Stanford university laser safety manual

Sign Up or Sign In. Resources and networking for those who conduct or interpret meta-analyses related to any phenomenon that is gauged in multiple studies. The Mechanical Engineering Department is committed to providing a safe working environment for its employees. The resources listed below are available as a direct reference for specific health and safety related issues.

Please read the fact sheet and reduce the amount of pollutant for example by using smaller quantities of chemicals. Stanford's Chemical Hazard Communication Policy expands this requirement to include students and the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan addresses these requirements in laboratories. Dispose of all wastes in accordance with the relevant guidelines. Contact the Chemical Waste Program at or see the Waste Disposal topic for additional help.

Limited workspace can be a problem especially while working near or around mechanical or high voltage equipment. In all cases there must be sufficient room for personnel to turn around and maneuver freely. Consider ergonomic principles in laser system designs, such as positioning of the laser system and area illumination.

Access to Class 3b or Class 4 lasers or laser systems enclosed within a protective housing or protected area enclosure is limited to properly trained individuals and by specific engineering and administrative controls.

Projection of Class 3r, 3b, or 4 lasers beams in the outside environment requires prior review by the LSO. Lasers may also be used in optical fiber transmission systems and robotic installations. Contact the LSO for more information regarding applicable control measures. Upon notification of an accident, LSO will conduct an investigation.

Steps of the investigation include:. Copyright Complaints. Alternate Control Measures Upon review and approval by the LSO, the control measure requirements specified in this manual may be replaced by other controls that provide equivalent protection. A Class 2 laser system: Emits radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum 0.

However, Class 2 M is potentially hazardous if viewed with certain optical aids. A Class 3 laser system medium power : May be hazardous under direct and specular reflection viewing conditions, but is normally not a diffuse reflection or fire hazard. There are two subclasses: A Class 3 R laser system is potentially hazardous under some direct and specular reflection viewing conditions if the eye is appropriately focused and stable, but that probability of an actual injury is small.

The laser will not post either fire hazard ordiffuse-reflection hazard. A Class 3B laser system may be hazardous under direct and specular reflection viewing conditions, but is normally not a diffuse reflection or fire hazard. A Class 4 laser system high power : Is a hazard to the eye or skin from the direct beam, and May pose a diffuse reflection or fire hazard May also produce laser generated air contaminants LGAC and hazardous plasma radiation.

Exposure to laser radiation must be kept below the Maximum Permissible Exposure MPE under all conditions of operation or maintenance. See the glossary for definitions. Laser systems must have the appropriate warning labels with the laser sunburst logotype symbol and the appropriate cautionary statement. Use of class 3R laser with telescopes, microscopes, or alignment devices should be reviewed by the LSO prior to operation.

Must be posted with the appropriate warning sign s. All area or entryway safety controls must be designed to allow rapid egress by laser personnel and admittance to the laser controlled area under emergency conditions. Must be operated in a manner such that the laser beam path is well defined and projects into a controlled airspace when the laser beam must extend beyond an indoor controlled area, particularly to the outdoors under adverse atmospheric conditions, i.

Must be under the direct supervision of an individual knowledgeable in laser safety. Must have all windows, doorways, open portals, etc. Must have only diffusely reflecting materials in or near the beam path where possible. Must have appropriate personal protective equipment readily available i. The interlock system may be designed to preclude entry while the laser is operating or to terminate laser operation when the door is opened without deliberate overriding of the interlock by a trained laser user.

Engineering Controls The engineering control measures required for Class 3b and 4 lasers are listed below. Necessary administrative and procedural controls for 3b and 4 laser and laser systems include, but are not limited to: Standard Operating Procedures SOPs — written laser specific SOPs should be developed for Class 3b lasers and laser systems.

Written SOPs are required for Class 4 lasers and must include procedures for operation, maintenance, and other relevant safety considerations. Alignment Procedures — ensure SOPs specify alignment procedures. See Laser Alignment Guidelines for more information. Use minimum laser radiation required for the application.

If necessary, the LSO may require the reduction of levels of accessible power or radiant energy during the operation or maintenance of a Class 3b or Class 4 laser system. Lasers or laser systems must have the appropriate warning labels. See Chapter 7 for warning label requirements. Maintain beam height at a level other than the normal position of the eye of a person in the standing or seated position. Refer to the Eyewear Selection Chart.

Eyewear must be inspected before each use, and replaced if necessary, to maintain the eyewear in good condition. Contact the LSO for assistance in selecting protective eyewear. Danger: Must be used with all signs and labels associated with a Class 4 laser and laser system with high power multi-kW or pulse energy. Principal Investigator Accountability The basic accountability for safety and compliance with regulations and safety standards at Stanford rests with the PI, Lab Director, or class instructor.

Budget for Laser Safety Expenses Where applicable, proposed budgets submitted with funding requests must include items to fund needed facility modifications, personal protective equipment, and other safety expenses associated with the proposed project. Guidance for Safe Operation It is also the responsibility of the persons performing work with lasers to operate the laser in a safe manner, to observe procedures outlined in the Stanford "Laser Safety Manual" and in the rules promulgated in specific labs.

Compliance Authorities The Office of Health Physics provides support for the Administrative Panel and inspects for compliance with regulations and standards.

Current Version: Original Version: Next Policy 7.