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Laser Safety

Laser Safety. Purpose of this Program:. To increase awareness in laser safety. History. American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers Z136.1-2000 (ANSI Z136.1-2000) American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Education Institutions (ANSI Z136.5-2000). Program Outline.

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Laser Safety

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  1. Laser Safety

  2. Purpose of this Program: To increase awareness in laser safety

  3. History • American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers Z136.1-2000 (ANSI Z136.1-2000) • American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Education Institutions (ANSI Z136.5-2000)

  4. Program Outline • What is a laser? • Laser Incidents/Accidents • Laser hazards – Eye, Skin, Chemical and Electrical Hazards • Safety Guidelines/Controls

  5. What is a laser? – Block Diagram

  6. What is a laser? • LASER- Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation • Laser light differs from ordinary light in 3 ways: • Monochromatic • Directional • Coherent • Lasers can pose more of a hazard than ordinary light because the can focus a lot of energy onto a small area

  7. Laser Accidents The times when accidents happen: • During alignment • During maintenance • Under stress or pressure • When tired • Failure to pay attention to work

  8. Laser Accidents by Percentage Activities Non beam In use exposure Incorrect eyewear Alignment

  9. Exposure Incidents • If the incident causes injury or could potentially have caused injury, the person or persons who have received an exposure should inform their supervisor who should call 9-911 immediately • University Safety and Assurances will assist in an investigation of the accident

  10. Laser Classifications • Class 1 – Exempt lasers or laser systems that cannot, under normal operation conditions, produce a hazard • Example: Compact disc player

  11. Laser Classifications • Class 2 – Low power visible lasers or lasers systems which, because of normal human aversion responses, do not normally present a hazard, but may present some potential for hazard if viewed directly for extended periods of time • Example – most alignment lasers should be Class 2

  12. Laser Classifications • Class 3a – A laser that normally would not produce a hazard if viewed for only momentary periods with the unaided eye. • Example – HeNe up to 5 mW total power

  13. Laser Classifications • Class 3b – Lasers or laser systems that can produce a hazard if viewed directly. • Example – HeNe from 5 mW up to 500 mW total power

  14. Laser Classifications • Class 4 – Lasers that can produce a hazard not only from direct reflection, but also from diffuse reflection. In addition such lasers may produce fire hazards and skin hazards • Example – High power Argon Ion lasers

  15. Laser Exposure Limits -- Terms • MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure) • The highest laser energy to which the eye or skin can be exposed for a given laser • NHZ (Nominal Hazard Zone) • Area within which the MPE is equal to or exceeded

  16. Laser Hazard – Nature of Light • The output of the laser will help to determine its interaction with a target. The greater the power, the more energy that will be delivered to the target and the greater the possibility of injury.

  17. Laser Hazard – Eye

  18. Laser Hazard – Eye • Both acute and chronic exposure • Corneal, optical nerve, retinal injury, lens damage • Vision damage is usually severe and may result in blindness • Direct viewing of the laser source and its reflections should be avoided • Eye tissues are susceptible to various forms of laser radiation and should be protected by appropriate eye protection

  19. Laser Hazard – Skin • Burns, skin cancer, and acceleration of skin aging are possible from exposure to laser radiation • Chronic exposure can cause increased pigmentation • Photosensitive reactions may occur

  20. Laser Hazard – Hazardous Materials • Reaction induced by lasers can release hazardous particulate and gaseous products • Ignition of gases or fumes from the laser • Engineering controls (i.e. ventilation) should be used • All hazardous materials must be properly used, stored and controlled • Obtain MSDS for all materials • Wear lab coat, eye protection and gloves

  21. Laser Hazard – Electrical Hazards • Lethal electrical hazards are particularly present when high-power laser systems are used • Fire Hazard

