Laser Safety
OP-G-6.2
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Table of Contents

Policy and Purpose

Due to the growing use of lasers on campus, the Radiation Safety Office has developed the following laser safety manual. This manual includes selected requirements expected to be used by University personnel using or observing any lasers or laser facilities. Please consult the Florida Administrative Code 64E-4.001-.016 for a complete listing of rules and regulations governing the use of lasers at Florida State University.

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Definitions

Class I: Any laser meeting the standards as defined in 64E-4.002(10), FAC and 64E-4.002(11), FAC; a laser that poses no threat of biological damage.

Class II: Any laser meeting the standards as defined in 64E-4.002(12), FAC. A low power visible light laser or laser system which can emit radiant power exceeding Class I for the maximum duration inherent in the design or intended use of the laser, but not exceeding 1 mW or, in the case of repetitively pulsed laser, not exceeding a Class I accessible emission limit for a 0.25 second exposure limit.

Class IIIa: Any laser meeting the standards as defined in 64E-4.002(13), FAC. A medium power laser or laser system which has an output power between one and five times the Class I accessible emission limits for wavelengths less than 0.4 micrometers or greater than 0.7 micrometers, or the Class II accessible emission levels for wavelengths greater than 0.4 micrometers and less than 0.7 micrometers.

Class IIIb: A medium power laser or laser systems which has an output power greater than that defined for Class IIIa, but having less than 0.5 W for all continuous wave laser types for periods greater than or equal to 0.25 seconds or having levels less than 10 J/cm-2 for exposures less than 0.25 seconds.

Class IV: Any laser meeting the standards as defined in 64E-4.002(14), FAC. A high powered laser or laser system that requires control measures to prevent exposure to the eye and skin from the direct and reflected beam.

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Responsibilities

Principal Investigator

The Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for the safe use of lasers in the PI's laboratory. The PI must notify the Radiation Safety Office upon purchasing a class IIIb or IV laser device. The PI must notify the Radiation Safety Office of any changes in the operational status, such as location changes and or modifications to any laser equipment that may change the classification number. The PI may assign each laser facility a Laboratory Laser Safety Officer (LLSO), who has the proper training and background to perform this function or the PI will be the default LLSO. The LLSO is responsible for:

  • Ensuring the proper registration of all class IIIb and IV lasers and personnel who will operate the lasers.

  • Ensuring that all personnel have completed the Basic Laser Safety Training.

  • Developing, maintaining, and updating, as needed, all operating, alignment, and emergency procedures (SOP's) for the lasers and facility under the LLSO's control.

  • Acting as the contact for the Radiation Safety Office.

  • Enforcing the safety standards defined in the FSU Laser Safety policy.

  • Supervising all spectators, visitors and personnel with access to the facility to ensure against unauthorized entrance or accidental exposure to laser radiation.

  • Recommending to all new personnel that a baseline eye exam be taken prior to use or operation of a registered laser.

  • Updating all records to reflect changes in personnel or equipment by contacting the Radiation Safety Office.

  • Reporting all incidents involving safety violations or injury to the Radiation Safety Office at 644-8802.

  • Ensuring that all personal protective equipment is properly maintained.

Laser Operators

The individual user (laser operator) shall observe all safety precautions and operating procedures while using class IIIb or IV lasers and shall inform the PI, LLSO, FSU Laser Safety Officer (LSO) or FSU Radiation Safety Officer of any apparent safety problems associated with the use of the laser. The laser operator shall be responsible for:

  • Following laboratory administrative, alignment, and SOP's while operating lasers and reading safety instructions in laser equipment operator's manuals.

  • Keeping the PI fully informed of any departure from established safety procedures. This includes notification of an exposure incident.

  • Attending FSU's Basic Laser Safety Training Course.

  • Registering for a medical surveillance program for the use of Class IIIb or IV lasers.

