Laser Safety 08

7/30/2019 Laser Safety 08

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Laser Safety TrainingLaser Safety TrainingCarnegie MellonCarnegie Mellon

UniversityUniversity

EnvironmentalEnvironmental

Health andHealth andSafetySafety

Mark BanisterMark Banister Andrew LawsonAndrew Lawson


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What? A test already?What? A test already?How can you avoid the need for laserHow can you avoid the need for laser

safety classes?safety classes?What steps would you take if you get aWhat steps would you take if you get a

new laser in your lab?new laser in your lab?What would make a Class 1 imbeddedWhat would make a Class 1 imbeddedlaser a Class 4 laser?laser a Class 4 laser?


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Two MoreTwo MoreWhat special steps might you need to takeWhat special steps might you need to take

when you align your laser beam?when you align your laser beam?Where would you go for any laser safetyWhere would you go for any laser safety

questions?questions?


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IntroductionIntroductionLasers are used and are present in manyLasers are used and are present in many

different areas with many differentdifferent areas with many differentapplications here at Carnegie Mellon.applications here at Carnegie Mellon.

Following the procedures and activitiesFollowing the procedures and activitiespresented in this training module will helppresented in this training module will help

prevent harm to you, your coprevent harm to you, your co--workers andworkers andthe University.the University.


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Training OverviewTraining OverviewThis training module is in two parts:This training module is in two parts:

1.1. Part 1 is designed forPart 1 is designed forALLALL campus lasercampus laserequipment users.equipment users.

2.2. Part 2 provides additional information forPart 2 provides additional information forusers ofusers ofClassClass IIIbIIIb andand Class IVClass IV laserlasersystems, as these lasers have thesystems, as these lasers have thepotential for more serious hazards.potential for more serious hazards.


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PART ONEPART ONELaser Training forLaser Training forALLALL Laser UsersLaser Users


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Carnegie MellonCarnegie Mellons Laser Safetys Laser Safety

ProgramProgramLaser safety is coordinated through theLaser safety is coordinated through the

department of Environmental Health and Safetydepartment of Environmental Health and Safety(EH&S)(EH&S)

Program elements are enforceable throughProgram elements are enforceable through

OSHA General Duty ClauseOSHA General Duty Clause OSHA Lab StandardOSHA Lab Standard

OSHA Substance Specific StandardsOSHA Substance Specific Standards

Written policies and procedures are found atWritten policies and procedures are found athttp://ehshttp://ehs--alert.fms.bap.cmu.edu/LabSafety/Chemical_Safety/chemsafety.phpalert.fms.bap.cmu.edu/LabSafety/Chemical_Safety/chemsafety.php#lasersafety#lasersafety


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Safety Program ElementsSafety Program ElementsUniversity Laser SafetyUniversity Laser SafetyOfficers (LSO)Officers (LSO)

A writtenA written Laser SafetyLaser SafetyProgramProgram

Applicable standardsApplicable standardsaddressing laser useaddressing laser use

Laser Definition,Laser Definition,Inventory andInventory and

ClassificationClassification

Hazard Analysis andHazard Analysis and

Hazard ControlHazard ControlMedical SurveillanceMedical Surveillance(Class(Class IIIbIIIb and IVand IV

only)only)Emergency ResponseEmergency Response

InspectionsInspections


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Laser Safety OfficerLaser Safety OfficerOverseeing the laser safety program at theOverseeing the laser safety program at the

university are two Laser Safety Officers,university are two Laser Safety Officers,both within EH&S:both within EH&S:

Mark Banister (Mark Banister ([email protected]@andrew.cmu.edu))

Andrew Lawson (Andrew Lawson ([email protected]@andrew.cmu.edu))


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Applicable StandardsApplicable StandardsANSI Z136.1ANSI Z136.1--Safe Use of Lasers (2000)Safe Use of Lasers (2000)

ANSI Z136.5ANSI Z136.5--Safe Use of Lasers inSafe Use of Lasers inEducational Institutions (year?)Educational Institutions (year?)

