1. Laser Safety Retraining
Radiological and Environmental Management
Purdue University
Welcome to Purdue University’s Initial Laser Safety Training. This training is required for all users of Class 3B and Class 4 Lasers and laser systems, and covers topics required by the ANSI Z136 series of laser safety standards, as well as Purdue’s own laser safety program requirements.
Updated: 09/2012

2. Laser Safety Program
When using a Class 3B or Class 4 laser, potential hazards from the direct beam exist to the eye and skin.
Purdue Executive Memorandum D-2 mandates the use of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers to be compliant with the Purdue Laser Safety Program.
Each laser project must complete the necessary paperwork, meet the training requirements, and be evaluated by the Purdue LSO (Laser Safety Officer)

3. Laser Classifications
Class 1, 1M, 2, 2M, and 3R: low to lower-medium powered lasers that will not produce eye/skin injury under manufacturer-intended use, and if not intentionally focused on the eye.
Lasers with one of these classifications are exempt from the laser registration requirements of Purdue University.
Note: Class 3R was formerly known as Class 3a.
If ANY laser is modified (e.g. power, focusing, etc.), regardless of its initial classification, the LSO will need to perform an analysis to determine classification.

4. Laser Classifications (cont’d)
Class 3B (medium power): viewing hazard under direct or specular reflection conditions, normally not a diffuse reflection or fire hazard
Class 4 (high power):
Hazard to eye or skin from the direct beam, and
May be a diffuse reflection or fire hazard
May also be a source of laser generated air contaminants (LGACs) and hazardous plasma radiation.
Laser classifications are now only reported in Arabic Numerals; Roman Numerals are no longer accepted.

5. Required Paperwork
Each project must submit the following forms to the LSO
Form LU-1: For laser project (must include SOPs)
Form LF-1: For each facility used
Form LS-1: For each Class 3B and 4 laser (note: a laser cannot be approved for multiple laser projects)
Form LU-2: Must be completed by the LPI (Laser Principal Investigator) and all unrestricted personnel
These forms can be sent through campus mail to: Jerry Gibbs/REM/CIVL
It is necessary for the LSO to review the paperwork prior to the required LSO site evaluation.

6. Required Training
All Restricted and Unrestricted Users on laser projects must complete Purdue’s Online Laser Safety Training. The LPI is not exempt.
Initial Training is 3-part step:
Successful completion of the Online Training
Attendance of the Classroom Training, unless you are a Restricted User
Laser-specific training provided by LPI or Unrestricted User on project.
Retraining (at 2-year intervals) must be completed by all Restricted and Unrestricted Users, and is completed online.

7. Laser Safety Program Personnel
Restricted User:
work with a Class 3B or 4 laser only under direct physical supervision of their Laser Principal Investigator or an Authorized Unrestricted User, or
do not operate the laser, but work within the Nominal Hazard Zone (as defined by the Laser Safety Officer) of a Class 3B or 4 laser while the laser is in operation.
Unrestricted User:
Has been approved by the LSO and the LPI to use the laser without supervision
Can supervise Restricted Users

8. Laser Safety Program Personnel
LPI (Laser Principal Investigatory) manages their own project, once it has been approved by the Purdue LSO.
Must qualify as an Unrestricted User, and be a full-time permanent Purdue faculty/staff member (e.g. cannot be a Post-Doc, Visiting Professor, etc.), and submit all required paperwork to the Purdue LSO.
There can be only 1 (one) LPI for a laser. Many projects have multiple faculty members as Unrestricted Users under the LPI.
Laser Safety Program is managed by the Purdue LSO
Currently the LSO is Mary Handy, but will always be someone in REM (Radiological and Environmental Management)
Laser Safety Program is overseen by the Purdue LSC (Laser Safety Committee).
This committee is made up of representatives, mostly LPIs and safety personnel, from multiple departments

9. Personnel Requirements
Laser Principal Investigator (LPI)
Issue appropriate instruction and training materials on laser hazards and their control to all personnel who may work with lasers that are operated within supervisor’s jurisdiction.
Not permit the operation of a laser unless there is adequate control of laser hazards to employees, visitors, and the general public.
Ensure all individuals working have submitted a completed LU-2 form, including LPI
Ensure LU-1 (that must be submitted to LSO) has all authorized individuals listed. Subsequent users may be listed with all required information either as an LU-1 addendum, or by written documentation to LSO.