Environmental Health & Safety

The Florida State University Department of Environmental Health and Safety has designated a University Laser Safety Officer (LSO) to coordinate compliance efforts with chapter 64E-4, FAC. The LSO or the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) have jurisdiction over all aspects of hazard prevention and control of laser radiation and have the authority to suspend any operation that constitutes a radiation health hazard to the equipment operators, University personnel, or the general public. The University LSO will:

  • Conduct annual lab inspections to ensure that safety requirements are followed.

  • Review and submit all laser SOP's to the Laser Safety and Policy Committee for approval.

  • Authorize laser lab use areas.

  • Provide assistance in evaluating and controlling hazards.

  • Update the FSU Laser Safety Manual when necessary.

  • Maintain all records of lasers and laser operators.

  • Ensure the provision of laser safety training for personnel who are assigned to an area where lasers are operated.

  • Participate in accident investigations involving lasers.

  • Coordinate the medical surveillance program.

  • Coordinate a Laser Safety and Policy Committee (LSPC) and biannual committee meetings.

Laser Safety and Policy Committee

The Laser Safety and Policy Committee (LSPC) was established for the purpose of acting as an advising and approval panel for the laser safety program. The program is designed to manage the use of lasers on campus, and to control the hazards associated with their use. The committee also serves to evaluate any state or federal regulations that affect the users of lasers at Florida State University.

The LSPC is made up of four members; the LSO and three Principal Investigators or Co investigators trained and experienced in the safe use of lasers. The Chairperson is appointed from one of the three selected members. There is no routine rotation of Committee members.

The scope of the Committee's jurisdictions includes the FSU campus and approved off campus sites. The Committee has the overall responsibility for the laser safety program to ensure compliance with all local, state and federal regulations and guidelines. Specific duties of the LSPC include:

  • Determine and approve all policies regarding the laser safety program.

  • Review and approve all laser SOP's submitted by PI's.

  • Act as technical advisor to the LSO.

  • Revoke operator's privilege in case of serious and repeated violations of regulations.

  • Prescribe special conditions, as may be necessary, such as additional training and/or instructions, designated or limited use areas, etc.

  • Review all state laser regulations to determine their impact on the FSU community.

  • Review all reports that are submitted to the committee by the LSO.

  • Hold a committee meeting at least once every six months. Any member may call meetings at any time.

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Registration

All class IIIb and IV lasers shall be properly registered with the Radiation Safety Office prior to installation and use. Registration is accomplished by completing a copy of the FSU Laser Registration form (see appendix A) and returning it to the Radiation Safety Office. These forms are available on the Environmental Health and Safety website http://www.safety.fsu.edu/forms.html#rad.

All laser workers must be registered with the Radiation Safety Office prior to using any laser. Registration is accomplished by notifying this office, via memorandum, of the names and work locations of these individuals.

All newly registered lasers and facilities must be inspected and approved for operation by the University's LSO prior to beginning laser operations.

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Medical Surveillance

Individuals operating Class I, II, or IIIa are exempt from eye exams.

Laser operators or individuals who will work in areas where there may be exposure to laser radiation from Class IIIb or Class IV lasers are recommended to have a baseline eye examination within two years prior to using the laser.

Arrangements can be made by calling the Radiation Safety Office at 644-8802.

An eye exam is not required when an individual laser user terminates his or her work in a laser laboratory unless the employee has a known laser injury to the eye.

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Exposure Incidents

If an exposure incident occurs, the EH&S Radiation Safety Office must be notified by the PI or the person operating the laser.

If the incident causes an injury or could potentially have caused an injury, the person or persons who have received an exposure should inform their supervisor and have an eye exam performed, if necessary.

EH&S will investigate all incidents and an incident report will be written.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Eye Protection: The PI or LLSO who operate or supervise the operation of a laser are responsible for determining the need for laser eye protection for a particular laser. If required, eye protection will be provided for staff and visitors to the area. EH&S can provide assistance in eyewear selection.

Body Protection: Protective gloves and clothing must be worn during the operation of Class IV lasers, where the possibility exists for laser injury to parts of the body other than the eyes.

