Environmental Health and Safety

Laser Safety

Laser Safety Syllabus

Do’s and Don’ts

• Never look into the beam. If intrabeam viewing is required, use remote viewing aids.
  
  
• Always use the lowest power practical.
  
  
• Do not sit in a position that puts your eyes on the same plane as the laser light.
  
  
• Always use beam stops.
  
  
• Be cognizant of non-beam hazards (e.g., high voltage power supplies, hazardous chemicals).
  
  
• Always use appropriate protective equipment (see eyewear section below).
  
  
  

Accident Reporting

It is important that all injuries are reported. If you suspect that you or another person has been injured, report it immediately to your professor and to Environmental Health & Safety, extension 4-6879. There is never any punitive action for reporting an accident.

Medical Surveillance

Persons operating lasers classified as 3B or 4 must participate in the medical surveillance program. The exam is given at Student Health Services and takes approximately 30-40 minutes. An ocular history is requested of each student. The exam primarily tests visual acuity and verifies whether previous retinal damage has occurred. If the student wears prescription glasses, it would be helpful if the student would bring a copy of the current corrective prescription with them. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 619-594-4736. The student should request the “Laser Screening Exam.” Everyone should have the exam performed prior to using lasers.

Training

Persons operating lasers classified as 3B or 4 are required to have instruction in laser safety. The instruction should include information on the nature of laser emissions, how lasers are classified by relative hazard, administrative and engineering controls, protective equipment, non-beam hazards and accident reporting. Viewing the videotape on laser safety available through Environmental Health & Safety fulfills the training requirement. The videotape is 30 minutes in length and should be scheduled for viewing by your professor.

Eyewear

While operating lasers classified as 3B or 4, protective eyewear must be worn by all persons in the lab when there is a potential for the beam to be scattered or deflected in the direction of any person. Most commonly this situation would be during alignments. The eyewear must be appropriate for the power and wavelength(s) being generated and must indicate so on the eyewear. Some eyewear is designed to offer protection for diffuse viewing only, that allows personnel to see the visible beam, and should not be presumed to offer total attenuation for intrabeam exposure.

Questions regarding the Laser Safety Program should be directed to Environmental Health & Safety at 619-594-6778.