the400nm to700nmwavelength range,Class3BorClass4 lasersare inuse (see

clause12).

Exceptions

to

this

are:

whenengineeringandadministrativecontrolsaresuchas toeliminatepotential

exposureinexcessoftheapplicableMPE;

when,duetotheunusualoperatingrequirements,theuseofeyeprotectionisnot

practicable. Suchoperatingproceduresshouldonlybeundertakenwiththeapprovalof

theLaserSafetySupervisor/Officer.

WhenworkingwithClass4lasers(andsomeClass3BdevicesemittingintheUV)skinprotection

mayalsoberequired.

Special attention has to be given to the resistance and stability against laser radiation when

choosingeyewearorprotectiveclothingforprotectionagainstClass4lasers.

Personalprotectiveequipmentshouldbepersonal,i.e.,itshouldbeappropriatelycleaned

betweenusers,oreachuserhastheirown. Therearebasicdutiesconcerningtheprovisionand

useofpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)andtherequirementsofthePersonalProtective

EquipmentatWorkRegulations1992(asamended).

8. MEDICALSUPERVISION,EMERGENCYEYEEXAMINATIONSand

ACCIDENTALEXPOSURES

Eyeexaminations for laserusersarenotrecommendedasapartofasafetyprogramme. The

valueof routineexaminations forClass3B/4 laserusershasbeen reviewedand it isgenerally

acceptedthatroutineexaminationsareoflittlevalueandthattheonlyreasonforthesemayfor

medicallegalreasons.

What is of more importance is having procedures in place if there has been an apparent or

suspectedocularexposure. Amedicalexaminationbyaqualifiedspecialistneedstobecarried

outassoonaspossible. Intheeventofanaccidentorincidentinvolvingsuspectedinjurytothe

eye(s),anemergencyexaminationshouldbecarriedoutassoonaspossibleandwithin24hours.

ThemostappropriateAccidentandEmergencyDepartmentthatdealswitheyeinjuriesneedstobeidentified. Theinjuredpartyshouldbetakentothisplace. Suitablearrangementsshouldbe

inplacetoensurethatallpersonsworkingwithClass3B/4lasersareawareoftheactiontotake

intheeventofanaccident/incident. EachClass3B/4lasershouldhaveacardorproformathat

canbetakenwiththecasualtytoHospital. Anexampleofsuchacardandtheinformationthat

willberequiredintheeventofanaccident/incidentisgiveninAppendix9.

Intheeventofaneyeinjurycausedbyanindividualstaringdownthebeamofalowerpowered

lasertheemergencyarrangementsforClass3B/4lasersshouldbefollowed.

Whereanemergencyeyeexaminationisrequired,theLaserSafetyAdviserandlocalLaserSafety

Officerwillcarryoutadetailedinvestigationoftheaccident/incident.

Intheeventofaskininjury,i.e.thermalburn,thiscanbetreatedaswouldanyotherburn.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdf

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All accidents and incidents, whether involving an emergency examination or not, must be

reportedpromptlytotheestablishmentsHealthandSafetyOfficeusingtheappropriatecurrent

localAccident/IncidentReportForm.

Dependingonwhetheran injuryhasbeensustained theremaybearequirementtonotify the

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous

OccurrencesRegulations(RIDDOR).

There is no statutory requirement under the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work

Regulations 2010 (AOR) for medical surveillance for the eye. However, appropriate medical

supervisionisrequiredifsomeoneisexposedtolaserradiationinexcessoftheMPE(termedthe

ExposureLimitValueintheRegulations).

9. LASERPOINTERS

Small lasersarecommonlyavailableandsomeareusedforpresentationpurposesaspointers.

These laser pointers are normally classified at a level above Class 1 and therefore in some

circumstancescancauseharm,particularlybystaringintothebeam.Inthepasttheywereonlyavailable in red wavelengths and had output powers up to and sometimes over 5 mW.