ANSI Z136.6ANSI Z136.6--Safe Use of Lasers OutdoorsSafe Use of Lasers Outdoors(2000)(2000)

ANSI/NFPA 70 National Electric CodeANSI/NFPA 70 National Electric Code(1996)(1996)


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LaserLaser

Identification andIdentification and

ClassificationClassification


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What is a laser?What is a laser?LASER meansLASER means--LL ightightAAmplification bymplification by

SStimulatedtimulated EEmission ofmission ofRRadiation.adiation.Laser light is nonLaser light is non--ionizing.ionizing.

May be UV (100May be UV (100--400nm), visible (400400nm), visible (400--700nm) or infrared (700nm to 1mm).700nm) or infrared (700nm to 1mm).


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Laser BasicsLaser BasicsLasers areLasers are uniqueunique when compared towhen compared to

conventional light sources in that they are:conventional light sources in that they are: MonochromaticMonochromatic--all of the light produced byall of the light produced by

the laser is of a single wavelengththe laser is of a single wavelength

CoherentCoherent--the waves of light are in phase withthe waves of light are in phase witheach othereach other

DirectionalDirectional--the beam of light has very lowthe beam of light has very lowdivergencedivergence


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Components of a LaserComponents of a LaserLasers consist of theLasers consist of thefollowing components:following components:

Lasing media (gas, solid,Lasing media (gas, solid,liquid, semiconductor)liquid, semiconductor)

Excitation mechanismExcitation mechanism

(power supply,(power supply, flashlampflashlamp,,laser)laser)

Total reflector or feedbackTotal reflector or feedbackmechanism (mirror ormechanism (mirror or

grating)grating) Laser output (partiallyLaser output (partially

reflecting mirror)reflecting mirror)

Figure IFigure I-- Laser ComponentsLaser Components


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Laser ClassesLaser Classes

All manufacturers areAll manufacturers are

required to identifyrequired to identifythe laser class of allthe laser class of allsystemssystems

A sample label is toA sample label is tothe leftthe left

Older lasers orOlder lasers or

systems that havesystems that havebeen modified mustbeen modified mustbe classified by thebe classified by theLaser Safety OfficerLaser Safety Officer


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Do You Know WhatDo You Know What

Class Laser YouClass Laser You

Have?Have?


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Elements used inElements used in

ClassificationClassificationI.I. Lasing MediaLasing Media

-- Gas (COGas (CO22, Argon Ion,, Argon Ion, ExcimerExcimer))

-- Solid (Solid (NeodyniumNeodyniumYAG, TitaniumYAG, TitaniumSapphire)Sapphire)

-- Semiconductor (GalliumSemiconductor (Gallium--Arsenide)Arsenide)-- DyeDye

II.II. Mode of OperationMode of Operation-- Continuous wave (Continuous wave (cwcw))-- Pulsed (


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The following chartThe following chartillustrates the wavelengthsillustrates the wavelengths

associated with variousassociated with varioustypes of laser systemstypes of laser systems


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1060010600Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide

50005000 -- 60006000Carbon MonoxideCarbon Monoxide

15401540Erbium:GlassErbium:Glass

26002600 -- 30003000HydgrogenHydgrogen FluorideFluoride

10641064Nd:YAGNd:YAG

720720 -- 780780AlexandriteAlexandrite

690690 -- 960960Ti:SapphireTi:Sapphire

630630 -- 950950Laser DiodesLaser Diodes

694.3694.3RubyRuby

337.5337.5 -- 799.3 (647.1799.3 (647.1 -- 676.4 most used)676.4 most used)KryptonKrypton

543, 594, 612, and 632.8543, 594, 612, and 632.8Helium NeonHelium Neon

532532Frequency doubledFrequency doubled Nd:YAGNd:YAG

457457 -- 528 (514.5 and 488 most used)528 (514.5 and 488 most used)ArgonArgon

511 and 578511 and 578Copper VaporCopper Vapor

450450 -- 650650RhodamineRhodamine 6G6G

325325 -- 442442Helium CadmiumHelium Cadmium

353 and 459353 and 459Xenon FluorideXenon Fluoride

308 and 459308 and 459Xenon ChlorideXenon Chloride193193Argon FluorideArgon Fluoride

