Laser Safety Manual

7 Laser Safety Manual A. Introduction The Iowa State University Laser Safety Program is designed to ensure the safe use of lasers in research and entertainment, as well as the safety of all personnel and visitors to the university who may face potential exposure to lasers. The laser safety policy requires that all Class 3B and 4 lasers and laser systems (whether purchased, borrowed, fabricated, or brought in for use by others) be operated in accordance with the requirements established by the latest American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136 series, Standards for the Safe Use of Lasers and this Laser Safety Manual . Laser operators are required to follow the guidance of this manual. Most lasers are capable of causing eye injury to anyone who looks directly into the beam. Reflections of high-power laser beams can similarly produce permanent eye damage. High-power laser beams can also burn exposed skin and pose other potential dangers such as fire, electrical, and chemical hazards. To properly implement this program, laser operations at Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory are reviewed by Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) or Environment, Safety, Health (ESH) at Ames Laboratory. Copies of the ANSI Z136.1 Standard for Safe Use of Lasers, ANSI Z136.5 Standards for the Safe Use of Lasers in Educational Institutions, ANSI Z136.6 Standard for Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors, and ANSI Z136.8 Safe Use of Lasers in Research, Development and Testing can be reviewed at these safety offices. Setting Up a Laser Laboratory This manual contains regulatory requirements, university policies, and prudent practices that apply to the use of lasers in laboratories and the use of lasers for entertainment purposes on the Iowa State University campus. Using the information contained in the Laser Safety Manual , laser users can be assured of establishing a safe and compliant laser system. Laser users must follow the authorization process for Class 3B and 4 lasers and the Laser Safety Officer (LSO )must subsequently evaluate and approve the application. Laser Safety Overview “Laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser radiation or light is coherent electromagnetic radiation characterized by one or more specific wavelength(s), the values of which are determined by the composition of the lasing medium. Laser radiation may be emitted in the ultraviolet (0.18 to 0.40 µm), visible (0.40 to 0.70µm) or infrared (0.70µm to 1mm)

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