Nowadays devices are available emitting green wavelengths where the eye is more sensitive

and lowerpowersareall that isneededso that laserpointersshouldnowbeClass2devices

(output

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11. REFERENCES

BSEN608251Safetyoflaserproducts,Part1: Equipmentclassificationand

requirements.

BSEN608252Safetyoflaserproducts,Part2:Safetyofopticalfibre

communicationssystems.

PDIEC/TR608253Safetyoflaserproducts,Part3: Guidanceforlaserdisplaysand

shows.

PDIEC/TR6082514:2004Safetyoflaserproducts,Part14:Ausersguide.

P

DCLC/TR50448:2005Guidetolevelsofcompetencerequiredinlasersafety.

ISBN0580467309

BSEN207:1999Personaleye

protection

equipment

Filters

and

eye

protectors

againstlaserradiation(lasereyeprotectors)

BSEN208:2009PersonaleyeprotectionEyeprotectorsforadjustmentworkonlasersandlasersystems(laseradjustmenteyeprotectors)

CVCPSafetyinUniversitiesNotesofGuidancePart2:1Lasers,1992Edition.

Theradiationsafetyoflasersusedfordisplaypurposes Health&Safety

Executivepublication.HS(G)95 1996 ISBN071760691

TheInternationalCommissiononNonIonisingRadiationProtection(ICNRP)

publications. http://www.icnirp.org/pubOptical.htm

OpticalRadiationDirective,publishedintheOfficialJournaloftheEuropean

Communitieson27April2006(Ref:L114)Directive2006/25/EConthe

minimumhealthandsafety requirementsregardingtheexposureofworkersto

therisksarisingfromphysicalagents (artificialopticalradiation)

or

http://europa.eu.int/eurlex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427

en00380059.pdf

ControlofArtificialOpticalRadiationatWorkRegulations2010(AOR)

EuropeanCommissionspublicationAnonbindingguidetotheArtificialOpticalRadiationDirective2006/25/EC

LaserSafetyManagement.KennethBarat.CRC,Taylor&

Francis,2006ISBN:0824723074

http://www.laserinstitute.org/PDF/pubs/pub209toc.pdf

LaserSafety.RoyHenderson&KarlSchulmeister.InstituteofPhysics

ublishing,2003.ISBN:0750308591Phttp://www.laserinstitute.org/store/LSAFPUB/301

NBOtherusefulwebreferencesaregiveninAppendix12.
http://www.icnirp.org/pubOptical.htmhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eurlex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://europa.eu.int/eurlex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_114/l_11420060427en00380059.pdfhttp://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101140_en_1http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20101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Appendix1

LASERINVENTORY PROFORMA

Location Manufacturer Type Wavelength PowerOutput Laser

andModel (forCW)or Class

PulsePower,

durationand

repetitionrate

Note:DonotincludeofficebasedClass1laserproductsorequipmentcontaining

themi.e.CompactDisc/DVDplayers,laserprintersetc.

Institution/Department: .

LaserSupervisor/Officer: ..

Date:

...

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Appendix2

NameofInstitution

REGISTRATION

FORM

FOR

LASER

USERS

Surname: Sex:

Prename(s): DateofBirth:

Title(Mr,Ms,

Dretc)

Status(Lecturer,RA,

Technician,RSetc)

email: Supervisor:

Department:

Laserstobeused:

Experiments

to

be

performed:

Labstobeused:

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Appendix3

EXAMPLE USEOFCLASS1M,2Mand3RLASERS

HAZARD&RISKASSESSMENT

Location Assessment

Number

Assessor Dateof

Assessment

Withouttheuseofmagnifyingoptics1Mdevicesdonotposeaneyehazard,neitherdo2M

or Class 2 devices as long as you do not stare into the beam (eye protection is normally

affordedbytheaversionresponses).Aneyehazardispossibleifthereis:exposureinexcess

ofmorethan0.25secondsfromClass2/2Mlasers;exposuretoClass1M/2M;orifClass3R

lasersarevieweddirectly.Riskofeyeinjuryislow.Thereisnoskinorfirehazard.