WAVELENGTH (Nanometers)WAVELENGTH (Nanometers)LASER TYPELASER TYPE


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Laser ClassificationsLaser Classifications

Class IClass I

This class denotes lasers that are notThis class denotes lasers that are nothazardous for continuous viewing or arehazardous for continuous viewing or are

designed in such a way that preventsdesigned in such a way that preventshuman access to laser radiation.human access to laser radiation.

These consist of low power lasers orThese consist of low power lasers orhigh power embedded lasers (i.e. laserhigh power embedded lasers (i.e. laserprinters, CD players)printers, CD players)


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Class IIClass II

This class denotes lowThis class denotes low--power visible laserspower visible lasersor laser systems which because of theor laser systems which because of thenormal human brightnormal human bright--light aversionlight aversion

response (i.e. blinking, eye movement etc.)response (i.e. blinking, eye movement etc.)do not normally present a hazard, but maydo not normally present a hazard, but maypresent some potential for hazard if viewedpresent some potential for hazard if viewed

directly for extended periods of time (likedirectly for extended periods of time (likemany conventional light sources) (1many conventional light sources) (1 mWmW ororlessless))


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ClassClass IIIaIIIa

This subThis sub--class denotes lasers or laserclass denotes lasers or lasersystems that normally would not injure thesystems that normally would not injure theeye if viewed for momentary periods witheye if viewed for momentary periods with

the unaided eye, but a hazard may bethe unaided eye, but a hazard may bepresent if viewed using collecting optics.present if viewed using collecting optics.The source is typically less than 5mW.The source is typically less than 5mW.

Most laser pointers are ClassMost laser pointers are Class IIIaIIIa..


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ClassClass IIIbIIIb

This subThis sub--class denotes lasers of lasers orclass denotes lasers of lasers orlaser systems that can produce a hazard iflaser systems that can produce a hazard if

viewed directly, includingviewed directly, including intrabeamintrabeamviewing ofviewing ofspecularspecular reflections. Normallyreflections. NormallyClass 3b lasers will not produce aClass 3b lasers will not produce a

hazardous diffuse reflection from a mattehazardous diffuse reflection from a mattetarget. (500target. (500 mWmW))


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Class IVClass IV

This class denotes lasers or laser systemsThis class denotes lasers or laser systemsthat produce a hazard not only from directthat produce a hazard not only from direct

oror specularspecular reflections, but may alsoreflections, but may alsoproduce hazardous diffuse reflections.produce hazardous diffuse reflections.Such hazards may produce significant skinSuch hazards may produce significant skin

hazards as well as fire hazards.hazards as well as fire hazards.


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Laser InventoryLaser Inventory

It is critical to the Laser Safety Program toIt is critical to the Laser Safety Program toidentifyidentify allall lasers and laser users on campus.lasers and laser users on campus.

It is also necessary to collect and maintainIt is also necessary to collect and maintaininformation as to the type, number, class, power,information as to the type, number, class, power,etc., of all lasers, to ensure that properetc., of all lasers, to ensure that properapplication of safety protocol is achieved.application of safety protocol is achieved.

The inventory form used is located at theThe inventory form used is located at theChemical Safety section of the EH&S webpage.Chemical Safety section of the EH&S webpage.

Do we have your laser information?Do we have your laser information?


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Laser InspectionsLaser Inspections

All laser systems should be inspected byAll laser systems should be inspected by

the LSO and PI at least once every twothe LSO and PI at least once every twoyears for class I, II andyears for class I, II and IIIaIIIa lasers.lasers.

Inspections should be performed annuallyInspections should be performed annuallyby the LSO and the PI for classby the LSO and the PI for class IIIbIIIb and IVand IVlaser systems.laser systems.


