Laser Safety in the Laboratory

Course Description:

In the laboratory, lasers are commonly used in instruments like spectrometers, microscopes, and alignment or measurement tools. Although these and other instruments are essential for lab work, the exposure to radiation from the laser is a hazard that can cause eye and skin damage to employees, as well as property damage at the facility if proper precautions and procedures aren’t followed. This training course is for laboratory workers who use instruments containing lasers to help them prevent exposure to laser radiation.

Additional training is required for workers who service and maintain lasers.

In addition to this course, employees who operate higher power Class 3B and Class 4 lasers must be provided with site-specific training based on a hazard assessment conducted at the facility by a laser safety officer. The training must include the guidelines in the American National Standards Institute Laser Safety Standard Z136.1 for Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1).

Why “Laser Safety in the Laboratory” Matters:

At the completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
• Identify the 4 major laser hazard classes
• Recognize how operating a laser can be hazardous
• Recall engineering controls that prevent exposure to laser radiation
• Follow administrative controls to work safely with lasers
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Report accidents and near misses