Acquisition

Send a copy of purchase orders for Class 3 or 4 lasers to Health Physics. Health Physics has the responsibility to periodically visit laser labs to ensure that standards are being observed. Health Physics needs to know where such lasers are located. If a Class 3 or Class 4 laser is fabricated in the lab, send a note describing the laser (see example below) to the Office of Health Physics.

Note that laser systems that are purchased (or those that are built in an R & D lab and transferred to other users) must meet federal certification requirements. This can be a problem for imported lasers; it is the P.I.'s responsibility to fulfill the certification requirements. It is recommended that a clause be included in purchase orders for special imports that the "laser must meet applicable certification requirements of the United States as stipulated in Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1040."

Inventory

Principal Investigators are responsible for keeping a list of Class 3 and Class 4 lasers under their control. The Office of Health Physics makes a census of these classifications by contacting all departments that are likely to have Class 3 or Class 4 lasers. The census asks that P.I.'s provide the following information:

• Manufacturer:
• Model (laser head):
• Serial No.:
• Type: (Argon, CO2, HF, Dye, etc.)
• Power: (Energy emitted)
• Beam diameter:
• CW: Pulsed: (pulse rate)
• Location: (Building, room)
• Person Responsible:
• Active: Inactive:

Disposal

Sales or disposal of lasers off-campus requires that certain safety steps be taken. Bills of sale should warn persons that the device may emit hazardous laser light, which could cause injuries, and that the University neither offers nor implies any warranty as to safety of its use. The bill of sale shall bear the buyer's signed acknowledgement and include a "hold-harmless" clause.

Uncertified lasers (those not meeting federal standards) and lab-built lasers shall be rendered inoperative before disposal.

Transfer On-campus

Transfer of a Class 3 or 4 laser to a person who does not have appropriate training, who does not understand the hazards of the laser and who does not have proper protective equipment, could result in injuries. The transferor should obtain assurance from the recipient that the recipient is qualified to own and safely operate the laser. The parties should consult Health Physics for information on laser hazards and safeguards and the necessary qualifications of the recipient.