Laser - Safety Program



Laser Safety ProgramBackgroundThe laser is a light source, which can produce a monochromatic coherent beam of relatively high energy level. In addition to the potential hazards of eye or body exposure to the laser beam and its reflections, potentially harmful radiation may be generated. Ozone may be produced and toxic materials may be generated in the target area. Precautions are also required to protect against exposure to high voltages and the possibility of fire.This procedure outlines basic safety considerations for laser operations. The procedure is based on but is not as inclusive as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z136.1 - 1972. It is essential that personnel working with lasers be thoroughly familiar with this standard.Purpose & PolicyThe purpose of this program is to provide policy for personnel protection from hazards caused by laser operations. It is the policy of [COMPANY] to have a continuing and aggressive program for the control of hazards from lasersThis program is applicable to all [COMPANY] employees and contractors. This Program does not apply to bar code readers, laser printers, laser optical disc readers (CD ROMS), or any other system with a laser device which is enclosed as an integral part of the system. These are categorized as Class 1 or Exempt (see Definition). Laser pointers, Class 3A or less, are also exempt from this program, however safe practices shall be exercised when using these devices.Because the energy level and output frequency of wave length depend upon the type of laser used and its method of operation, the radiant intensity of each laser beam and of its reflections shall be determined by direct measurement or by calculations. Control measures shall be taken to keep the possible exposure of personnel well within the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) levels stated in ANSI Z136.1 DefinitionsAccessible Emission Limit (AEL). The maximum accessible emission level permitted with a particular class.Aversion Response. Closure of eyelid or movement of head to avoid an exposure.Class 1 or Exempt. Any laser or laser system that cannot emit accessible laser radiation levels in excess of the Class 1 AEL for the maximum possible duration inherent in the design or intended use of the laser or laser system during normal operation. Thus, these lasers or laser systems are exempt from all control measures or other form of surveillance with the exception of applicable requirements for embedded lasers. The exemption strictly applies to emitted laser radiation hazards and not to other potential hazardsClass 2. Any laser or laser system considered low power (<1 milliwatt) and are in the visible spectrum (400-700 nm). Eye protection comes from aversion response. Written alignment procedures are required for Class 2 laser optical systems.Class 3a/3b. Any laser or laser system that can harm the eye if viewed directly or from specular reflection. Upper limit for a continuous wave for a Class 3a is .005 watts and typically .5 watts for a Class 3b.Class 4. Any laser or laser system that can produce an eye hazard not only from direct or specular reflections, but also from a diffuse reflection. In addition, such lasers may produce fire and skin hazards.Diffuse Reflection. Change of the spatial distribution of a beam of radiation when it is reflected in many directions by a surface or by a medium.Specular Reflection. A mirror-like reflection.ResponsibilitiesSafety DepartmentSurvey, evaluate, and recommend actions needed to control hazards associated with operations involving the use of lasers or laser systems.Maintain a current inventory of all Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser systems at [COMPANY].Review plans, specifications, and operating procedures for all operations using Classes 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems and approve or disapprove requests for deviations from established guidelines.Review and approve/disapprove all purchase requests for Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser systems.Maintain a current roster of all personnel who use or provide maintenance on Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser systems and assure they receive appropriate medical examinations, including a baseline ophthalmological eye examination, as required.Work closely with facility managers on interrelated problems involving both the health and safety of personnel working with lasers.Provide annual laser safety training, including refresher training for all Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser system users. Purchasing Department Review procurement requests for lasers or laser systems to ensure that special approval has been obtained.Facility ManagersPrepare and submit to the Safety Department a laser registration form for all new lasers or laser systems received. Comply with the American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, ANSI Z136.1, for all laser operations at [COMPANY]. Notify the Safety Department in advance of new operations which will use Classes 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems so that an evaluation can be performed.Prepare written operating procedures for Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser systems and alignment procedures for Classes 2, 3a, 3b and 4 laser optical systems, and submit them to the Safety Department for approval and signature.Ensure that all standards, guidelines, and procedures relating to the protection of personnel from laser radiation hazards are complied with and all users are trained in the proper use of the laser or laser system.Ensure all laser areas are equipped with adequate safety devices and are properly posted with appropriate warning signs in accordance with ANSI Z136.1.Maintain a list of all personnel authorized to use lasers or laser systems.Ensure that all personnel listed as users of lasers or laser systems report for health monitoring examinations as needed. Notify the Safety Department each time a Classes 3b or 4 laser operation changes location or property custodians, is turned in, or is disposed of in any manner.Provide to the Safety Department, by April 15th of each year, an updated [COMPANY] Form 3543 for each Classes 3b or 4 lasers or laser system.Ensure all users of Classes 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems are trained in the safe use of lasers and receive annual laser safety refresher training.Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and all users of Classes 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems are trained in the correct use of it.Operational RequirementsLaser operations of types Class IIIb and IV (defined by ANSI Z136.1) must meet the following requirements:A laser lab entry door must have at least one of the following:A curtain or shield meeting ANSI Z136.1 requirements. A calculation meeting ANSI Z136.1 showing that the radiation at the doorway is safe.A non-defeatable interlock.A totally contained beam path that is interlocked or sealed at surfaces.All personnel working on the laser and their assistants must have a documented baseline eye exam.Documentation that all safety interlocks (if required) function properly including:A procedure approved by the Laser Safety Officer for testing the interlocks. A quarterly record of this inspection maintained in a lab notebook located at the laser installation.Available eye protection (if required) for all personnel present to include:Documentation that the eye protection meets the ANSI Z136.1 requirements for the laser system. A quarterly inventory record of the eye protection maintained in a lab notebook located at the laser installation.Laser safety training of all personnel working on the laser and their assistants.All personnel working on the laser and their assistants must report any noncompliance so that appropriate corrective actions can begin.An initial start-up, the facility or system operator shall have assembled appropriate documentation to allow the Physics Division Laser Safety Officer to provide a recommendation to the Division Director. This information is to include:Laser safety checklist, laser inventory, and laser safety training documentation. Calculations or documentation required to meet (1) above.Calculations to support reclassification (to Class IIIa or lower) of enclosed systems containing Class IIIb or IV lasers.An inspection of the laser facility by the Physics Division Laser Safety Officer with annual reinspection.Eye ProtectionAppropriate eye protection shall be used whenever the possibility exists for eye exposure in excess of maximum permissible limits. It shall be capable of attenuating the maximum possible exposure to within acceptable limits. All eye protection devices shall be clearly marked to identify the optical density at the wavelength they will protect against. The Safety Department shall conduct periodic inspections of this equipment including inspection of attenuator material for pitting, crazing, cracking, etc., and of frames for mechanical integrity and light leaks. There shall be a sufficient number of eye protection devices located in each laboratory containing a laser for all persons required to be in the laboratory at any one time.Warning SignsLaser warning signs shall be used in accordance with ANSI Z136.1 and Code Rule 50. The presence of warning signs will be checked daily.VentilationVentilation must be sufficient to remove any hazardous gases which may escape from sealed systems of continuous flow gas lasers or to safely controlled cryogenic liquids and gases used to purge and cool lasers.Forced ventilation shall be provided for pumping sources such as mercury or xenon lamps, which produce ozone in hazardous quantities. Forced ventilation will also be required in the area of the target when toxic materials, such as evaporated metals or decomposed materials are present.Fire PreventionCombustible and flammable material will be kept to a minimum and placed so it will not be accidentally exposed to high power laser beams. The Safety Department will assist in the placement of appropriate fire extinguishers.Accident ReportsAccidents involving exposure to a laser beam shall be immediately reported to both the Safety Department and Facility Manager. A written accident report shall be completed by the injured person's supervisor and forwarded to the Safety Department within five days. The following constitutes accidental exposure:A person who suspects he has had accidental eye exposure or who suffers persistent after-image or abnormal effect shall report to a medical facility for examination.A person who receives skin exposure from a laser resulting in discomfort or which produces a reddening of the exposed area shall report to a medical facility for examination. Any delayed, persistent, or progressive change in any area of the skin shall be reported.Other RequirementsAll laser installations shall meet requirements set forth in the State Building Construction Code and the National Electrical Code.High voltage laser circuits shall be protected by interlocked covers. When the removal of interlocked covers becomes necessary for work, such work, such as maintenance, adjustment or experimental tryout, there must be a written procedure. The procedure will outline the steps to be taken, precautionary measures, protective equipment and type and placement of shielding and must be approved by the faculty member responsible for the laser. A copy of such procedure will be sent to the University Health Physicist.Capacitors shall be equipped with positive discharge devices and the capacitor bank will be provided with adequate shielding for protection in the event of rupture.Cables between the power supply and the laser head must be corona-free and they must have adequate dielectric strength. Periodic inspection will be made to determine these capabilities. If a cable shows the presence of corona, it will be replaced immediately.Layout of all auxiliary equipment such as meters and instruments will be made to minimize the hazards to the operators. For example, operators will not be required to face the direction of the laser beam during charging or firing in order to use the above instruments.High voltage vacuum tubes in power supplies rated over 10KV will be surveyed on a regular basis for possible X-ray emission.RecordsThe following records are to be maintained for 3 years and then may maintained for historical purposes or destroyed.Laser Registration FormTraining RostersInventory for Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser systemsCurrent roster of usersThe following records will be maintained/disposed by the user organization: Alignment and operating proceduresThe following records will be maintained/disposition by Purchasing Department:Purchase requests pertaining to lasers and laser support equipment ................
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