Basic Laser Safety version 2 last updated March 2014

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

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

General nature of laser radiation

Source: HPA Radiation at Work Laser Information Poster.

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

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

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: http://www.aurpo.org.uk/index.php/2012-01-10-20-18-25/general-news/55-laser-pointers)

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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