Safety Training Consortium Template

General Laser Safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Principle Investigators are required to use the example outline below to develop an SOP for the use of class 3b and 4 lasers. The SOP will detail alignment, operation and maintenance procedures for each laser. Site and/or procedure specific non-beam hazards and their appropriate controls should be noted.

Principle Investigator/Facility Manager / Location
Department / Core Facility
Laser Class / Laser Type1 / Wavelength / Power
Model / Manufacturer / Serial Number/ ID #

1Laser Type, e.g., Argon, HE-Ne, Dye

Attach a diagram of area layoutand indicate the location of the laser

Attach a digital photo of all Class 4 lasers in the lab

Important Contacts:

Laser Safety Officer / Phone:
Maintenance/Repair / Phone:
Medical Emergencies / Phone:

Laser System

Individual laser

Commercially embedded laser system

Custom-built laser system

Beam Path Characteristics

Open

Fully enclosed

Partially enclosed

Beam between sitting and standing height

Hazards

Unenclosed beam/ access to direct or scattered light / Reflective material in beam path
Ultraviolet radiation/Blue light exposure / Flammable liquids
Toxic and carcinogenic materials/waste (dyes, solvents, other) / Flammability and toxic fume from laser exposure to plastic enclosure
High voltage / Cryogenic materials
Compressed gasses / Trip hazard
Other: / Other:

Control Measures

Control / Comments
Entryway (door)interlocks or controls / Lit sign interlocked with laser power supply
Lit laser sign controlled by switch
Mounted reversible sign:Green “Laser OFF, Safe to enter; Red “Laser ON, Do Not Enter; Other:
Laser enclosure interlocks
Laser housing interlocks
Laser secured to base
Emergency stop/panic button
Master switch(operated by key or code)
Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ) clearly marked
Grounded
Beam stops/beam attenuators
Protective barriers, curtains
Windows covered where applicable
No reflective surfaces near beam
Warning signs
Audible warning system
Fire extinguisher available
Emergency contact information located on door signage
Extra eyewear available
Other:

Laser Protective Eyewear

Eyewear should be clean and without scratches; store in case when not in use.

It should be marked with appropriate wavelengths and optical density, which can be confirmed

on the LIA website:

For this laser…
/
…wear this eyewear
Make & Model#
/
Type
/
Wavelength(s)
(nm) /
Wavelength(s)
Attenuated (nm)
/
Optical Density
/
Mfg.
Example / Nd:YAG / 1064,532 / 1064,532 / 5+ / UVEX

Laser Operation

Lasers should only be operated by authorized personnel who have received proper training for the operation of the laser within the last year by […..]
Laser users should periodically read and always follow the SOP

Specific Laser Operations

Attach SOPs for all laser operations

Entering laboratory
Powering up laser
Powering down laser
Operating a laser scanning microscope
Step-by-step procedures for laser system use during research protocol
Alignment Procedure / Alignment procedure is completed through a service provider:

OPERATOR REVIEW:

I have read and understood this procedure, its content, the EHS review below and attached addendum. I agree to follow this procedure each time I use the laser/laser system. Please be certain to read any addendums to this SOP prior to signing!

Name / Signature / Date

EHS review:

Name / Title
Date