Laser Safety Manual

The purpose of this guidance document is to describe the occupational radiation exposure policies and procedures of the Stanford Health Care, Stanford Children's Health and Veteran's Affairs Palo Alto health Care System. 

The regulatory basis of the Stanford University Radiation Protection Program includes:

• Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Division 1, Chapter 5
• 10 CFR 20 (Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 20)
• 10 CFR 35 (Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 35)
• Food and Drug Administration
• United States Department of Transportation,
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (in the case of VAPAHCS),
• California law (Code 115111-115113)
• Joint Commission contribute to the regulatory environment

Due to frequent changes in the regulatory climate, and changes in the needs of the users of radioactive material at Stanford University, all policies and procedures outlined in this guidance document shall be considered to be subject to change.

The safe use of lasers and other forms of non-ionizing radiation such as ultra sound or magnetic fields will not be covered in this document.

1. 2.1 Laser Safety Commitee
2. 2.2 Laser Safety Officer (LSO)
3. 2.3 Departments

Lasers are divided into a number of 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 diffuse reflective surfaces. A qualitative description of laser classes can be found in the Laser System Classes chapter.

1. 3.1 Laser System Classes

1. 4.1 Laser Aquisition
2. 4.2 Laser Transfer
3. 4.3 Laser Disposal

1. 5.1 Class 1, 2, & 3R Laser Systems
2. 5.2 Class 3b and Class 4 Laser Systems

Personal protective equipment may have serious limitations and must be used only in conjunction with engineering and administrative controls, when working with Class 3b and Class 4 lasers and laser systems. 

1. 6.1 Personal Protective Equipment
2. 6.2 Facility Window Protection
3. 6.3 Laser Protective Barriers and Curtains

ANSI/IEC approved signs and labels are provided by the LSO and must be conspicuously displayed in locations where they best serve to warn onlookers. Personnel who do not read/understand the English language and who may need to enter areas where lasers are used, must be provided appropriate instructions as to the meaning of warning signs and labels. The PI/LSC is responsible for identifying and training such personnel.

1. 7.1 Warning Signs
2. 7.2 Equipment Label
3. 7.3 Labeling of Protective Equipment

PIs/LSC are responsible for ensuring that staff and students receive appropriate training on the hazards in their work area and that documentation of that training is maintained. Before operating a Class 3b or Class 4 laser or laser system, all users must:

1. Read the Laser Safety Program,
2. Receive laser safety training from EH&S (Contact LSO)
3. Receive laboratory-specific safety training (including a thorough review of the laser equipment, administrative and engineering controls, and alignment and standard operating procedures) from the LSC or PI, and
4. Read and sign a copy of the applicable SOPs.

Laser users must be re-trained whenever a new hazard is introduced into the work area. 

To communicate pre-placement ophthalmologic exams available to laser users, contact Stanford University Occupational Health Center at 725-5308 to schedule and appointment for individuals who may be exposed to Class 3b or Class 4 radiation. Refer to EH&S Medical Surveillance for more information.

Eye exams must be performed after a suspected eye injury (see Chapter 12 - Laser Accidents). 

Non-beam hazards often exist in laser-related operations and can pose significant health and safety risks. In addition to being evaluated by EH&S, non-beam hazards must be adequately addressed in SOPs where applicable.

1. 10.1 Electrical Hazards
2. 10.2 Laser-Generated Air Contaminants
3. 10.3 Collateral and Plasma Radiation
4. 10.4 Fire Hazards
5. 10.5 Explosion Hazards
6. 10.6 Compressed Gases
7. 10.7 Laser Dyes and Solvents
8. 10.8 Noise
9. 10.9 Waste Disposal
10. 10.10 Limited Work Space
11. 10.11 Ergonomics

1. 11.1 Service of Embedded Class 3b or Class 4 Lasers
2. 11.2 Outdoor Control Measures
3. 11.3 Additional Laser Uses
4. 11.4 Laser Alignment Guidelines

1. 12.1 Response/ Reporting Procedures
2. 12.2 Accident Investigation

The PI/LSC is responsible for maintaining all laser safety-related records (i.e., laser safety training, SOPs, inspections/ audits, medical surveillance) for each employee for a minimum of one year [per Cal/OSHA, Title 8 CCR 3203 (b)]. For general purposes, recommend records be maintained as long as the employee works with that laser or laser system.