Laser Safety Manual

15 Laser Safety Manual B. Process Planning Laser safety in the laboratory does not happen by accident. Properly planning laser processes will help you identify hazards, establish hazard control measures, and keep you and other laboratory personnel safe. General Requirements for Laser Operations The following safety measures are required prior to laser use. Additional requirements may apply to specific lasers at Iowa State University (ISU) or Ames Laboratory. Contact the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for specific requirements. • Class 2, Class 2M, Class 3R, Class 3B, and Class 4 lasers shall bear a warning label containing the laser classification, type, and other warnings. • Class 3B and Class 4 lasers shall be registered with the LSO. • Each laser and laser application shall meet the safety standards of ANSI Z136 series. • The LSO may approve lasers or laser systems that meet standards equivalent to ANSI Z136 series. • Each Class 3B and Class 4 laser shall be assigned to a principal investigator (PI) who is responsible for the safe use and storage of that laser. The LSO shall be notified whenever a laser is reassigned to a new PI or removed from service. • Laser operators must complete all training and retraining requirements per Section F . • Lasers shall be operated in accordance with applicable ANSI Z136.1 safety standards and in a manner consistent with safe laser practices. Written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are required for all Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems. • SOPs shall be specific to each laser or laser system. The SOPs shall include discussion of alignment procedures, interlock testing, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. • Every Class 3B and Class 4 laser shall be used in a controlled area that restricts access to unauthorized personnel. These controlled laser areas shall be posted with appropriate warning signs. • Each operator of a Class 3B or Class 4 laser must meet medical surveillance requirements as outlined in Section J. • Class 3B and Class 4 lasers shall undergo a preliminary safety