10. Personnel Requirements
Laser Principal Investigator (LPI) – cont’d
For any known or suspected accident relating to a laser under his/her authority, enact appropriate response plan, which includes notification of the LSO.
If necessary, assist in obtaining appropriate medical attention for any employee involved in a laser accident.
Not permit operation of a new or modified Class 3B or Class 4 laser under his/her authority without LSO approval.
Shall submit plans for Class 3B and Class 4 laser installations/modifications of installations to the LSO for review.
Shall be familiar with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each Class 3B and Class 4 laser under his/her authority, and ensure that that they are provided to all users of such lasers.

11. Personnel Requirements
Employees working with lasers
Not energize or work with or near a laser unless authorized to do so by the laser’s supervisor.
Comply with Purdue University Laser Safety Guidelines, LSO and LPI safety rules and procedures.
Inform his/her LPI of any known or suspected accident involving a laser under their LPI’s jurisdiction. If the LPI is not available, notify the LSO.

12. Laser Safety Regulations
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act – Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations)
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z136.1 – American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers – NOT a regulation, BUT:
OSHA will use “General Duty Clause”, citing the ANSI Z136 standard.
If you do not have a copy of your own ANSI Z136, you may come to the LSO’s office and read the copy that is kept there.

13. Stuff You Need to Know
What lasers have the LSO and LPI approved you to use?
Have you been trained on how to use your lasers by the LPI, or another Unrestricted User on the your project?
Where are your SOPs located? Are you following the SOPs?
Are you having laser service personnel contact LSO prior to service on the laser(s)?
Do you have records maintained (e.g. project personnel, training records, etc.)?
Do you know what type of eyewear to use with each laser?
Are the keys in the key control, or computer access code ONLY available to Unrestricted Users on the project? (e.g. keys are not left in key control on laser when not being directly supervised by an Unrestricted User)

14. Criteria for Exposures of Eye and Skin
Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits are below known hazardous levels.
Exposures at the MPE limit may be uncomfortable.
The LSO calculates the MPE limit for each Class 3B and Class 4 laser, upon receipt of the Form LS-1.
Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits are set below known hazardous levels in order provide a margin of safety, although exposures at the MPE limit may be uncomfortable.
Calculations for the MPEs are based on the worst-case plausible scenario, which is having the pupil dilated at the largest normalized relative to the limiting aperture area – we assume the limiting aperture area is 7mm for the pupil size of a dark-adapted eye in most cases.
Irradiance is affected by the Radiant Exposure and the Exposure Duration

15. Mechanisms of Eye Injury
A laser can produce a beam injury to the eye through these 3 mechanisms:
Thermal
Potential effects: charring, edema, hemorrhage
Photochemical (blue light and UV)
Potential effects: production of toxins and biochemical changes which may cause inflammation, lesions and lens opacities
Photoacoustic (short intense pulses)
Potential effects: explosive forces due to expanding gases
This is why we are required to always wear appropriate eyewear for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers, if we are in the NHZ (Nominal Hazard Zone) when the laser is in operation.
The 3 primary mechanisms for eye injury are thermal, photochemical, and photoacoustic.
Thermal exposure can produce charring, edema, hemorrhage.
Photochemical exposure can cause the production of toxins and biochemical changes which may cause inflammation, lesions and clouding of the lens.
Photoacoustic exposure can cause explosive forces to occur within the eye from the quick expansion and contraction of gases.

16. Eye Hazard vs. Wavelength
TARGET: Cornea
Far IR (IRC): 3000 nm – 1 mm
Mid IR (IRB): 1400 nm – 3000 nm
Mid UV (UVB): 280 nm – 315 nm
Far UV (UVC): 100 nm – 280 nm
EFFECT:
Mid IR and Far IR: Thermal
Mid UV and Far UV: Acute inflammation and conjunctivitis, fluorescence of lens, corneal and lenticular opacities (“clouding”)
cataractogenesis (peaks at 300 nm)
Here you see the wavelengths that have potential to cause damage to the cornea, and the associated possible effects.

17. Eye Hazard vs. Wavelength
TARGET: Retina
Near IR (IRA) : 700 nm – 1400 nm
Visible Light: 400 nm – 700 nm
EFFECT:
Thermal burns, hemorrhage, scotoma (“blind spot”), photoretinitis (“blue light damage”)
Here you see the wavelengths that have potential to cause damage to the retina, and the associated possible effects.

18. Eye Hazard vs. Wavelength
TARGET: Lens
Near UV (UVA): 315 nm – 400 nm
EFFECT:
Development of cataracts
Here you see the wavelengths that have potential to cause damage to the lens, and the associated possible effects.