1 LOCATIONANDVERYBRIEF

DESCRIPTIONOFTHEWORKACTIVITY

2 LASER SPECIFICATION

Model:

MaximumPower

WavelengthRange

3 NONOPTICALHAZARDS

Detailthe

significant

risks

and

thecontrolmeasuresnecessary

foranynonopticalhazard

identifiedandanyoptical

hazardfrom1M/2MDevices.

Hazard/Risk

ControlMeasure

4 CONTROLMEASURES

Avoideyelevelanddonotexposeusersorotherstothebeam.

N.B.Modified1M/2Mdevicesmayneedtobereassessedasahigherclassifiedlaser.

Follow

the

manufacturer's

safety

instructions.

Takecarewhenoperatingthelasersystem.

Keepthelaser'on'onlywhennecessary.

Restrictunauthoriseduse.

Terminatethebeamattheendofitsusefulpath.

Donotpointatortowardspersonsdeliberately.

Donotpointatmirroredsurfacesthatmaycauseunplanned

reflections.

Neverlookintothelaseraperture.

Neverlookdirectlyorstareintothebeam/beamaperturewhenon.

Neverallow

unauthorised

use.

Donotuseopticalviewingaids.

5 CONTACT NAME PHONE

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Appendix4

USEOFCLASS3B&4LASERSHAZARD&RISKASSESSMENT

Class3BandClass4lasersarecapableofcausingeyeinjurytoanyonewholooksdirectly

intothebeamor itsspecularreflections. Inaddition,diffusereflectionsofahighpower

(Class4)laserbeamcanproducepermanenteyedamage. Highpowerlaserbeams(Class4) can burn exposed skin, ignite flammable materials, and heat materials that release

hazardous fumes,gases,debris,orradiation.Equipmentandopticalapparatusrequired

to produce and control laser energy may also introduce additional hazards associated

with high voltage, high pressure, cryogenics, noise, and other forms of radiation,

flammable materials, and toxic fluids. Thus, each proposed experiment or operation

involving a laser must be evaluated to determine the hazards involved and the

appropriatesafetymeasuresandcontrolsrequired.

School/Dept AssessmentNumber

Assessor

Dateof

Assessment

1LOCATIONOFTHEWORKACTIVITY

2 LASERIDENTIFICATIONANDSPECIFICATIONSCompletethefollowingchart;listalllasers,includinglowpoweralignmentlasers:

Laser1 Laser2 Laser3

Type:

Manufacturer:

Model:

Serial#

MaximumPower

MaximumPulseEnergy

WavelengthRange

WavelengthUsed

PowerUsed

PulseEnergyUsed

PulseLength

PulseRepetitionRate

BeamDiameters(x,y)

BeamShape(e.g.ellipse,box,

circular)

BeamDivergence(x,y)

LASERCLASSIFICATION

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3 DESCRIPTIONOFACTIVITYORRESEARCHPROJECTProvideabriefdescriptionofthelasersetup,itspurposeandoperationalparameters.

DURATIONOFACTIVITY/PROJECTIstheworkongoingorforalimitedperiod?

4 IDENTIFICATIONOFHAZARDSADDITIONALTOTHELASERHAZARD(S)

ElectricalHazardsMostlaserscontainhighvoltagepowersuppliesandoftenlargecapacitors/capacitorbanksthatstorelethalamountsof

electricalenergy.

Areanyspecialprecautions/proceduresrequired? Yes/No

LaserDyesLaserdyesareoftentoxicand/orcarcinogenic chemicalsdissolvedinflammablesolvents

Arelaserdyesused? Yes/No

Givedetails,ifyes.

Compressedand

Toxic

Gases

Hazardousgasesmaybeusedinlaserapplications,i.e.,excimerlasers(fluorine,hydrogenchloride).

Arecompressedgasesand/ortoxicgasesused? Yes/No

Givedetails,ifyes.

CryogenicFluidsCryogenicfluidscancreatehazardoussituations.Adequateventilationmustbeprovided.

