Quick Start Guide
Chapter 16: Laser Safety

Program: Safe Use of Lasers
Revised 12/12
URL:www.lbl.gov/ehs/pub3000/CH16.html
Revision Record: http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/pub3000/Pub3000Changes.html

Who needs to know about these requirements?

The requirements for the use of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers apply to

Berkeley Lab employees, affiliates, visitors, and subcontractors who:

Intend to use Class 3B or Class 4 lasers or laser systems

Perform service or open beam alignment on Class 1 products containing a Class 3B or Class 4 laser

Why?

Unsafe handling of lasers may result in:

Eye or skin injuries to individuals

Damage to equipment

Programmatic work suspensions

What you need to do before performing work:

Define work/protocols.

Analyze hazards. Perform risk assessment.

Workers who use Class 3B or Class 4 lasers are required to analyze hazards in accordance with PUB-3000, Chapter 16, Section 16.4.3.4 (Laser and Laser System Self-Assessments).

Develop controls.

Make sure training has been completed. See Section 16.4.3.3 (Training) for laser operator training requirements.

Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for potential laser exposure. For more information, see Section 16.5.5 (Laser Protective Eyewear) and Chapter 19 (Personal Protective Equipment).

Depending on your tasks, you may need to use alignment eyewear. This is only allowed with Laser Safety Officer (LSO) review and approval. For more information, see Section 16.5.3 (Laser Alignment and Beam Manipulation).

Engineering controls for use of lasers will vary with individual laser setups. Contact the LSO for advice and suggestions on controls as well as vendor information.

Where to find out more:

Chapter 16 (Laser Safety), LBNL Health and Safety Manual (PUB-3000)

Whom to contact for help:

For assistance with laser-safety applications and controls, LBNL staff and affiliates should contact:
- Greta Toncheva, LSO: 510-486-7579 (Desk) and 510-604-8476 (Mobile)
- Robert Fairchild, Deputy LSO: 510-495-2278 (Desk) and 510-926-2051 (Mobile)
For assistance with laser interlock system repairs: LBNL staff who own laser room access systems must contact the Facilities Division (Electrical Shop) at 510-486-5262.