19. Special Considerations for Ocular Exposures
Lower MPE limits may be required when normal protective mechanisms such as eye movement and pupil constriction are hindered. Inform your LPI if you think that you have a condition that may impact your susceptibility to the laser beam.
For example, individuals who have had pupil dilation performed will not have the natural defenses of the constricting iris which could limit that amount of radiation entering their eye.
Also, advanced age of an individual may reduce the ability of the iris to contract.
Lower MPE limits may be required when normal protective mechanisms such as when normal eye movement and pupil constriction are hindered. Inform your Laser Principal Investigator if you think that you have a condition that may impact your susceptibility to the laser beam.
For example, individuals who have had a recent pupil dilation performed will not have the natural defenses of the constricting iris, allowing a greater amount of light in their eye.
Also, advanced age of an individual may reduce the ability of the iris to contract.

20. Mechanisms of Dermal Injury
A laser can produce a beam injury to the skin through these 2 mechanisms:
Thermal (from direct beam or specular reflection) for Near UV, Visible, and IR wavelengths
Potential effects: mild reddening (erythema) to blistering
Severity is dependent upon exposure dose rate, exposure dose, and conduction of heat away from the site of absorption

21. Mechanisms of Dermal Injury
A laser can produce a beam injury to the skin through these 2 mechanisms:
Photochemical (from scatter of beam, specular or diffuse reflection) for Mid UV and Far UV wavelengths
Potential effects: erythema to blistering, possibly carcinogenic
Effects are dependent upon wavelength and exposure dose

22. Specular vs. Diffuse Reflection
Specular (Mirror-Like)
Diffuse
Reflected wavelength is near same shape and intensity as direct beam
Occurs when wavelength of laser beam is greater than the irregularities of the surface the beam hits
Reflected wavelength is blurred and weaker than direct beam
Occurs when wavelength of laser beam is smaller than the irregularities of the surface the beam hits
Specular, or “mirror-like” reflections occur when the wavelength of the laser beam is greater than the irregularities of the surface the beam hits. The reflected wavelength is approximately the same shape and intensity as the direct beam.
Diffuse reflections occur when the wavelength of the laser beam is smaller than the irregularities of the surface the beam hits. The reflected wavelength is blurred and less intense than the direct beam.
Here is a diagram depicting the differences of specular and diffuse reflection. For the diffuse reflection, you can see that the photons are deflected at different angles, and some deflect upon the surface multiple times, forcing energy loss with each interaction.

23. Important Notes Regarding Reflections
Avoid having objects that may produce a specular reflection in or near laser beam (e.g. jewelry, tools, computer screens, etc.), unless deliberately used as part of laser system (e.g. mirrors)
Surfaces that appear dull and pitted to our eyes may be a specular surface to beams of larger wavelengths
When an open-beam laser is in operation, avoid having objects that may produce a specular reflection in or near laser beam (such as jewelry, tools, etc.), unless deliberately used as part of laser system (e.g. mirrors) and under proper alignment.
Please remember that it is possible for surfaces that appear dull and pitted to our eyes may be a perfect mirror to beams of larger wavelengths.

24. Non-Beam Hazards
Include physical, chemical, and biological agents, as well as human use issues.
May occur when:
material is exposed to a laser beam.
laser-related materials are released into the atmosphere.
Individuals contact system components.
Note: the beam does not have to be on for there to be a non-beam hazard.
Written SOPs shall address non-beam hazards, as well as beam hazards.
Non-beam hazards include physical, chemical, and biological agents, as well as human use issues. Non-beam hazards are taken quite seriously, as there have been deaths caused by these hazards.
These hazards may occur when the material is exposed to a laser beam, the laser-related materials are released into the atmosphere, or when individuals contact system components.
Written Standard Operating Procedures must be available and must address beam and applicable non-beam hazards.

25. Non-Beam Hazards: Physical Agents
Electrical Hazards
Collateral and Plasma Radiation
Fire Hazards
Explosion Hazards
Mechanical Hazards Associated with Robotics
Noise
If you need a review regarding the contributing factors and effects, please review the Initial Laser Training for Class 3B and Class 4 Lasers.
The electrical non-beam hazard may cause shock, resistive heating, and electrical spark ignition of flammable materials. Potential biological effects range from tingling to serious injury or death. Control measures must comply with OSHA laws, NFPA 70 (also known as the National Electric Code), and state and local regulations. Work environments with potential electrical hazards must have fire extinguishers that are designed for electrical fires and a panic button or emergency shutdown switch, at a minimum.

