TITLE	ES&H Manual
DOCUMENT ID	6410 Appendix T4: Laser Alignment Guidance

1.0 Purpose

Laser alignment is inherently risky; activities of which carry an unmitigated risk code of less than (>) 2. Alignment procedures are included within each system’s laser operational safety procedure (LOSP). Individuals involved with the processes must read, understand, and sign the LOSP prior to commencement of work. By signing the laser-specific LOSP, individuals signify they will abide by the document and all safety guidelines.

2.0 Scope

The requirements of laser alignment activities apply to Class 3B, Class 4, and any laser system that incorporates magnifying optics.

This appendix serves as a sample laser alignment procedure and should be tailored as necessary to a laser system which is incorporated into the laser operational safety procedure.

The procedure for these activities is performed in conjunction with Chapter 6410, Laser Safety Program.

3.0 Responsibilities

Note: Management authority may be delegated to a task-qualified TJNAF employee at the discretion of the responsible manager.

3.1 Qualified Laser Workers (QLWs) perform laser alignment operations only when authorized by the laser system supervisor.

3.2 Laser System Supervisor (LSS)

· authorizes only specific QLWs to perform laser alignment operations

· verifies and, if acceptable, approves service representative’s qualifications prior to authorizing laser alignment operations

4.0 Procedure

Unless otherwise stated, all steps below are performed by the LSS or as designated by the specific laser alignment LOSP.

4.1 Preparation

· review applicable LOSP for specific alignment procedure, including manufacturer’s alignment protocol

· ensure all QLWs assigned to work read, understand, and abide by the steps outlined in the LOSP

· remove unnecessary equipment, tools, and combustible material from the area

· organize all alignment equipment and materials; non-reflective items are recommended

· when appropriate, post a NOTICE sign at entrances stating the entrance requirements

o Entry is limited to authorized personnel as designated by the LOSP; refer to 6410, Appendix T6: Laser Labeling & Posting Requirements.

4.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

· don appropriate PPE (refer to 6410, Appendix T2: Laser Hazard Evaluation and Controls for information regarding PPE)

· minimum requirements include:

o appropriate optical density eye protection, and

o as called out within the specific alignment LOSP

4.3 Pre-alignment Activity

· use co-axial low power lasers when practical for alignment of the primary beam

· reduce beam power to the lowest power setting practical:

o use filters, beam splitters, and dumps, or

o reduce power at the power supply

· ensure no stray hazardous specular reflections are present

· don protective eyewear. If reduced optical density eyewear is required obtain from LSS

4.4 Beam Control

· enclose the beam as much as practical

· close the shutter as much as practical during course adjustments

· secure optics/optics mounts to the table as much as practical

· secure beam stops to the table or optics mounts

· label areas where the beam leaves the horizontal plane where appropriate

· terminate any stray or unused beams

· view invisible beams with IR/UV cards, beam viewing devices, or similar technique

· fire single pulses, or lower repetition rate, to align pulsed lasers when practical

· use cameras or fluorescent devices for intra-beam viewing. Intra-beam viewing by individuals is prohibited at Jefferson Lab

4.5 Restore to Operating Conditions

· restore normal laser hazard controls when alignment is complete

o replace enclosures, covers, beam blocks or barriers

o check affected interlocks for proper operation

5.0 Revision History

rev	summary	date
2.0	- revisions made per IA-2023-01-01-01 - updated appendix to reflect current laboratory operations; appendix title - added Note to 3.0 - TPOC change from BManzlak to JWilliams - general formatting updates including headers & footers (+color), cross-links, bulleting, etc. by JAllen, ES&H Manual Editor	01.02.2024
1.3	updated header and footer only - minor - edit no approval needed	09.16.2021
1.2	updated TPOC from BManzlak to PCollins per BRainey	09.05.2019
	periodic review, no changes per TPOC	12.22.2015
1.1	TPOC changed from DOwen to BManzlak	07.01.2014
1.0	updated to reflect current laboratory operations	12.06.2010

ISSUING AUTHORITY	TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT	APPROVAL DATE	NEXT REVIEW DATE	REVIEW CYCLE	rev
ES&H Division	Jennifer Williams	01.02.2024	01.02.2027	3 years	2.0

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It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current online file. This copy was printed on 1/4/2024.