Memo 13/09: Summary of Laser Policy S2/09
The new Laser Safety Policy ‘S2/09’ was issued earlier this year. The policy relates to all lasers, EXCEPT inherently safe Class 1 products (e.g. laser printers, CD players) or laser pointers below Class 3.
The Policy, although detailed, better reflects the required standards for using lasers across the University. In summary, the main changes are:
- clearer definition of responsibilities for supervisors and other laser users;
- a specified approach for laser registration, risk assessment, local rules and user authorisation, along with detailed guidance on their completion;
- a ‘Hierarchy of Control’ (S2/09, Section 6) where all lasers are expected to be fully enclosed unless justified within the risk assessment.
The aim of this Policy is to ensure a consistent and high standard of laser safety across the University. Heads of department, in consultation with the departmental laser supervisor, should therefore ensure that the following is implemented.
1. Review and update the departmental laser inventory. The form in ‘Appendix 5’ of the Policy can be used for this purpose and a copy must be sent, annually, to the Safety Office.
Please forward this year’s updated laser inventory by 30 October 2009.
2. Review the departmental system for purchasing and registering new lasers, assessing the risks, developing local rules and authorising laser users. The recommendations in the Laser Safety Policy should be used as the outline for this process.
Ensure all new lasers are registered and conform to the Policy before first use.
3. Check the current standard of control for all existing lasers and if laser beams are not fully enclosed, review risk assessments and implement the appropriate action.
Existing lasers that pose the greatest risk should be assessed first to ascertain what changes are required to meet the Policy’s ‘Hierarchy of Control’. For example, Class 3B or 4 lasers that are routinely operated without enclosures should be considered a priority.
All other lasers should then be reviewed and, if necessary, modified to improve the overall standard of control within the department.
Verify existing laser systems and implement any necessary improvements.
4. Departments should outline a schedule, based upon risk, for completing the review of existing laser systems and for implementing actions within a defined and reasonable timescale.
Departmental laser supervisors should report the progress of these actions to the departmental safety advisory committee and University Safety Office.
If there are any questions relating to the completion of these actions or the Policy in general, then the University Laser Safety Officer, Brian Jenkins, should be consulted. If you or any supervisors would like specific training in the process of laser risk assessment or selection of suitable controls, then again please contact the University Laser Safety Officer.
Finally, it is worth noting that a new European Directive on the control of Artificial Optical Radiation is expected to become UK law in April 2010. The regulations will further highlight the need to control exposure to laser radiation, and so by fully implementing the Policy the University can demonstrate its compliance.
September 2009