  22. Precautions for all lasers in Preventing Electrical Shock • Learn CPR rescue procedures for high voltage shock • Avoid wearing rings, metallic watchbands and other metallic objects • When possible, use only one hand in working on a circuit or control device • Never handle electrical equipment when hands, feet or body are wet, perspiring or when standing on wet floor

  23. General Safety Practices While Working • Wear appropriate protective eyewear • Use minimum power/energy required for project • Enclose beam as much as possible • Reduce laser output with shutters/attenuators • Terminate laser beam with beam trap • Use diffuse reflective screens, remote viewing systems, etc., during alignment if possible • Remove unnecessary objects from vicinity of laser • Locate beam at waist level or below. Keep beam path away from eye level (sitting or standing) • Don’t put your body parts (particularly your eyes) in the beam path!

  24. Great Housekeeping

  25. Overview of Safety Controls for Class 3b and 4 lasers • Registration – Complete on-line form • Laser Classifications • Training of operators and personnel working on or near lasers • Periodic safety inspections • Access Restrictions • Posting and labeling • Medical Monitoring • Protective eyewear and clothing • Administrative/Engineering Controls

  26. Training of operators and personnel working on or near lasers • Required for all Class 3b and 4 users. • Complete on-line training course, read manual, and complete and submit on-line exam

  27. Laser Audits • Periodic Safety Inspections • Laser Audit Form

  28. Access Restrictions • Only allow trained individuals, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, into the Nominal Hazard Zone

  29. Medical Monitoring • All Class 3b and 4 laser users must receive a baseline eye exam prior to using lasers and laser systems

  30. Access Restriction • Master Switch – Class 3b and 4 lasers must have a master switch that is controlled by a key or coded access. Access by key or code must only be provided to trained operators • Interlocked Entry or laser barrier screen/curtain • Posting and labeling of rooms and equipment, to include a warning light in the hallway or access entrance

  31. PPE Control Measures • Appropriate eyewear • Eyewear must be for the appropriate laser wavelength, attenuate the beam to safe levels, yet be comfortable enough to wear • Gloves • Special Clothing

  32. Administrative Safety Practices • Standard operating procedures • Authorized personnel only in vicinity of laser (Access Restriction) • Designate NHZ for Class 3b and 4 lasers • Address non-beam hazards

  33. Standard Operating Procedures • All Class 3b and 4 lasers are to have written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). SOP’s will contain the following information: • System Information (description, location, class) • General Information (equipment owner, inventory control • Operating procedures • Alignment Procedures

  34. Standard Operating Procedures (continued) • Maintenance/services procedures • Hazards Summary (beam, non-beam) • The nominal hazard zone (NHZ) for the above procedures • Required Control Measures (access controls, system controls, personnel controls, emergency instructions) • Protective eyewear and other personal protective equipment

  35. Nominal Hazard Zone

  36. Engineering Safety Practices • Beam enclosures whenever practical. This will significantly reduce the need for other engineering or administrative controls • Activation warning system outside the control area • Window and door barriers (typically curtains at the doorways) • Ventilation • Panic button

  37. Curtains

  38. Ventilation Local or other exhaust ventilation may be needed depending upon your operation due to vapors or dusts that may be emitted.

  39. Panic Button Panic Button (remote interlock connector) Class 4= required Class 3b= should be used

  40. Laser Safety Signs and Labels Laser Safety Signs & Labels

  41. Illuminated Sign

  42. Notice – Laser Alignment/Repair

  43. Class 2 – Caution

  44. Class 3a -- Caution

  45. Class 3a -- Danger

  46. Class 3b -- Danger

  47. Resource • Laser Institute of America (LIA) • Phone: 1.800.34.LASER • Email: lia@laserinstitute.org • Web: www.laserinstitute.org • LIA guide for the selection of laser eye protection (78 pages)

  48. For additional information: Click to view these resources: • Laser Safety Web Page • Laser Safety Manual • UWM Laser Safety Officer • Phone: 229-5808

  49. Acknowledgements Some photos courtesy of Samuel M. Goldwasser, Drexel University

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