26. Non-Beam Hazards: Chemical Agents
Laser Generated Air Contaminants (LGACs)
Compressed Gases
Laser Dyes and Solvents
Assist Gases
If you need a review regarding the contributing factors and effects, please review the Initial Laser Training for Class 3B and Class 4 Lasers.
Chemical non-beam hazards include Laser Generated Air Contaminants (or LGACs). The primary factors that determine the production of LGACs are the target material, the cover gas, and the beam irradiance. If a laser has an irradiance level of approximately 107 W/cm2, this potential should be assessed by the Laser Safety Officer and REM’s Industrial Hygiene group. The presence of LGACs could introduce possible carcinogenic, toxic, and noxious airborne contaminants. If necessary, the Laser Safety Officer may require additional control methods.

27. Non-Beam Hazards: Chemical Agents (cont’d)
Control Measures: Engineering controls preferred
Exhaust Ventilation
avoid recirculation of LGACs.
use enclosing hoods, if possible.
Respiratory Protection
for brief exposures or interim control measure.
If used, must comply with 29 CFR (OSHA), and Purdue Respiratory Protection Plan.
Process Isolation
physical barriers, master-slave manipulators, or remote control apparatus.
certain applications (e.g. biomedical applications) require disinfection/sterilization of equipment after use.
Sensors and Alarms
Shall be installed in hazardous gas cabinets and other locations as appropriate (including exhaust ventilation ducts).
Should be used for toxic and corrosive chemical agents (e.g. halogens), and be able to detect the hazardous gas in a mixture of emitted gases.
Must be properly shielded to minimize susceptibility to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

28. Non-Beam Hazards: Biological Agents
LGACs: may be generated when a high-powered lasers interacts with biological tissue.
Infectious Materials: may survive beam irradiation and become airborne.
Consult ANSI Z136.3, Appendix F.
LGACs may be generated when high-powered lasers interact with biological tissues. Biological agents that are exposed to lasers may be “liberated” by the beam and become airborne. LGACs: may be generated when a high power laser interacts with biological tissue.
Infectious Materials: may survive beam irradiation and become airborne.
Consult ANSI Z136.3, Appendix F.

29. Non-Beam Hazards: Human Factors
Ergonomics (e.g. workstation layout, worker-machine interface, handling techniques, area illumination, visual distractions)
Limited Work Space: There must be sufficient room for personnel to turn around an maneuver freely, without trip/fall hazards (e.g. wires or cables on floor).
Work Patterns: Unusual or long hours may affect worker alertness.
Disposal (i.e. donation, remove all means of activation and disposed, destruction)
Laser Waste Disposal: waste disposal shall conform with Purdue University disposal requirements (see REM’s Hazardous Material Management webpage)

30. Chillers May be employed to reduce heat load produced by lasers.
Chiller types: conductivity-cooled, air-cooled, or cooled with a closed loop chiller.
If using chilled water, filter the incoming water to ensure that minerals and particulate matter are removed to minimize damage to equipment.

31. General Project Rules
Use minimum laser radiation required for the application.
Maintain beam height at a level other that the position of the user’s eye standing or sitting.
Prefer engineering controls, however must have administrative and procedural controls.

32. Accident Trends
Reported incidents related to lasers are most often associated with:
Unanticipated eye exposure during alignment
Misaligned optics and upwardly directed beams
Available eye protection not used
Equipment malfunction
Improper methods of handling high voltage
Intentional exposure of unprotected personnel
Operators unfamiliar with laser equipment
Lack of protection for non-beam hazards

33. Accident Trends (cont’d)
Reported incidents related to lasers are most often associated with (cont’d):
Improper restoration of equipment following service
Eyewear worn not appropriate for laser in use
Unanticipated eye/skin exposure during laser usage
Inhalation of laser generated air contaminants and/or viewing laser generated plasmas
Fires resulting from the ignition of materials
Eye or skin injury of photochemical origin
Failure to follow SOPs

34. Unattended Use
Operate lasers under direct supervision or control of an authorized user – operator shall maintain visual surveillance of conditions for safe use and terminate laser operation in the event of malfunction or other unsafe condition.
Unattended operation may ONLY be allowed under LSO-approved control measures are in place; control measures MUST provide adequate protection so that unprotected spectators shall not receive eye or skin exposures that exceed the MPE limits.
Service Personnel
Emergency Personnel
Administrative/Other Personnel
Students/General Public

35. Engineering Controls
Protective Housing – Require interlocks and appropriate labels.
Service Access Panels – Shall only be removed by service personnel; interlocked or removal tool and warning label required.
Key Control – Master switch that can initiate and terminate system operation shall be operated by a key or coded access. The key (or code) shall only be accessible to authorized personnel.
Viewing Windows, Display Screens, and Collecting Optics –shall incorporate suitable means to maintain the exposure to below MPE.
Beam Paths –separate requirements for fully open, limited open, and enclosed.