Arecryogenicfluidsused? Yes/No

Givedetails,ifyes.

Fumes/Vapours/LaserGeneratedAirContaminantsfromBeam/Target

interaction

Whenlaserbeamsaresufficientlyenergisedtoheatupatarget,thetargetmayvaporise,creatinghazardousfumesor

vapoursthatmayneedtobecapturedorexhausted.

Isthereapotentialforfumes/vapours/LaserGeneratedAirContaminants?

Yes/No

Givedetails,ifyes.

UVandVisibleRadiation/PlasmaEmissionsUVandvisibleradiationmaybegeneratedbylaserdischargetubes,pumplampsorplasmas. Thelevelsproducedmaybean

eyeandskinhazard.

IsthereapotentialforsignificantUV/visibleradiation? Yes/No

Explosion

Hazards

Highpressurearclamps,filamentlamps,andcapacitors mayexplodeiftheyfailduringoperation. Lasertargetsandsome

opticalcomponentsalsomayshatterifheatcannotbedissipatedquicklyenough.

Isthereanexplosionhazard? Yes/No

Givedetails,ifyes.

IonisingRadiation(Xrays)Xrayscanbeproducedfromtwomainsources,highvoltagevacuumtubesoflaserpowersuppliessuchasrectifiers,

thyratrons,andelectricdischargelasers.Anypowersuppliesthatrequiremorethan15kVmayproducexrays.

Isthereanionisingradiationhazard? Yes/No

Otherhazardsnotidentifiedabove.

Pleasespecify

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RISKASSESSMENTandCONTROLMEASURES

5 PERSONSWHOMAYBEATRISK SpecifiedAuthorisedLaserUsers

ProjectSupervisors

6 MEASURESTOREDUCELEVELOFRISK(LASERHAZARD)

Areopenorpartially

enclosedbeamsusedduring

thefollowing?

1.Initialsettingupandbeam

alignment;

2.Additionofnewoptical

elements/lasers;

3.Daytodayoperation

4.Servicing

YES/NO/n/a

YES/NO/n/a

YES/NO/n/a

YES/NO/n/a

Arethere

protocols/procedurestocontrolrisksfromtheocular

(andifapplicable,skin)

hazard?

1.Initialsettingupandbeam

alignment;2.Additionofnewoptical

elements/lasers;

3.Daytodayoperation

4.Servicing

YES/NO/n/a

YES/NO/n/a

YES/NO/n/a

YES/NO/n/a

Listtheoperatingprotocolswith

references/dates/location.

ALLOPENBEAMWORKMUSTHAVEAN

APPROPRIATEPROTOCOL/OPERATING

PROCEDURE

7 INSTRUCTION/TRAINING

Authorisedlaserusersmustreceiveappropriatetrainingandinstruction

Specifytheinstructionandtrainingarrangements.

Alistofauthorisedlaserusersistobedisplayed

8 PERSONALEYEPROTECTION

DetailHowScalenumberwasdetermined

Number

available

Location Manufacturer Scale

number

Wavelength

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9 ASSESSMENTOFRISK(ASSOCIATEDHAZARDSidentifiedinSection4)

Hazard/Risk ControlMeasure

Detailthesignificantrisks

andthecontrolmeasures

necessary(i.e.by

referenceto

protocols/proceduresor

safetymanual).

Forhazardoussubstances,

specifythelocationofthe

appropriateCOSHH

assessments.

10

MONITORING

Performanceofcontrolmeasures,

It istheindividualresponsibilityofeach laseroperatortofollowtheguidelineson

lasersafety. Wherecontrolmeasureshavefailedorhavebeensuspectthenlaser

users should report these. Supervisors should monitor that users are complying

with procedures as should the School and Institution Laser Safety Officers by

carryingoutperiodicchecks.

11 REVIEW

Enterthedateorcircumstancesforreviewofassessment(3yearsorthelengthoftheparticularproject/workerifshorter.)

