The LBNL policy on laser safety requires that all lasers and laser systems be operated in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.1, Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, as well as other applicable regulations. These requirements for laser safety are complex and include engineering controls, administrative controls, medical surveillance, and training. To implement the policy properly while giving the greatest possible latitude to the researcher, all laser operations at LBNL must be reviewed and approved by the LBNL Laser Safety Officer (LSO), also called the Non-Ionizing Radiation Officer (NIRO).

The primary objective of the LBNL laser safety program is to ensure that no laser radiation in excess of the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limit reaches the human eye or skin. Additionally, the program is designed to ensure that adequate protection against collateral hazards is provided. These collateral hazards include the risk of electrical shock, fire hazard from a beam or from use of dyes and solvents, and chemical exposures from use of chemicals and vaporization of targets.

In addition, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, radio frequency and microwave radiation, and magnetic fields must be kept as low as reasonably achievable. Levels are
never to be greater than is permissible under applicable standards.