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Laser HazardsLaser Hazards


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Like most hazardous items, there areLike most hazardous items, there are

specifications defining aspecifications defining a safesafeexposure.exposure.Again, like most situations, it is appropriateAgain, like most situations, it is appropriate

not only to be in thenot only to be in the

safe rangesafe range

ofof

exposure, but also minimize exposures asexposure, but also minimize exposures asmuch as possible in themuch as possible in the safe rangesafe range..


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Maximum Permissible ExposureMaximum Permissible Exposure

For lasers, theFor lasers, the safesafeexposure is definedexposure is defined

to be below the MPE, or Maximumto be below the MPE, or MaximumPermissible Exposure level.Permissible Exposure level.

This number is widely variable, dependingThis number is widely variable, dependingon the power, wavelength, exposureon the power, wavelength, exposureperiod and other laserperiod and other laser--specific factorsspecific factors

The LSO should determine allThe LSO should determine all MPEsMPEs


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There are many sources of hazardsThere are many sources of hazards

inherent in laser systems:inherent in laser systems: Radiation, producing biological and medicalRadiation, producing biological and medical

effectseffects

Chemical hazardsChemical hazards

Electrical hazardsElectrical hazards

Compressed gas hazardsCompressed gas hazards


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Radiation HazardsRadiation Hazards

Can produce damage to eyes and skin.Can produce damage to eyes and skin.

Laser radiation is more of a hazard than regular lightLaser radiation is more of a hazard than regular lightdue to its single wavelength, and its directional anddue to its single wavelength, and its directional andcoherent energy.coherent energy.

Critical factors are:Critical factors are: WavelengthWavelength

Energy of the beamEnergy of the beam

Duration of exposureDuration of exposure Whether exposure is from pulsation laserWhether exposure is from pulsation laser

S f L Bi l i lS mmar of Laser Biological


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Summary of Laser BiologicalSummary of Laser Biological

EffectsEffects--EyesEyes

Corneal burn onlyCorneal burn onlyInfrared C (3.0 mmInfrared C (3.0 mm -- 1000 mm)1000 mm)

Corneal burn, aqueous flare, cataractCorneal burn, aqueous flare, cataractInfrared B (1.4mmInfrared B (1.4mm -- 3.0 mm)3.0 mm)

Cataract and retinal burnCataract and retinal burnInfrared A (780 nmInfrared A (780 nm -- 1400 nm)1400 nm)

Photochemical and thermal retinalPhotochemical and thermal retinal

injuryinjury

Visible (400 nmVisible (400 nm -- 780 nm)780 nm)

Photochemical cataractPhotochemical cataractUltraviolet A (315 nmUltraviolet A (315 nm -- 400 nm)400 nm)

PhotokeratitisPhotokeratitisUltraviolet B (280 nmUltraviolet B (280 nm -- 315 nm)315 nm)

PhotokeratitisPhotokeratitisUltraviolet C (200 nmUltraviolet C (200 nm -- 280 nm)280 nm)

EyeEyePhotobiologicalPhotobiological SpectralSpectral

DomainDomain

S mmar of Laser BiologicalSummary of Laser Biological


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Summary of Laser BiologicalSummary of Laser Biological

EffectsEffects--SkinSkin

Skin burnSkin burn

Skin burnSkin burn

Skin burnSkin burn

Pigment darkening,Pigment darkening,

PhotosenstivePhotosenstive reactions, Skinreactions, Skinburnburn

Pigment darkening, Skin burnPigment darkening, Skin burnIncreased pigmentationIncreased pigmentation

ErythemaErythema (sunburn), skin(sunburn), skincancer, accelerating skin agingcancer, accelerating skin aging

SkinSkin

Infrared C (3.0 mmInfrared C (3.0 mm -- 1000 mm)1000 mm)

Infrared B (1.4mmInfrared B (1.4mm -- 3.0 mm)3.0 mm)

