|
Introduction and Regulatory Requirements
The Radiation Safety Division of EHS is in the process
of developing a laser safety program in order to facilitate
the needs of the University. In the interim, the following
can provide introductory laser safety information and
laser resources. This program should be implemented
by July 1, 2000. Lasers are categorized into six hazard classes: 1, 2,
2A, 3A, 3B, and 4 (listed from lowest to highest hazard).
Most of the hazards associated with lasers are caused
by Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Class 3b are generally
intermediate powers in the range of 5-500mW continuous
wave, 10J/cm2 if a pulsed wave. A laser is
considered Class 4 if greater than 5W continuous wave
or greater than 10J/cm2 pulsed. Some regulatory agencies involved with laser safety include
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All laser products
sold after 1976 must be certified by the manufacturer
as meeting the safety standards of the Center for Devices
and Radiological Health (CDRH) a division of the FDA.
All laser systems must bear a compliance label as well
as denoting the hazard class of the laser enclosed. Please
contact OS Division if any of your equipment is missing
any of these labels. The ANSI Z136 Standards have become accepted industry
practice for the safe use of lasers. OSHA inspectors
have used Pub.8-1.7 as a reference document during inspections,
which is based on these Z136 Standards. OSHA will use
the General Duty Clause if a laser-based violation exists. |
home
> laser safety
> laser safety policy
