1. Basic Laser Safety version 2 last updated March 2014

2. Course content What is the general nature of laser radiation?
What are the laser health hazards?
Why are there different laser classes and warning labels?
What are the University’s laser hazard controls?
What are the laser hazard controls for non-routine activities and emergencies?
An Introduction to the University Laser Safety Standard

3. Course Aims Laser users will be able to: Describe laser radiation
List parts of the body at risk
Identify laser injuries.
Identify different class of lasers
Recognise laser warning symbols
List common laser safety controls
Find to the University Laser Safety Standard

4. General nature of laser radiation

5. Source: HPA Radiation at Work Laser Information Poster.

6. Why is laser light different?
Light emitted from laser is manmade. Laser beam properties:
Monochromatic
Very intense
Low divergence
Coherent.

7. Laser health effects
Lasers that emit ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) wavelengths can cause:
Thermal effects in tissue - burns
Photochemical effects – change cells
Acoustic transients – physical shock to tissue
Chronic (long time) exposure

8. Ultraviolet (UV): risk to eyes
UV – Keratitis, cornea turns white (6 -12 hours after exposure), retina damage
Retinal damage caused by a class 3 laser reflected off a mirror. Permanent vision damage.
(Source:

9. Infrared (IR): risk to eyes
IR – flash burns to the cornea and rapid temperature rises in absorbing tissues.

10. Skin – UV and IR Erythema – burnt skin Accelerated ageing of the skin
Increased risk of skin cancer
Abnormal pigmentation

11. Non-beam hazards Electrical Chemical, including fume production
Mechanical
Fire
X-rays and electromagnetic interference
Go to the webpage: A guide to Laser and Non-Beam Hazards (insert final link)

12. Laser Classes
7 class of laser based on power output and divergence properties.
In the UK the classes are Arabic numbers. USA and other countries use Roman numerals.
Go to the webpage: A guide to Laser and Non-Beam Hazards (insert final link)

13. Laser warning labels
Aperture hazard warning label for class 3R, 3B and 4
Laser hazard warning label

14. Laser Safety Controls Depends on the class of laser used
Departmental local rules (3B and 4)
Risk assessment
Laser scheme of work (3R, 3B and 4)
Laser inventory
Authorised users
Departmental registration of users
Training

15. Emergencies and non-routine activities
What are the local arrangements for equipment break down, planned maintenance of equipment, cleaning and set up/down of experiment.
Emergencies – what are the local arrangemetns for 1st aid, fires and accidents
Reporting incidents. Go to the HSAS incident website and complete a form.

16. Emergencies and non-routine activities
What are the local arrangements for equipment break down, planned maintenance of equipment, cleaning and set up/down of experiment.
Emergencies – what are the local arrangements for 1st aid, fires and accidents
Do you know how to report incidents? Go to the HSAS incident website and complete a form.

17. Laser Safety Standard
Online – go an find it and find out what you need to do.
Standard covers how the University expects laser safety to be managed.
Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations and Management of Health and Saftey at Work Regulations.

18. Assessment 18 questions multi-choice and true or false format
30 minutes
16 or more right is a PASS
GOOD LUCK.