36. Engineering Controls (cont’d)
Remote Interlock Connector – Class 3B should and Class 4 shall have this control to eliminate accessible radiation to below the MPE
Beam Stop or Attenuator - Class 3B should and Class 4 shall have this permanently attached control to eliminate accessible radiation to below the MPE when laser output is not required.
Warning Area Warning Signs and Activation Warnings - Class 3B and Class 4 areas shall be posted with the appropriate signage, both for beam and non-beam hazards.
Activation Warning Devices - Class 3B should and Class 4 shall use this control during activation or startup.

37. Engineering Controls (cont’d)
Indoor Laser Controlled Area – Analysis shall be performed by the LSO
Requirements for Class 4 more strict than Class 3B.
Emergency Conditions – For emergencies, there shall be a clearly marked “Emergency Stop” available for deactivating the laser or reducing output to below the MPE.
Entryway Controls – Class 4 laser areas shall have one of the following
Non-Defeatable: for deactivation of laser or reducing output to below MPE in the event of unexpected entry into laser controlled area.
Defeatable: only if clearly evident that there is no laser radiation hazard at the point of entry.
Procedural: only when safety latches or interlocks are not feasible or are inappropriate (e.g. Surgery).

38. Engineering Controls (cont’d)
Outdoor control measures - Lasers are not to be used outdoors without evaluation and approval by LSO.
Temporary Laser Controlled Areas – in case of service or other conditions where housing, panels are removed and MPE is exceeded
Controlled Operation
Equipment Labels – in accordance with FLPPS or IEC
Housing,
Control Panel (if separated from housing by more than 2 meters), and
Long Distance Beam Conduit (at intervals of 3 meters)

39. Administrative and Procedural Controls
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – shall be written and maintained with the laser(s) for reference regarding operation and alignment, maintenance and service, emergency for personnel injury and fire, and all applicable non-beam hazards (including electrical safety).
Output Emission Limitations – LSO may require if excessive power or radiant energy is deemed excessive.
Education and Training – required, must cover topics required by ANSI, records must be maintained.
Authorized Personnel – LPI authorizes, training and registration are conditions of authorization.

40. Administrative and Procedural Controls (cont’d)
Alignment Procedures
Spectators – Shall not be permitted unless
LPI has approved,
Spectators are informed of the hazards by authorized users, and
Appropriate protective measures are taken.
Service Procedures – Only those with the education and safety training commensurate with the laser contained within protective housing. Typically, certified technicians from the manufacturer.

41. Special Considerations
General Public – Class 3B and 4 require a laser light show variance issued by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), other requirements.
Optical Fiber Transmission Systems – considered enclosed within cable, if disconnecting where MPE is exceeded, NHZ requirements implemented.
Robotic Installations – working envelope included in NHZ.

42. Protective Equipment
General – enclosure of beam is the preferred method of control.
Eyewear –
Required within NHZ for Class 3B and 4 lasers
Non-beam hazards may exist which require additional eye protection (ANSI Z87.1)
LSO shall determine the OD for eyewear based on laser specifications.
Shall be permanently labeled with the OD and its corresponding wavelength.
Shall be cleaned and inspected to ensure proper condition. Only use eyewear that is in proper working condition (e.g. no cracks, bleach marks, missing/broken straps, etc).

43. Protective Equipment (cont’d)
Window Protection – within NHZ shall be provided with an appropriate filter, barrier, or screen with reduces laser radiation to below all applicable MPE.
Barriers and Curtains – material shall be selected to withstand direct and diffuse reflection of beam, must not support combustion or release toxic fumes upon laser exposure.
Labeling of Protective Equipment – Shall be permanently labeled with:
Eyewear – OD and corresponding wavelength.
Protective Windows – OD and corresponding wavelength, exposure time, and conditions under which protection is afforded.
Collecting Optics Filters – OD and corresponding wavelength, threshold limit (TL) and corresponding exposure time, and conditions under which protection is afforded.
Barriers (unless integral part of laser system) – TL and corresponding exposure time, and conditions under which protection is afforded.
Viewports and Films (unless integral part of laser system) – OD and corresponding spectral region which shall be provided by the manufacturer.