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Posting Laser Use Areas

All laser use areas containing Class III or greater lasers shall be posted with the appropriate signs. Class I and Class II laser facilities are not required to be posted. Use the following guidelines for posting of Class III and Class IV lasers:

  • Facilities containing Class IIIa and IIIb lasers shall have postings at every entrance which contain the text "VISIBILE AND/OR INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION- AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM", "CLASS IIIa LASER PRODUCT" or "CLASS IIIb LASER PRODUCT".

  • Facilities containing Class IV lasers shall have postings at every entrance, which contain the text "LASER RADIATION- AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION", "CLASS IV LASER PRODUCT".

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General Laser Safety Rules

The general rules below are to be followed by all personnel, visitors, and spectators to ensure maximum safety.

  • The minimum laser radiant energy or laser power level required for the application should always be used.

  • Emergency response procedures must be in plain view in all laser facilities.

  • All facilities must have an openly available set of operating procedures (SOP's) for each individual laser that have been approved by the LSPC.

  • A qualified technician must perform servicing for a laser or laser system.

  • Lasers are to be operated in well-lighted areas, if at all possible, to minimize possible eye damage.

  • Flash lamps used with solid state lasers should be shielded.

  • Never leave an operating laser unattended and never work alone in the facility unless absolutely necessary, especially after normal working hours.

To minimize direct eye exposure observe these precautions:

  • Do not intentionally look directly into laser beam or at specular reflection, regardless of its power.

  • Minimize specular reflection.

  • Terminate beam path at end of its useful path.

  • Clearly identify the beam path(s) and ensure that they do not cross populated areas or traffic paths.

  • Locate the beam path at a point other than eye level when standing or when sitting at a desk.

  • Orient the laser so that the beam is not directed toward entry doors or aisles.

  • Securely mount laser systems on a stable platform to maintain the beam in a fixed position during operation and limit beam traverse during adjustments and alignments.

  • Jewelry must not be worn in a controlled laser area.

  • Visual alignment of laser systems while the laser is operating should not be attempted. If possible, lasers should be powered down during alignment.

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Specific Safety Requirements

Each laser and laser facility must be designed to ensure that maximum protection is afforded to the operator. Control measures shall be devised and taken to ensure minimal exposure to the eyes and skin from hazardous laser radiation.

Class I Lasers

  • Class I lasers require no controls, though it is advisable not to needlessly expose the eyes to direct Class I laser radiation.

  • If the laser has not been labeled by the manufacturer, attach a label on the laser with its classification and relevant warning information.

Class II Lasers

  • Class II lasers require an affixed housing or control panel and appropriate warning labels. These labels shall include "Caution- AVOID EXPOSURE" label near the aperture and a Class II warning logo for class II pulse lasers.

Class IIIa, IIIb and Class IV Lasers

A permanent laser controlled area must be established for all class IIIb and IV lasers and laser facilities and must meet the following criteria:

  • Each area must be under the direct supervision of the LLSO.

  • Access to the area must be supervised. The entrance to the doors must be closed at all times. There should be a barrier between the door and laser area.

  • The area must have appropriate signs posted.

  • All potentially hazardous beams in the area must be terminated in an appropriate beam stop.

  • A panic button or control-disconnect switch must be available to deactivate the laser in the event of an emergency in the area.

  • All optical paths that can allow the beam to exit the control area must be covered or restricted in a manner that prevents transmission of laser radiation.

  • If a beam is to exit the controlled area, the LLSO shall ensure the beam path is limited to controlled air space.

All Class IIIa, IIIb and Class IV lasers require the follow controls:

  • Protective eyewear designed for the specific laser being used must be worn by all individuals having access to Class IIIa, IIIb, or IV laser radiation during operation. Protective gloves, clothing and shields must also be worn, as appropriate, when the possibility exists for laser injury to parts of the body other than the eyes.