Wherenewlasersorcomponentsareintroducedthenthesechangesneedtobe

assessed;protocolsmayneedtobemodified. Areviewwouldalsoberequired

whereanewlaserworkerstarts;ensurethattheyareinformedoftherelevant

risksandprotocols.

12 EMERGENCYACTION

TOCONTROL

HAZARDS

Tostabilisesituatione.g.turnoffpowersource,etc.

Turnoffpower.

TOPROTECT

PERSONNEL

Evacuation,protectionforpersonnel,SpecialFirstAid

Oncepowerhasbeenturnedoffthelaserdoesnotpresentanopticalhazardto

personnelinthearea.

TORENDERSITEOFEMERGENCY

SAFE

POWER,VENTILATION

Turnoffpower.

13 EMERGENCYCONTACT NAME . PHONE

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Appendix5

Example1 SCHEMEOFWORKWITHPROCEDURE

NameofSchool/Dept: .

Laboratory/Room/Activity: ..

Theseguidelineshavebeenpreparedby ..............................................

BeforecommencingworkwithClass3B/4 lasers,youmustreadthisdocument,andsign

thesheetattheendtoconfirmthis,thatyouhaveunderstoodthecontentandthatyou

agreetoabidebytheprotocolscontainedherein.

PurposeandStructureofthisdocument

Theprincipalaimof thisdocument is tooutline theelementsofgood laserpracticeas

they apply specifically to experiments currently being undertaken in the above

laboratory. General aspects of laser safety are covered in sections of the manuals

accompanyingthelasers.

Thedocumentisstructuredasfollows:atthetoplevel(thissheet)anoveralldescription

ismadeoflaserresearchactivityinthislaboratory.Theuseristhenreferredtoanumber

ofaccompanyingdocumentsundertwoheadings:LasertypesinuseandSafetyProtocols.

DescriptionofActivity:

....... Descriptionoftheactivity/experimentanditspurpose........................................

Fourtypesofsituationhavebeenidentifiedwhichrequireseparatesafetyprotocols,

whereappropriate:

settingup;

addingnewelementsto;

daytodayoperationoftheexperiment;and

maintenanceofthelasersystem.

Separatesectionsdealingwitheachofthesearetobeincludedwhereappropriate.

Lasersinuse

.........ReferencetocompletedHazard/RiskAssessmentproforma....................................

Asageneral

rule

all

Class

3B/4

laser

emissions

are

capable

of

causing

severe

eye

damage if viewed directly, or as a specular (i.e. mirrorlike) reflection. Control

measures(carefulplanning,beampipes,blockingofreflections,safetyeyewear)must

betakentoavoidthis!

Authorisedusersoftheabovelasersare(tobenamed):

Supervisor(s): ...........

Student(s): ...........

Postdoctoralfellow(s): ............

Other(s): ...........

Thereshouldbereferencetothisguidance inparticulartheGeneralOverviewonLaser

Hazard/RiskAssessmentandMaximumPermissibleExposureCalculations.

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Lasersafetyprotocol:Settingup

Definition

Settingup applies to the initial installationofanewexperiment,and tomajorchanges

suchastheadditionofanewtypeoflasersystem,or,forexample,acompletechangeof

beampaths.

Protocol/Schemeof

Work

Planning:

The installationorchangesshouldbediscussedwithasupervisorpriortooperation

ofClass3B/4lasersystems.

In thecaseofacompletelynewexperiment, theSchoolLaserSafetyOfficerand/or

theInstitutionLaserSafetyAdvisermustbeconsultedandinvitedtovisitthelab.

The laser beam paths and associated optics should be planned to minimise the

possibilityofstrayreflections.

Terminationofeachmainlaserbeamshouldbeplanned.

Consideration should be made on how alignment is to be carried out. Where

practicable, the use of cameras for viewing and remote adjustment should be

promoted.

Provisionofsuitablelasersafetyeyewearshouldbeaddressedatthisstage.

Initialsafetychecks:

BeforestartingtheClass3B/4lasers,beampathsshouldbeinspectedforanyobjects

thatshouldnotbethere.