44. Protective Equipment (cont’d)
Skin Protection - mostly applicable to Class 4 UV lasers
LSO shall determine if skin protection is needed.
Best achieved through engineering controls
Other Protective Equipment – respirators, local exhaust ventilation, fire extinguishers, and hearing protection may be required.

45. Area Warning Sign Example
A warning sign that is similar in characteristic to the image at the right MUST be placed on the Nominal Hazard Zone of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Other warning sign designs are NOT allowed. The LSO can help you with the design of the sign.

46. General Project Requirements
Training and retraining (at 2-year intervals) must be completed by all restricted and unrestricted users. The LPI is not exempt.
LSO must perform an assessment of the facility.
LPI will ensure all required engineering, administrative, and procedural control measures are in place.

47. Purdue: Common Non-Compliances
Unauthorized service of lasers
Eyewear, improper (OD and/or wavelength incorrect, disrepair), or unused
SOPs not followed
Unattended laser operation (for Class 4 lasers)
Improper visible alerts (e.g. wrong sign format)
Lasers not interlocked to NHZ access point
Administrative (forms not submitted, users not trained)
Improper barriers (e.g. cardboard, store-bought fabric)
Skin exposure, either deliberate or inadvertent
Working conditions – long/unusual hours, poor housekeeping, ergonomics

48. Consequences of Non-Compliance
The LSO has the authority to suspend, restrict, or terminate the operation of a laser system if the LSO deems that controls are not adequate.
LPIs, authorized users, and/or associated personnel found in non-compliance of the Purdue Laser Safety Program and/or applicable governmental regulations may be subject to review by the Laser Safety Committee, at a minimum.
Penalties for non-compliance shall be determined by the Laser Safety Committee and/or other applicable bodies of authority.
If the Laser Safety Officer determines that controls are not adequate for the protection of personnel or property, they have the authority to suspend, restrict, or terminate the operation of the laser system.
LPIs, authorized users, or other associated personnel found in non-compliance of the Purdue Laser Safety Program and/or applicable governmental regulations may be subject to review by the Laser Safety Committee, at a minimum.
Penalties for non-compliance shall be determined by the Laser Safety Committee and/or other applicable bodies of authority. Generally, willful violations are held under the most critical review.

49. Incidents/Emergencies: Injury
Turn off the laser system with the “Emergency Button” or power switch.
If injured personnel require medical assistance, don appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE, i.e. gloves), and provide minimum assistance, as needed. Ensure someone remains with the victim until medical personnel arrive.
Contact medical personnel (call 911). Inform them of the accident.
Once medical personnel have been contacted, inform REM ( ), and Complete an incident report, and complete a First Report of Injury.
If a suspected or actual laser-induced injury occurs, medical surveillance must be performed as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours after the incident.
In case of PERSONNEL INJURY, turn off the laser system with the “Emergency Button” or power switch.
If injured personnel require medical assistance, put on appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (such as gloves), and provide minimum assistance, as needed. For instance, if the victim received a laser burn, hand them a cold pack that they can apply themselves. Make sure someone remains with the victim until medical personnel arrive.
Contact medical personnel by calling Inform them of the accident and that lasers are involved. Then contact REM. An incident report and First Report of Injury will need to be completed.

50. Incidents/Emergencies: Fire
Sound fire alarm.
Contact fire department (call 911). Inform them of the incident.
If fire has gone out, call the Purdue University Fire Department (PUFD) at the non-emergency number ( )
Turn off the laser system with the “Emergency Button” or power switch.
Evacuate area.
Contact REM ( ).
Complete incident report.
In case of FIRE you should immediately sound the fire alarm and contact the fire department by calling Inform them of the incident.
If fire has gone out, call the Purdue University Fire Department at their non-emergency number – they will still need to verify that the fire no longer exists, and determine the cause of the fire.
If fire has not gone out, turn off the laser system with the “Emergency Button” or power switch and evacuate the area. Once safely evacuated, contact REM. An incident report will need to be completed.

51. Contact Information
Zach Tribbett, Laser Safety Officer
Jerry Gibbs, Laser Training and Authorization Information
Other Radiation Safety Staff:
For further information, please feel free to contact Purdue’s Laser Safety Officer, Mary Handy. If Mary is unavailable, please contact the Director of Radiological and Environmental Management, Jim Schweitzer. If you simply need some general information, or to schedule training, please phone the general office number for the Dept. of Radiological and Environmental Management, at

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