  • All protective housings must remain in place to prevent exposure from any source other than the defined aperture unless the protective housing interferes with necessary laser operation.

  • The protective housing must be interlocked to prevent exposure of personnel to unnecessary laser radiation. Interlocks must be checked during routine inspections to ensure they are functioning properly. The interlock must not be overridden during normal operation.

  • Laser interlocks shall be designed to prevent firing of the laser. This shall be accomplished by an interlock that disables the power supply or interrupts the beam (for example, shutters). Class IIIb and IV must be provided with a key-switch interlock that, when removed, prevents the operation of the laser, and disables the power supply.

  • Adjustments or servicing shall not cause an interlock to become inoperative or allow radiation outside the protective housing unless a laser control area is established.

  • If interlocks must be bypassed during maintenance, a temporary Laser Control Area must be established.

  • A master switch (either a key or coded access) must be provided that, when removed, must make the laser inoperable. Authority for access to the master switch must be with the principal investigator and/or the Laboratory LSO.

  • Since viewing portals and collecting optics may increase the hazards, all devices must incorporate a means to maintain laser radiation emitted through them at or below safe levels. The Laboratory LSO shall determine the potential hazard and take proper safety measures.

  • Beam stops or attenuators must be permanently attached and capable of preventing output emission when the laser is on standby.

  • If at all possible, the interaction area, that is the area where the primary beam or secondary beam irradiates the sample material, should be enclosed and equipped with a safety interlock so that the laser cannot be operated unless the interlock is in place.

  • If possible, all Class IV lasers with exposed beam paths should be fired remotely.

  • All lasers must have an "Avoid Exposure" label near the aperture, a warning label on the laser in accordance with Control of Non-ionizing Radiation Hazards, Chapter 64E-4.3a(6), FAC, and warnings posted in or around the laser facility.

  • Disconnection of fiber optics must take place in a laser-controlled area.

  • If any engineering controls listed above cannot be accomplished, or will impede the nature of the research, administrative controls should be formulated by the PI and submitted to the LSPC for approval.

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Emergency Response Procedures for Injuries Caused by Laser Radiation

Response during normal working hours

  • Contact FSU's Urgent Care Clinic at 644-9496. Report that an incident has occurred and describe any symptoms noted. Transport the injured person to the clinic, located on the first floor of the Thagard Student Heath Center.

  • If transportation is not available, call the University Police at 644-1234 and request assistance. Describe to the dispatcher the exact location where you and the injured person will be when the assistance arrives.

  • Report the incident to the Radiation Safety Office at 644-8802 as soon as possible. The Radiation Safety Office will forward the information to EH&S's Workers Compensation Department.

Response after normal working hours

  • If an incident occurs after normal working hours, call the University Police at 644-1234 with the following information:

  • Your name and if assistance is required.

    • Location, building name and room number where the injured person is located.

    • The name of the injured person and any symptoms noted.

    • The exact location where you and the injured person will meet the emergency responder.

  • Ask the University Police to contact someone from the Radiation Safety Office as soon as reasonably possible. The Radiation Safety Office will forward the information to EH&S's Workers Compensation Department.

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Controlling Associated Hazards

Many chemical and physical hazards other than laser radiation can be found in the laser area that must also be adequately controlled.

Electrical Equipment and Systems

  • Always be aware of the high risk of injury and fire during laser operations because of the presence of electrical power sources.

  • The installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems must conform to standards stated in the National Electric Code (NFPA 70-2002). Contact EH&S for assistance.

Lighting

  • Adequate lighting is necessary in controlled areas.

  • If lights are extinguished during laser operation, provide control switches in convenient locations or install a radio-controlled switch.

  • Luminescent strips/tape should be used to identify table and equipment corners, switch locations, aisles, etc.

  • When ambient light is not sufficient for a safe egress from a laser area during an electrical power failure, install emergency lighting.

Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation

  • A laser operation may involve ionizing radiation that originates from the presence of radioactive materials or the use of electrical power in excess of 15kV.