Infrared A (780 nmInfrared A (780 nm -- 1400 nm)1400 nm)

Visible (400 nmVisible (400 nm -- 780 nm)780 nm)

Ultraviolet A (315 nmUltraviolet A (315 nm -- 400 nm)400 nm)Ultraviolet B (280 nmUltraviolet B (280 nm -- 315 nm)315 nm)

Ultraviolet C (200 nmUltraviolet C (200 nm -- 280 nm)280 nm)

PhotobiologicalPhotobiological SpectralSpectral

DomainDomain


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Summary ofSummary ofBioeffectsBioeffects of Commonly Usedof Commonly Used

LasersLasers

XXXXPhotochemicalPhotochemical0.3080.308XeClXeCl

XXXXXXPhotochemicalPhotochemical0.3510.351XeFlXeFl

PhotochemicalPhotochemical

X[cX[c]]XXThermal/Thermal/0.4880.488--0.5140.514ArAr

XXThermalThermal0.6330.633HeHe--NeNe

XXThermalThermal0.780.78--0.840.84Gas (diode)Gas (diode)

XXXXThermalThermal1.061.06NdNd--YAGYAG

XXXXXXXXThermalThermal1.331.33NdNd--YAG [a]YAG [a]

XXXXThermalThermal1.541.54ErbiumErbium--YAGYAG

XXXXThermalThermal2.72.7HFlHFl

XXXXThermalThermal10.610.6COCO22

RetinaRetinaLensLensCorneaCorneaSkinSkinProcessProcess((m)m)

TISSUE EFFECTEDTISSUE EFFECTEDBIOEFFECTBIOEFFECTWAVELENGTWAVELENGT

HHLASER TYPELASER TYPE


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Chemical HazardsChemical Hazards

I.I. Laser DyeLaser Dye

II.II. FlammableFlammablesolventssolvents

III.III. NonNon--polar solventspolar solvents

IV.IV. Possible spills andPossible spills andleaksleaks


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Laser Dye HazardsLaser Dye Hazards

Solvents usedSolvents used

for dye lasersfor dye lasersmay pose amay pose avariety of healthvariety of health

hazards bothhazards bothchemical andchemical andphysical.physical.

Laser Dye HazardsLaser Dye Hazards

I.I. Concentrated powderConcentrated powderformform

II.II. Type of solvent usedType of solvent used

III.III. Many are known orMany are known orsuspected carcinogens,suspected carcinogens,toxins, and mutagenstoxins, and mutagens

Hazards Associated withHazards Associated with


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Compressed GasesCompressed GasesI.I. UnsecuredUnsecured

cylinderscylindersII.II. VentilationVentilation

III.III. IncompatibilitiesIncompatibilities

IV.IV. Toxicity of gasesToxicity of gasesthemselvesthemselves



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Secondary Laser EmissionsSecondary Laser EmissionsI.I. Hazardous gases are often exhaustedHazardous gases are often exhausted

from gas lasers (i.e.from gas lasers (i.e. excimerexcimer lasers),lasers),requiring proper ventilationrequiring proper ventilation

II.II. Laser ablation targets can produceLaser ablation targets can producehazardous fumes or vapors and requirehazardous fumes or vapors and requireproper ventilationproper ventilation


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NonNon--Beam Radiation HazardsBeam Radiation Hazards

NonNon--beam radiation is incoherent radiationbeam radiation is incoherent radiation

that is not the same wavelength as thethat is not the same wavelength as thelaser, that is generated by the operation oflaser, that is generated by the operation ofthe laser or laser system componentsthe laser or laser system components

For lasers with voltages >15 kV, XFor lasers with voltages >15 kV, X--rays can berays can begenerated by accelerating electrons that aregenerated by accelerating electrons that arerapidly deceleratingrapidly decelerating

Optical radiation produced from pump sourcesOptical radiation produced from pump sources

such as flash lamps, electrical discharges, etc.such as flash lamps, electrical discharges, etc.Some laser systems can also produce RFSome laser systems can also produce RFradiation.radiation.