Laserwarning signs should beactivated,where installedand unauthorisedpersons

excludedanddoorsclosed.

Alignmentmaybecarriedoutbyoneoratmosttwoauthorisedlaseroperators. No

oneelsemaybepresent in the roomduring thisprocedureandwatches,bracelets

andotherreflectivejewelleryshouldberemoved.

Appropriatepersonaleyeprotectionshouldbewornwhererequired.

Initialalignmentandsuppressionofstrayreflections:

InitiallaserbeamalignmentshouldbeperformedwithaClass1or2alignmentlaser

(e.g.,HeNeorsmallcwdiodelaser).Rememberthatthefinalbeampathmaydiffer

slightlyduetodispersion(i.e.,thebeampathmaybeslightlywavelengthdependent)

Atthisstage,eachandeveryopticelement inthebeampathmustbeanalysed for

stray reflections. Initially this can be done by predicting the likely path of specular

(i.e., nondiffuse) reflections and the actual reflections of the Class 1/2 alignment

lasermayalsobeusedtohelpidentifystrayreflections.

Suitablebeamblocks,opaqueattheappropriatewavelengths,mustthenbeinstalled

toblockallthesestrayreflections.

Beampipesshouldbeinstalledatthisstagetocoverlongerrunsoflaserbeam,and

especiallyanybeamsthat leavetheconfinesofthe lasertable. It isrecognisedthat

there may be some places where beam pipes are inappropriate, e.g. when thedistancebetweenopticsisveryshort.Beampipesshouldbedesignedtoallowlimited

accesstothebeamforalignmentcheckingwithoutremoval.

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AlignmentusingClass3B/4lasersatlowpower

ThenextstageofalignmentusingtheClass3B/4lasersmaybecarriedoutonlyafter

obtainingtheverbalpermissionofasupervisor.

Alignmentmaybecarriedoutbyoneoratmosttwoauthorisedlaseroperators.No

oneelsemaybepresentintheroomduringthisprocedureandwatches,bracelets


Undernocircumstancesmustdirectviewingofthelaserbeambeattemptedevenif

thebeamhasbeenattenuated.

Allopticsshouldbecheckedfordamage,andthestabilityofopticsmountsverified

priortooperationoflaser.

Thisnextstageinalignmentshouldbecarriedoutusingthelowestpossiblelaser

energy(e.g.operatingaNd:YAGlaseronfixedQ)atwhichitispossibletovisualise

thelaserbeaminanappropriatefashion.Themethodofvisualisationisdependent

onthewavelength:forUVorvisiblelight,thebeamcanbeviewedonafluorescent

card.AninvisibleinfraredbeammaybevisualisedusingLCDheatsensitivepaperor

possiblyusingburnpaperoralaserpowermeter.

InthecaseofUVorIRbeams,appropriatelasersafetyeyewearshouldbeworn

duringthealignmentprocedureatalltimeswhenthelaserpulseenergyexceedsthe

MPE:notethatitshouldnotblockthewavelengthshiftedvisiblefluorescence(UV)or

theheateffectonLCDpaperorburnpaper(IR),whichcanthenbeusedtovisualise

thebeam.

Visibleormultiwavelengthalignmentmayhavetobecarriedoutwithoutlasersafety

eyewear,asitwouldotherwisebeimpossibletovisualisethelaserbeamonacard.In

thiscaseextracautionmustbeexercisedbytheoperator(s)afterappropriate

considerationofalternativesandassessmentofrisks.Thelaser(s)shouldbeoperatedbelowtheMPEifpossibleandinanycaseatthelowestpracticablepulseenergy.

Blockingofpossiblestrayreflectionsmustbedoublecheckedpriortocarryingout

thisstage.

Alignmentofeachlaserbeamtovariablediameterapertures(irisdiaphragms)should

beemployedwherepossibletominimisethenecessityformultiwavelength

alignment.

