Introduction
Lasers can present hazards that include but are not limited to eye injury from direct or reflected beams, exposure to high power voltage power supplies used, the inhalation of vapors and particulates that may be released, inhalation to gases used, exposure to carcinogenic dyes, intense noises, as well as skin damage from exposure to direct or reflected beams.
Laser use at Union College occurs in both the research setting and the educational. In general, use of lasers require the following:
- Laser registration with EHS
- Laser training for users
- Laser controls
- Signage
- ANSI Z136.1-2014 compliant laser signage is now available for all laboratories with Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Two general templates are available below for Class 3B lasers. Please contact EH&S regarding proper signage for Class 4 lasers.
- PPE - OSHA fact sheet- Eye protection
- Incident response
- Periodic inspections
Classification of Lasers and Hazards
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established a laser hazard classification system in publication ANSI Z136.1-2014, Safe Use of Lasers. Certified laser manufactures are required to label their products as to the class type. Information regarding appropriate eyewear for a specific laser may be obtained from the manufacturer at time of purchase. The following table summarizes this laser classification scheme and the hazard capabilities associated with each class of laser:
| Class | Hazards |
|---|---|
| 1 | Eye safe lasers; may not produce hazardous radiation |
| 2 | Continuous intrabeam viewing can cause eye damage; momentary intrabeam exposure (< 0.25 sec) is not damaging to the eye; visible radiation only |
| 2a | Continuous intrabeam viewing can cause eye damage; the accessible radiation shall not exceed Class 1 accessible emission limit (AEL) for an exposure duration of 1000 seconds |
| 3R | Invisible lasers having an output power < 5x the Class 1 AEL or visible laser having an output power < 5 mW; capable of causing damage through intrabeam viewing, with optical instruments or through viewing a specular reflection for < 0.25 sec |
| 3B | Invisible lasers having output power <500 mW; as with 3R lasers, 3B lasers can cause injury through intrabeam viewing, viewing with optical instruments, or through viewing a specular reflection |
| 4 | Beam power > 500 mW; intrabeam exposure, exposure to specular- and diffuse reflections capable of causing eye- and skin damage; fire hazard due o their power density |
OSHA fact sheet- LASER classifications
Link to LASER safety course in Nexus
Laser Hazards and Precautions
Laser use can create intense concentrations of heat, ultraviolet, infrared, and reflected light radiation. Unprotected laser exposure may result in eye injuries including retinal burns, cataracts, and permanent blindness. An appropriate eye protection must be used at all times when working with lasers. The selection of laser protection should depend upon the lasers in use and the operating conditions.
Beam Hazards
Always protect the eyes from exposure to laser beams. Choose laser goggles with wavelength-specific lenses and opaque non-lens components. Eye exposure is most likely to occur during beam alignment. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE LASER BEAM.
Electrical Hazards
Learn rescue procedures for helping victims of apparent electric shock: kill the circuit; have someone call for emergency aid; remove the victim with a non-conductor if he is still in contact with the energized circuit; initiate artificial respiration immediately and continue until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Precautions to take:
- Install Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI) in laboratories in which lasers are used.
- Provide enclosures to prevent accidental contact with terminals, cables, and exposed electrical contacts. Provide a grounded metal enclosure that is locked/interlocked.
- Remove nearby flammable/combustible materials to limit fuel in the event of fire.
- Never handle electrical equipment when hands, feet, or body are wet or perspiring or when standing on a wet floor.
- With high voltages, regard all floors as conductive and grounded unless covered with a well maintained, dry rubber matting of a type suitable for electrical work.
- When possible, use only one hand when working on a circuit or control device.
- Avoid wearing rings, metallic watchbands, and other metallic objects.
Other Hazards
Always consider other hazards such as compressed gases, explosion, fire, x-ray radiation, laser dyes and solvents and mechanical hazards. Pay special consideration to ergonomic issues to avoid injury.