(1) This Guideline provides guidance of safe use of lasers for the workers in The University of Queensland (UQ). The purpose is to provide further information to the Laser Safety Procedure. (2) This Guideline applies to all UQ workers. The definition of UQ workers is provided in the Appendix. (3) Lasers generate visible, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) or infrared (IR) emissions usually in a narrow beam of a single wavelength. The energy carried by the beam is therefore concentrated and can travel significant distances and penetrate human tissue - there is potential to cause injury with laser beams. Lasers have multiple uses at UQ including scientific research, medical and dental applications. (4) The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 requires lasers be designed, constructed and installed so no person is exposed to accidental irradiation. Laser equipment on plant must also be protected so that any operator of the plant or any other person is not exposed to direct radiation, radiation produced by reflector or diffusion of secondary radiation. Also, any visual equipment that is used for the observation or adjustment of laser equipment on plant must not create a health and safety risk from the laser rays. Lasers capable of producing hazardous diffuse reflections or that may constitute a fire hazard, that is laser Classes 3B and 4 within the meaning of AS 2397:2015 Safe use of lasers in the building and construction industry, must not be used in construction work. (5) Lasers are divided into classes depending upon the power or energy of the beam and the wavelength of the emitted radiation. Laser classification is based on the laser's potential for causing immediate injury to the eye or skin and/or potential for causing fires from direct exposure to the beam or from reflections from reflective surfaces. Commercially produced lasers are classified and identified by labels affixed to the laser. (6) It is the responsibility of the laser manufacturer to ensure that lasers are classified according to AS/NZS IEC 60825.1:2014 Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements, while as laser users, workers must ensure the label on the laser remains in place. (7) Laser labelling should meet the requirements in AS/NZS IEC 60825.1:2014 Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements. (8) All laser equipment requires three types of radiation hazard labels: (9) Labels must be: (10) Larger lasers with a generator that is separate from the handpiece should have: (11) Lasers with control switches and aperture on the same device should have all labels placed on the device. (12) Some labelling examples can be found at Queensland Health - Labels for Laser Equipment. (13) For very small laser components, where it is not feasible to attach any labels directly, appropriate labels must be attached to container where they are stored or the adjacent area when they are used. (14) For Class 3 and 4 laser use, a controlled area must be clearly sign posted with warning signs with appropriate wording as prescribed for the class of the laser. (15) The Hazardous Room Record in Archibus (facilities database) should be updated by the Work Health and Safety Coordinator (WHSC) to include the laser hazard. The name of the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) should be added to the record. (16) The door/s to each area where the laser is used are to be sign posted with details of the minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) required to enter the laser work area. (17) Training for Class 3 and Class 4 laser users must be provided. The training should include a thorough review of hazards associated with each laser that a person may use and the protective methods employed. At a minimum, the training must include instruction on the following: (18) Training can be provided by approved external service providers or internal experienced users. Upon completion of the training, the trainer must be confident the worker is competent to use the laser safely and independently. Training records must be kept for each user by the local Organisational Unit. (19) A risk assessment must be competed in UQSafe. The hazard identification and control process must be undertaken in consultation with the local LSO and/or the local Health, Safety and Wellness staff for the relevant Organisational Unit and the Radiation Protection Consultant (RPC). The hierarchy of controls must be used to mitigate the risks as far as reasonably practicable. (20) The risk assessment must assess the risks associated with the following hazards, for example: (21) risk assessments must be reviewed regularly, depending on the risk level; and (22) Controls must be in place so people are not adversely affected by the use of lasers. Control measures are classified into five groups under the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE. When feasible, engineering controls are always the preferred method to provide safe laser work environment. (23) If the use of the laser cannot be eliminated or substituted with an alternative, then engineering controls are the most important control. The following should be considered and included to mitigate the risk of harm: (24) These should be used in conjunction with higher order controls and include: (25) PPE should only be used in conjunction with high order controls and never as the only control used to prevent injury or harm. The type of PPE appropriate to the task will be assessed through the risk assessment process. Australian Standards, the manufacturing information and specific codes and standards released through government agencies must be consulted. (26) Generally, PPE includes lab coats, gloves appropriate to the chemical and/or physical hazard and appropriate laser safety glasses. (27) AS/NZS IEC 60825.1:2014 Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements states that appropriate laser safety glasses, specific to the type of laser, must be available and worn when operating Class 3 or Class 4 lasers. (28) Some lasers emit more than one wavelength of light, and this may be a particular problem with some laser systems such as frequency-doubled lasers or dye lasers. Appropriate engineering controls must be used for work with such lasers. If higher order controls have not eliminated the risk of injury to eyes, dual-frequency eyewear must be worn during the process. (29) Factors to consider in selection of laser safety glasses include the following: (30) The potential for skin injury from the use of Class 3B or Class 4 lasers must be controlled. Exposed skin must be covered using lab coats, appropriate gloves and a face shield can protect against laser radiation. (31) Fire risk should also be considered when selecting skin protection material - fire-retardant material should be used. (32) Laser beam alignment must be performed by authorised workers that are required to: (33) This part only applies to Class 4 lasers used for research purposes in medical, cosmetic or related procedures. (34) The worker of such lasers must:Laser Safety Guideline
Section 1 - Purpose and Scope
Section 2 - Key Requirements
Part A - Laser Classification
Class
Potential hazards and/or controls
1
Safe for skin and eye exposure under normal conditions
Dazzling visual effects may be caused by exposure to the direct beam of the laser, particularly in low ambient light.