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Electrical HazardsElectrical Hazards

I.I. High voltage andHigh voltage and

currentcurrentII.II. CapacitorsCapacitors


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Laser HazardLaser Hazard

ControlControl


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Hazard AnalysisHazard Analysis

The Laser Safety Officer, in conjunctionThe Laser Safety Officer, in conjunction

with the PI, should evaluate possiblewith the PI, should evaluate possiblehazards of the laser system, including:hazards of the laser system, including: eye exposureeye exposure

skin exposureskin exposure chemical exposurechemical exposure

electric shock potentialelectric shock potential

fire hazardfire hazard


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Hazard ControlHazard Control

Administrative ControlsAdministrative Controls

Engineering ControlsEngineering Controls

Protective equipmentProtective equipment

We will discuss each of theseWe will discuss each of these


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Administrative ControlsAdministrative Controls

Warning Signs and LabelsWarning Signs and Labels

Use minimum power energy required for theUse minimum power energy required for theprojectprojectWritten Standard Operating ProceduresWritten Standard Operating Procedures11

Education and trainingEducation and trainingMedical monitoringMedical monitoring22

Service by authorized personnelService by authorized personnel

Nominal Hazard ZonesNominal Hazard Zones

22

11 Mandatory for ClassMandatory for Class IIIbIIIb & IV, encouraged for all& IV, encouraged for all22 For ClassFor Class IIIbIIIb & IV only& IV only

W i Si


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Warning SignsWarning Signs

For Class 1 lasers:For Class 1 lasers:

No warning sign isNo warning sign isneeded.needed.


Post warning atPost warning atentrance to operatingentrance to operatingarea.area.

Sign to readSign to read CautionCaution --Laser RadiationLaser Radiation -- DoDonot stare into beamnot stare into beam..

W i SiW i Si


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For Class 3a lasers:For Class 3a lasers:


Sign to readSign to read CautionCaution--Laser RadiationLaser Radiation -- DoDoNot Stare into Beam orNot Stare into Beam orView Directly withView Directly with

Optical Instruments)Optical Instruments)..

W i SiW i Si


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For Class 3b lasers:For Class 3b lasers:


Sign to readSign to read DangerDanger --

Laser RadiationLaser Radiation --Avoid Direct ExposureAvoid Direct Exposureto Beamto Beam..

W i SiW i Si


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Sign to readSign to read DangerDanger --

Laser RadiationLaser Radiation --Avoid Eye or SkinAvoid Eye or SkinExposure to Direct orExposure to Direct or

Scattered RadiationScattered Radiation..

W i Si d L b lW i Si d L b l


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Warning Signs and LabelsWarning Signs and Labels

Lasers that have been modified must beLasers that have been modified must be

labeled inlabeled in--house.house. Modified lasers must be classified by theModified lasers must be classified by the

Laser Safety Officer; the LSO must approveLaser Safety Officer; the LSO must approve

all modifications.all modifications.

E i i C t lE i i C t l


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General Controls:General Controls:

Master keyMaster keyInterlocksInterlocks

Consider remote firing of unitConsider remote firing of unit

Remove unnecessary objects from vicinityRemove unnecessary objects from vicinityof laserof laser

Securely mount the laser to maintain theSecurely mount the laser to maintain thebeam in a fixed position and limit beambeam in a fixed position and limit beamtraverse during adjustments.traverse during adjustments.

E i i C t lEngineering Controls


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Beam Controls:Beam Controls:Reduce laser output with shutters and attenuatorsReduce laser output with shutters and attenuators

Terminate longer beams with beam stopsTerminate longer beams with beam stopsKeep beam path away from eye level, either sitting orKeep beam path away from eye level, either sitting orstandingstandingUse curtains to controlUse curtains to control specularspecular reflectionsreflections

Enclose any beam path that exits from a controlled area,Enclose any beam path that exits from a controlled area,where the irradiance exceeds the MPE.where the irradiance exceeds the MPE.Ensure that beam paths do not cross populated areas orEnsure that beam paths do not cross populated areas ortraffic paths. Confine the beams and reflections to the opticaltraffic paths. Confine the beams and reflections to the optical

table; beam terminators for wavelengths over 710nm shouldtable; beam terminators for wavelengths over 710nm shouldbe of fire resistant materials (class 3b and 4).be of fire resistant materials (class 3b and 4).



