Laser Safety Manual

18 Laser Safety Manual standards • The Class 3B laser control area must be posted with appropriate warning signs that indicate the nature of the hazard(s). • Only authorized personnel listed on a laser use authorization or variance (required by the City of Ames and/or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for outdoor laser displays) are allowed to operate Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems. • Spectator access is controlled by the laser operator. Access should only be permitted to the area after appropriate instruction has been provided to the spectators by the laser operator and protective measures are taken. Written instructions and a list of spectators must be maintained by the laser operator. • The laser beam must be terminated within the control area by appropriate beam stop devices. • Light levels in excess of the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limit must not pass the boundary of control areas. • All openings through which laser light might escape control areas (entryways, doorways, windows, and other open portals) must be shielded in a manner to preclude the transmission of laser light through the openings to below the MPE limit. • Personnel must be provided with and wear appropriate eye protection within the controlled area. • The use of lasers in outdoor areas or in areas that do not provide complete laser light containment must be specifically approved by the LSO. • Class 3B IR and UV lasers require additional controls since beams are not readily detectable. ¤¤ Highly absorbent, non-specular stops must terminate beams. ¤¤ Signs and light should warn those in the area when lasers are being operated. ¤¤ Special attention must be given to the production of ozone, skin sensitizing agents and other hazardous products when ultraviolet lasers are used. • Class 4 lasers may require additional controls. Contact the LSO for details about these controls and how to ensure compliance. Temporary Laser Control Areas For servicing of embedded lasers and in special cases where permanent laser control areas cannot be provided (lecture demonstrations, displays, etc.), temporary laser control areas can be