Laser Acquisition, Registration and Inventory

The Office of Health Physics will maintain a central inventory of Class 3 and Class 4 lasers on campus. Faculty investigators are required to report acquisition or fabrication of such devices to the Office of Health Physics. (For new lasers this may be done by sending copies of the purchase requisition to Health Physics.) In addition, the intent to acquire a Class 3 or 4 laser should be indicated on sponsored project proposal routing sheet. Annual inventories of all Class 3 and 4 lasers will be conducted by Health Physics. The classification of lasers can usually be determined from the labels affixed to the laser by manufacturers. If the labels are not present, call Health Physics, 723-3201, for assistance.

Laser Safety Training

Only qualified and authorized persons are permitted to operate a laser. The P.I. determines the person's operational qualifications from departmental or technical training or other acceptable learning experience. All personnel working with or frequenting areas where Class 2, 3 and 4 lasers are operated shall be given training in the hazards associated with the devices. Safety training shall be provided before persons are permitted to operate lasers unsupervised. For laser Classes 3b and 4, training is to include both formal and on-the-job aspects as specified in the "Laser Safety Procedures Manual." Health Physics will provide formal courses in laser safety or will furnish materials for such courses to be provided locally. On-the-job training is to be provided by knowledgeable project personnel. A list of approved operators shall be posted in the laboratory.

Where lasers may be opened, serviced or modified or high voltage made accessible to personnel, those persons shall be provided with training on the hazards of electrocution. Such individuals also shall be given training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Cowell Health Services offers CPR courses. Costs of CPR training are to be charged to projects or departments.

Training pertaining to ancillary hazards, e.g., chemicals, cryogenics, ionizing radiation, UV radiation, toxic gases, electrical hazards, fire, etc., is also to be provided in accordance with relevant University policies.

Preplacement Eye Exams

Preplacement eye exams are to be provided upon the request of personnel who work in areas where they may be exposed to Class 3b or 4 laser beams. All users are to be informed that they may have such exams, or that they have the right to waive a preplacement eye examination in areas where such exams are customarily required. Costs of preplacement eye examinations are charged to projects or departments. Also, users are to be informed by the P.I. that they have the right to consult a physician, if they believe that they may have been injured by a laser beam.

Operating Requirements

Posting Requirements

• Written standard operating and maintenance procedures and alignment procedures are to be kept with the laser equipment. Minimally the most salient laser safety procedures are to be posted in a clearly visible manner at each laser installation.
• Class 3b and 4 lasers are to be posted to indicate that the use of eyewear is required to operate the device.
• Persons who are responsible for safety are to be listed.

Securing Laser Areas

• Areas where Class 3b and 4 lasers are used must be secured against persons being accidentally exposed to the laser beams. In addition to being posted, entrances to laser areas are to be properly controlled. Windows, ports, etc., which could allow a laser beam to stray into uncontrolled areas are to be covered or otherwise protected during laser operation.
• Lasers shall be equipped with a protective housing, an aperture that is clearly identified, and clearly marked safety controls to turn off the laser beam.
• Lasers must not be modified to defeat the engineering safeguards without review and approval of the Office of Health Physics.

Eye Protection

• Appropriate eye protection is to be available in each laser lab, and personnel shall be instructed in its proper use. Use of protective eyewear is mandated under conditions when levels of laser radiation may exceed maximum permissible exposures.

Transferring Lasers

Lasers that do not meet federal standards (uncertified) may not be transferred to other projects, sold or transferred off-campus in working condition. Any laser modified or manufactured must be checked by Health Physics to ascertain if it complies with standards before being transferred off-campus. In the case of transfer to another lab under the control of a different P.I., lasers must be accompanied with full information regarding any modifications that have been made to safety systems.