Laser Safety
The safe use of laser beams and laser systems is essential for all l aser personnel and everyone working near a high-power laser system. Lasers are classified according to degree of hazard, from minimal hazard Class 1 to extreme hazard Class 4. Laser light, because of its properties, poses safety hazards not associated with light from conventional sources.
Training Qualifications
Laser Safety Orientation
To be a qualified user or supervisor of a Class 3b or 4 laser, you must be trained in the following subjects:
- Fundamentals of laser operation
- Biological effects of lasers
- Exposure to specular and diffuse reflections
- Beam and non-beam hazards
- Laser hazard classification system
- Control Measures
- Medical surveillance requirements
- Any laser-specific requirements
- Laser Standard Operating Procedure (LSOP)
Recommended only for Class 4:
- CPR training
- Fire extinguisher training
Medical Approval
All users of Class 3b or Class 4 lasers must have medical approval from the Jefferson Lab Occupational Health Physician. The Laser Safety/Medical Approval Form must be completed by the user's supervisor, and submitted to the Laser Safety Officer.
To be a qualified Laser System Supervisor for a class 3b or 4 you must:
- Be a PhD physicist
- Employed by SURA/Jefferson Lab
- Have taken the Laser Safety Orientation class or its equivalent as determined by the laser safety officer
Laser Hazards
- The greatest concern when using a high-power laser is eye safety
- High power laser beams can also burn skin, and cause clothing, paint, or target materials to ignite
- High power laser systems present significant electrical hazards
Hazard Avoidance
You can avoid exposure to potential laser hazards by:
- Never looking directly at or into laser beam - no matter what the power level
- Following the directions of any posted laser warning signs
If you are involved with laser systems, you can minimize risks by:
- Bringing attention to suspected defects in laser safety systems
- Following Laser Standard Operating Procedures
- Never positioning your body so your eyes are at or below the same level as the beam