Laser and Radiation Access for Facilities Division Workers

Eye hazards such as retinal or cornea burns.Eye hazards Skin hazards such as burns.Skin hazards Electrical hazards from high voltage equipment.Electrical hazards Fire and flood hazards.Fire and flood Laser Hazards The danger from lasers can be divided into the following major categories:

Facilities Division The unprotected human eye is extremely sensitive to laser radiation and can be permanently damaged from direct or reflected beams RETINAL INJURY IS PERMANENT

Examples of Laser signs you may encounter

Radiation Hazard The primary risk from radiation exposure at work is an increase in the risk of cancer. The amount of risk depends on: —The amount of radiation dose received —The time over which the dose was received —The body part exposed. The increased risk of cancer from occupational exposure is small when compared to the normal cancer rate in today’s society. Embryo-fetus is more sensitive to radiation

Radiation Area Access Laboratories where radiation is used are clearly identified by radiation warning signs. Access is restricted according to the potential hazard to be found : —Controlled areas – Blue and White Signs —Supervised areas – Yellow and black or yellow and magenta signs

Controlled Areas Blue and White Sign Buffer areas to the actual area which contains the radiological material, machines, work, etc. Require GERT Training to enter these areas unescorted.

Yellow and Magenta Radiation trefoil symbol Sign indicates where the actual radiological material is housed, and researched including the surrounding radiation field. Only employees who have received Radiological Worker training can enter without an escort. Facilities employees require escorts

Example of Radiation Sign you may encounter

Warning Lights When the light is on….. Do Not Enter the Room!

Access to Radiation and Laser Labs The ability to open a door is not the same as permission. Except in emergencies, access to hazardous labs requires permission of lab owner. In many cases, e.g. radiation labs and laser labs, safety regulations require that you be escorted into the lab.