Environmental Health & Safety
Laboratory Safety Unit
Laser Safety for Research and Teaching Laboratories
Printable file is available with Adobe Acrobat Reader:
PDF Version of Research Laser Safety Program
- INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this program is to ensure the safe use of lasers in research and teaching laboratories. These lasers include those that operate at wavelengths between 180 nm and 1000 μm.
Designated personnel, both staff and students, shall be aware of the hazards lasers present, be provided with instructions on the safe use of lasers, follow recommendations for the proper use of lasers, and be included in the medical surveillance program, when required. To achieve this goal, the University recognizes the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) "American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers", ANSI Z136.1-2014, the ANSI "American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Educational Institutions", ANSI Z136.5-2009, and New York State Department of Labor's Code Rule 50 https://www.labor.state.ny.us/workerprotection/safetyhealth/sh50.shtm.
Those using only Class 1, 2, or 3R (older lasers previously labeled as 3a or IIIa) lasers are exempt from many of the control measures of this program. Personnel in laboratories using Class 3B and 4 lasers shall follow the recommendations outlined in this program. Many hazards are associated with lasers. Lasers may cause eye injury from direct and reflected beams. High-power laser beams can burn exposed skin, ignite flammable materials, and aerosolize chemicals that can release hazardous fumes, gases, debris, or radiation. The equipment and optical apparatus required to produce the lasing action and control/direct the laser beam also introduce hazards associated with high-voltage electrical equipment, high-pressure gases, cryogenic materials, noise, radiation, and toxic gases. Also, lasers are often used with chemicals and biological materials. When any of these hazards are present, the appropriate controls need to be established to comply with the applicable federal or state regulations/codes.
The most common causes of laser accidents include:
- Unanticipated eye and skin exposures during alignment
- Misaligned optics and misdirected beams
- Eye protection not used or not available
- Eye or skin injury of photochemical origin
- Incorrect eyewear worn for the laser in use
- Equipment malfunction
- Intentional/unintentional exposure of unprotected personnel
- Operators unfamiliar with laser equipment
- Lack of protection for ancillary hazards
- Improper restoration of equipment following service
- Defeating safety interlocks
- Failure to have or follow Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs).
- Improper methods of handling high voltage
- Inhalation of laser-generated air contaminants and/or viewing laser-generated plasmas
- Fires resulting from ignition of materials
- Unanticipated exposure during usage
The above list is compiled mostly from ANSI Z136.5-2009, Section 3.5
Laser Pointers: There are some concerns for the use of laser pointers even though they have proven to be useful for educators and for meetings. Because all laser pointers are easy moved to other locations, posting/labeling rooms where laser pointers might be used is impractical.
Generally, the hazards of laser pointers are limited to non-permanent retinal damage to the eye. The majority of the laser pointers are either Class 2 lasers with a maximum power output of less than 1 mW or Class 3R diode lasers in the 630-680 nm wavelength (red), with a maximum power output of between 1 and 5 mW. The laser pointers of concern that can present a significant potential for eye injury and may not be properly labeled are those imported from Russia or China. These lasers emit green beams operating at 532 nm and have emissions exceeding the maximum permissible exposure. One such laser has a filter in the cap, which, if removed, allows the laser to emit both 532 nm and 1064 nm beams, in excess of 15 mW, making it an even more hazardous Class 3B laser. The University community is asked to report inappropriate use of laser pointers to Environmental Health & Safety.
Continue to the next section - Responsibilities
QUESTIONS or COMMENTS?
Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail Questions.
This page last updated 7/11/2019 Disclaimer.