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Viewing and alignment controlsViewing and alignment controls

Use diffuse reflective screens or remoteUse diffuse reflective screens or remoteviewing systems during alignment ifviewing systems during alignment ifpossiblepossible

Personal ProtectivePersonal Protective


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EquipmentEquipmentProtective eyewearProtective eyewearalways wear it whenalways wear it when

an exposure is possiblean exposure is possibleGlovesGloves

Face shieldsFace shieldsProtective apronsProtective aprons

Protective EquipmentProtective Equipment


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Protective EquipmentProtective Equipment

Eyewear selection depends on:Eyewear selection depends on:

WavelengthWavelength Optical DensityOptical Density

ComfortComfort

Field of viewField of view

Effect on color visionEffect on color vision

Power/pulse of radiationPower/pulse of radiation

Consult with EH&S for selection determinationConsult with EH&S for selection determinationeyeweareyewearis VERY specific to a laser and is typicallyis VERY specific to a laser and is typically NOTNOTinterchangeable between systems.interchangeable between systems.

Chemical Hazard ControlChemical Hazard Control


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Chemical Hazard ControlChemical Hazard Control

Control any dyes as hazardous chemicals whereControl any dyes as hazardous chemicals whereappropriate, as stated on the MSDS.appropriate, as stated on the MSDS.

Minimize storage of chemicals near laserMinimize storage of chemicals near lasersystems.systems.

Evaluate potential hazards from hazardousEvaluate potential hazards from hazardousgases, such as fluorine. EH&S can providegases, such as fluorine. EH&S can provideassistance.assistance.

Evaluate potential hazards from interaction ofEvaluate potential hazards from interaction ofthe beam with chemical materials. EH&S canthe beam with chemical materials. EH&S canprovide assistance.provide assistance.

Electrical Hazard ControlElectrical Hazard Control


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Electrical Hazard ControlElectrical Hazard Control

ElectricalElectrical

Mark all system shutMark all system shut--offs clearly.offs clearly. All electrical installation, operation andAll electrical installation, operation and

maintenance must conform to Nationalmaintenance must conform to National

Electric Code (contact EH&S for information).Electric Code (contact EH&S for information).

System Specific InformationSystem Specific Information


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System Specific InformationSystem Specific Information

Detailed information for your specific laserDetailed information for your specific lasersystem must be obtained from the PI or Safetysystem must be obtained from the PI or Safety

Supervisor in your area.Supervisor in your area.Additional information may be obtained from theAdditional information may be obtained from theLaser Safety Officers:Laser Safety Officers:

Mark Banister 8Mark Banister 8--1493 (primary)1493 (primary)

Andrew Lawson 8Andrew Lawson 8--8405 (secondary)8405 (secondary)

Or by contacting Environmental Health andOr by contacting Environmental Health and

Safety at 8Safety at 8--8182.8182.

Emergency ResponseEmergency Response


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Emergency ResponseEmergency Response

In the event of a an overexposure of a person toIn the event of a an overexposure of a person tolaser radiation, the following steps should belaser radiation, the following steps should betaken:taken:

ImmediatelyImmediately contact University Police to ensure thatcontact University Police to ensure thatthe affected person(s)the affected person(s) receive(sreceive(s) medical treatment.) medical treatment.

Contact EH&S and report the incident to the LSO.Contact EH&S and report the incident to the LSO.

If the incident involves chemical hazards, follow labIf the incident involves chemical hazards, follow labemergency response protocol on Emergencyemergency response protocol on EmergencyResponse Guide posted in each lab.Response Guide posted in each lab.