  • If radioactive material is present in the laser system, "Caution- Radioactive Material" signs must be prominently displayed. If X-rays are generated a "Caution-X-Rays" sign must be posted.

  • Microwave and radio frequency (RF) fields may be generated by laser systems or ancillary equipment.

  • Contact the Radiation Safety Office at 644-8802 for evaluation of these hazards before starting an operation.

Hazardous Materials

  • Bring into the laser area only those hazardous materials that are essential for the operation or experiment.

  • All hazardous materials must be properly used, stored and controlled. Consult Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and EH&S for information.

  • Do not allow laser beams and strong reflections to impinge on combustible materials, explosives, highly flammable liquids or gases or substances that decompose into toxic products under elevated temperatures, without providing adequate controls.

  • Conduct or sponsor tests that establish the effects of beam interactions with hazardous materials. Findings can be used to determine safe parameters for laser operation.

Dyes and Solutions

  • Dye lasers normally use a lasing medium composed of complex fluorescent organic dye dissolved in an organic solvent. These dyes vary greatly in toxicity, mutagenicity, and potential carcinogenicity.

  • All dyes must be treated as hazardous chemicals. Most solvents suitable for dye solutions are flammable and toxic by inhalation and/or skin absorption.

  • Obtain MSDS sheets from the manufacturer for all dyes and solvents.

  • Use and store all dyes and solvents in accordance with MSDS sheets.

  • Prepare and handle dye-solutions inside a chemical fume hood.

  • Wear a lab coat, eye protection, and gloves.

  • Pressure test all dye laser components before using dye solutions. Pay close attention to tubing connections.

  • Install spill pans under pumps and reservoirs.

  • Keep dye-mixing areas clean.

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Converting to a Class I Enclosure

Any laser or laser system can be converted to a Class I enclosed laser by including all of the following controls in the laser system design. These controls will effectively enclose the laser, thus preventing personnel contact with emitted radiation while permitting unrestricted access into the area.

Protective Housing

  • House the laser system within a protective enclosure to prevent the escape of laser radiation above the maximum permissible exposure (MPE).

  • The protective housing must prevent personnel access to the laser system during normal operations.

  • Personnel entering the enclosure to perform maintenance or adjustment tasks must be made aware of the higher risk laser class.

Safety Interlocks

  • Install safety interlocks wherever the protective enclosure can be opened, removed or displaced.

  • When activated, these interlocks must prevent a beam with radiant energy above the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) from leaving the laser or lasing system.

  • Service adjustments or maintenance work performed on the laser system must not render the interlocks inoperative or cause exposure levels outside the enclosure to exceed the MPE, unless work is performed in a laser area with limited access and appropriate safeguards.

Fail-Safe Design

  • The protective enclosure and the laser system must be designed and fabricated so that if a failure occurs, the system will continue to meet the requirements for an enclosed laser operation.

  • Modifications to commercial laser systems must be evaluated. Contact the University Laser Safety Officer for an evaluation. If modifications decrease the safety controls, a revised SOP will be required.

Attenuated Viewing Window

  • Use viewing windows containing a suitable filter material that will attenuate the transmitted laser radiation to levels below the MPE under all conditions of operation.

Warning Signs and Labels

  • Label the enclosure with "Caution-Enclosed Laser" signs.

  • Attach a label directly to the laser that gives the laser classification in the absence of an enclosure. Make sure that the laser label can immediately be seen when the enclosure is opened.

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References

  1. American National Standards Institute, Inc., American National Standards for the Safe Use of Lasers, Z136.1-2000

  2. American National Standards Institute, Inc. American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Educational Institutions, Z136.5-2000

  3. Florida Administrative Code, Control of Non-Ionizing Radiation Hazards, Chapter 64-E4.001-.016

  4. US Code of Federal Regulations: 29 CFR Part 1040.10, Laser Products

  5. Florida State University, FSU's Radiation Safety Manual (OP-G-6.1)

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