1M
Safe for skin and eye exposure under normal conditions
Dazzling visual effects may be caused by exposure to the direct beam of the laser, particularly in low ambient light.
Eye injury may occur when using optical instruments (telescope, microscope, etc.).
1C
Eye injury is prevented by engineering means
Exposure of the skin depends on how the laser is used.
2
Safe for skin exposure
Eye damage is prevented by the blink reflex (0.25 seconds exposure). Forced suppression of the blink reflex can cause eye damage
Dazzle, flash-blindness and afterimages may be caused by exposure to the direct beam of the laser, particularly in low ambient light.
2M
Safe for skin exposure
Eye damage is prevented by the blink reflex (0.25 seconds exposure). Forced suppression of the blink reflex can cause eye damage.
Dazzle, flash-blindness and afterimages may be caused by viewing a beam from the laser, particularly under low ambient light conditions
Eye injury may occur when using optical instruments.
3R
Safe for skin exposure
Eye damage may result from viewing direct and reflected beams. Normally not a diffuse reflection hazard (light reflects at many angles)
Dazzle, flash-blindness and afterimages may be caused by viewing a beam from the laser, particularly under low ambient light conditions.
3B
Minor skin damage is possible
Eye damage may result from viewing direct and reflected beams. Normally not a diffuse reflection hazard (light reflects at many angles).
4
Skin and eye hazards from exposure to direct and reflected beams
Eye hazard from diffuse reflections (light reflects at many angles)
Potential fire hazard when in contact with combustible materials. Production of laser generated air contaminants is possible (for example, chemical fumes).Part B - Laser Labelling
Part C - Controlled Area with Warning Signage
Part D - Laser Safety Training
Part E - Risk Assessment
Exposure Controls
Engineering Controls
Administrative Controls
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eye Protection
Skin Protection
Part F - Laser Beam Alignment
Part G - Research Project Involving Class 4 Lasers
Top of PageSection 3 - Appendix
Definitions
Terms
Definitions
Controlled Area
In which access is restricted for the purpose of protection from laser radiation.
Laser
A device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The word "laser" is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation".
Laser Safety Officer (LSO)
A person who is knowledgeable and competent in the assessment and control of laser hazards and has responsibility and authority for oversight of the control of laser hazards.
Radiation Protection Consultant (RPC)
A qualified expert appointed by the responsible person to supervise radiation safety activities and to ensure radiation safety. An RPC is deemed to have the authority to implement procedures and to intervene in situations where safety has been or is being compromised.
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure: A set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.
UQ Workers
For the purposes of this Guideline includes:
• staff – continuing, fixed-term, research (contingent funding) and casual staff members;
• contractors, subcontractors and consultants;
• visiting academics and researchers;
• academic titles holders, visiting academics, Emeritus Professors, adjunct and honorary title holders, Industry Fellows and conjoint appointments;
• Higher Degree by Research students;
• volunteers and students undertaking work experience.
Example of Labels
View current
This is the current version of the approved document. You can provide feedback on this document to the Enquiries Contact - refer to the Status and Details tab from the menu bar above.
Table 1: Laser classification (as per AS/NZS IEC 60825.1:2014 Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements)
See linked image: An example of warning signs