Common Causes ofCommon Causes of


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AccidentsAccidentsAltering beam path by adding opticalAltering beam path by adding opticalcomponents without regard to the beamcomponents without regard to the beampathpath

Inserting reflective objects into beam pathInserting reflective objects into beam path

(i.e. jewelry and watches)(i.e. jewelry and watches)Not terminating the beam properlyNot terminating the beam properly

Bypassing interlocks (particularly duringBypassing interlocks (particularly duringalignment procedures)alignment procedures)

Accidental firing of lasersAccidental firing of lasers


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PART TWOPART TWOLaser Training for users ofLaser Training for users of

ClassClass IIIbIIIb and IV laser systemsand IV laser systems

Special IssuesSpecial Issues


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Special IssuesSpecial Issues

Special activities are necessary for theSpecial activities are necessary for the

safe use of thesesafe use of these more hazardousmore hazardous laserlasersystems. They include:systems. They include:

Medical monitoringMedical monitoring

Standard Operating ProceduresStandard Operating Procedures

Special controls and protective equipmentSpecial controls and protective equipment

Medical MonitoringMedical Monitoring


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Medical MonitoringMedical Monitoring

Eye examinations are recommended for users ofEye examinations are recommended for users ofClass 3b and Class 4 lasers.Class 3b and Class 4 lasers.

The baseline eye examination will include:The baseline eye examination will include: Ocular historyOcular history

Visual acuity and macular function testVisual acuity and macular function test

Color vision testColor vision test

Examination of eyeExamination of eye

Skin examination (optional)Skin examination (optional)

Contact EH&S for details of eye examsContact EH&S for details of eye exams

Standard OperatingStandard Operating


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ProceduresProceduresThey are REQUIRED to be prepared forThey are REQUIRED to be prepared forlasers of Class 3b and Class 4.lasers of Class 3b and Class 4.

Should be prepared for the following:Should be prepared for the following: Operation, including any unattendedOperation, including any unattended

operationoperation Use of safety equipment and safeguardsUse of safety equipment and safeguards

Maintenance, setMaintenance, set--up and calibrationup and calibration

The SOPs should be remain accessible inThe SOPs should be remain accessible inthe work area to all applicable users.the work area to all applicable users.

Explosion HazardsExplosion Hazards


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Explosion HazardsExplosion Hazards

Potential sources include:Potential sources include:

Flash lampsFlash lampsCapacitorsCapacitors

Solvents and compressed gasesSolvents and compressed gasesLaser targets or optical components canLaser targets or optical components canshatter from high intensity beamsshatter from high intensity beams

Fire HazardsFire Hazards


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Potential sources include:Potential sources include:

--Electrical circuitsElectrical circuits--Improper beam enclosureImproper beam enclosure

--Ignition of gases/vaporsIgnition of gases/vapors

--Flammable solventsFlammable solvents

Fires can be initiated by an electrical arc or byFires can be initiated by an electrical arc or by

the beam from a Class 4 laser. Ensure thatthe beam from a Class 4 laser. Ensure thatflammable and combustible materials areflammable and combustible materials arestored away from beam paths.stored away from beam paths.

Nominal Hazard ZoneNominal Hazard Zone


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Nominal Hazard ZoneNominal Hazard Zone

Based on the hazard analysis, a NominalBased on the hazard analysis, a Nominal

Hazard Zone (NHZ) is identified.Hazard Zone (NHZ) is identified.The NHZ is an area inside which theThe NHZ is an area inside which theMaximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)

may be exceeded.may be exceeded.

Only authorized persons may be inside theOnly authorized persons may be inside the

NHZ.NHZ.Applicable to Class 3b and 4, generally.Applicable to Class 3b and 4, generally.

Specific Laser SystemSpecific Laser System


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ControlsControlsSpecial controls will be discussed for yourSpecial controls will be discussed for your

specific laser systems. . .specific laser systems. . .

Laser Safety 08

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