Furtheralignmentatfullpowermaybecarriedoutinaccordancewiththeprotocol

outlinedunderdaytodayoperation.

Lasersafetyprotocol:Addingnewelements

Definition

Addingnewelementsappliestotheintroductionofanynewopticintothebeampathofa

Class4lasersuchasalensorfilter.

Protocol/Schemeofwork

Planning:

Theplacementofadditionalopticsshouldbeplannedtominimisethepossibilityof

strayreflections.

Beamblocksshouldbedevisedtoterminateanyunavoidablestrayreflections.

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Initialsafetychecks:


thatshouldnotbethereandbeampipesshouldbereplacedifnecessary.

Laserwarningsignsshouldbeactivated,unauthorisedpersonsexcludedand

laboratorydoorsclosed.

Alignmentmaybecarriedoutbyoneoratmosttwoauthorisedlaseroperators.No

oneelsemaybepresentintheroomduringthisprocedureandwatches,bracelets


Appropriatelasersafetyeyewearshouldbewornifpracticable.Visibleormulti

wavelengthalignmentmayhavetobecarriedoutwithoutlasersafetyeyewear,asit

mayotherwisebeimpossibletovisualisethelaserbeamonacard.Inthiscaseextra

cautionmustbeexercisedbytheoperator(s).

Allopticsshouldbecheckedfordamage,andstabilityofopticsmountsverified.

Initial

alignment

and

suppression

of

stray

reflections:

Onceanewopticisinplace,initialalignmentshouldbeperformedwithaClass1or2

alignmentlaser(e.g.,HeNeorsmallcwdiodelaser).Forsimpleopticsitmaybe

judgedsufficienttoproceedtothenextstepwithoutusingaClass1/2alignment

laser.

Thenewopticelementinthebeampathmustbeanalysedforstrayreflections.This

canbedonebypredictingthelikelypathofspecular(i.e.,nondiffuse)reflections.The

actualreflectionsoftheClass1/2alignmentlasermayalsobeusedtohelpidentify

strayreflections.

Suitablebeamblocks,opaqueattheappropriatewavelengths,mustthenbeinstalled

toblockallthesestrayreflections.

Anyeffectdownstreamofthenewopticshouldbechecked.Beampipesshouldbe

reinstalledatthisstage.

AlignmentusingClass3B/4lasersatlowpower:

Thismaynowbecarriedoutinaccordancewiththeprocedureoutlinedunder

settingupwiththeexceptionthatexplicitpermissionofasupervisorisnotdeemed

necessaryforadditionofasimpleopticalelement.(Anythingmorecomplexshouldbe

takenassettingupandtheprotocolfollowedaccordingly.)

Lasersafetyprotocol:Daytodayrunning

Definition

DaytodayrunningappliestotheoperationofClass3B/4lasersunderallcircumstances

exceptsettinguporadditionofanewopticelement.Itincludesinitial,minorrealignment

oflaserbeamsatthebeginningofanexperimentalrunandtweakingofalignments

duringanactualexperiment.

Protocol/Schemeofwork

Initialsafety

checks:


thatshouldnotbethere,andbeampipesshouldbereplacedifnecessary.

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Laserwarningsignsshouldbeactivated,unauthorisedpersonsexcluded,and

laboratorydoorsclosed.

Alignmentmaybecarriedoutbyoneoratthemosttwoauthorisedlaseroperators.

Nooneelsemaybepresentintheroomduringthisprocedureandwatches,bracelets


Appropriatelasersafetyeyewearshouldbewornifpracticable.Visibleormulti

wavelengthalignmentmayhavetobecarriedoutwithoutlasersafetyeyewear,asitwouldotherwisebeimpossibletovisualisethelaserbeamonacard.Inthiscaseextra

cautionmustbeexercisedbytheoperator(s).

Allopticsshouldbecheckedfordamage,andstabilityofopticsmountsverified.

CheckusingClass3B/4lasersatlowpower:

Beforeturningonfullpower,thebeampathofeachlasershouldbeverifi

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