Human Resources Procedure
Document
Procedure for the safe management
and use of Laser equipment
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Table of Contents
1
Procedure Scope and Purpose ...................................................................................... 2
2
Roles and Responsibilities (RASCI) ............................................................................... 2
3
Procedure Detail ............................................................................................................ 3
3.1
Objectives of the Procedure .................................................................................... 3
3.2
Definitions ............................................................................................................... 3
3.3
Procedure guidelines and approach........................................................................ 3
4
Related Policies ............................................................................................................. 7
5
Related Processes ......................................................................................................... 7
6
Related Procedures ....................................................................................................... 7
7
Monitoring and Performance of the Procedure ............................................................... 8
8
Procedure sign-off and ownership details....................................................................... 8
9
Revision History ............................................................................................................. 9
10 Appendices .................................................................................................................... 9
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1 Procedure Scope and Purpose
Scope and Purpose:
Implications of non
adherence
Start point of the
Procedure:
End Point of the
Procedure:
Compliance and
Regulatory requirements:
Who uses this process:
This procedure lays out the University approach to
managing the risks from the use of lasers as required
by the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work
Regulations (AOR) 2010.
The laser beam may cause eye or skin injury to the
operator or bystanders. The damage it causes
depends on the power or energy and wavelength of
the laser beam, the size of the beam and the part of
the body it strikes. Other hazards, known as nonbeam hazards, include high voltages, fire, fumes from
materials processing, liquid cooling systems, the
weight of the laser and its associated support systems
and mechanical hazards. Some lasers use chemicals
that may be toxic or carcinogenic.
The University may face prosecution if it can be
shown there are insufficient control measures in place
to manage the risks.
The procedure applies to any laser used on University
Business both on and off University premises.
N/A
The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work
Regulations (AOR) 2010.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The Management of Health and Safety at work
Regulations 1999.
Anyone who uses a laser however the higher risk
equipment will usually be in laboratories and
controlled by the Schools H&S or Laser Coordinator.
2 Roles and Responsibilities (RASCI)
Position(s)
Responsible i.e. which position is
responsible for ensuring that this
procedure operates as required on a daily
basis
Accountable i.e. which one position in the
University is accountable for ensuring
that this procedure is applied correctly
Supporting i.e. which positions are
involved in delivering the procedure
Head of School or Professional
Service, Laser Safety Officers
The Registrar
Head of School / Professional
Service, School Laser Safety Officer,
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Consulting i.e. which positions need to be
consulted if changes in the procedure are
considered
Informing i.e. which positions need to be
informed about changes in the process
School Health and Safety Officer,
University Safety Officer
Laser Safety Officers, School Health
and Safety Officer, University Safety
Officer
Laser Safety Officers, School Health
and Safety Officer, University Safety
Officer, Technicians, Operators (staff
and student).
3 Procedure Detail
3.1 Objectives of the Procedure
Some forms of artificial light have the potential cause harm to operators if used
without adequate precautions. This can include temporary and permanent damage
to the skin and eyes and in the case of more powerful machines, burns or
amputation. There is a legal and moral duty for the University to control this risk to
anyone who could be affected by it. This procedure gives guidance on how to
prevent injuries or health effects through a risk assessment based management
system.
3.2 Definitions
AOR - For the purpose of this document the term Artificial Optical Radiation (AOR)
refers to the description as defined within CAORWR:
‘any electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range between 100nm and 1mm
which is emitted by non-natural sources’ [1]
CAORWR - The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010
which came into force on 27 April 2010. A full copy of the regulations can be found
here.
DLO – Designated Laser officer.
HOS/P Head of School / Professional Service
HSC – Health and Safety Coordinator.
HS&W – Health, Safety and Wellbeing.
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3.3 Procedure guidelines and approach
Roles and Responsibilities
Head of School or Professional Service
The HOS/P is responsible for ensuring the appointment of a suitable Laser Safety
Officer when one is required. They are also responsible for making sure risk
assessments are suitable and sufficient for any lasers used in their School. The
HOS/P is also responsible for ensuring only competent persons use laser equipment
within their area. These tasks can be delegated in part to the DLO, however, ultimate
responsibility for ensuring these measures are in place remains with the HOS/P.
Designated Laser Officer (DLO)
For the purpose of this document, the DLO is the person who “owns” the laser, or
has responsibility for managing its use. Where lasers above class 2 are present a
DLO must be appointed from the School who either own or are intending to use the
laser. The role of the DLO is to ensure that the lasers are safe and used as per
current legislation and best practice.
The DLO should have experienced and /or qualifications in the use of lasers and
have a sufficient knowledge of the CAORWR to ensure its requirements are met.
The DLO should carry out risk assessments on lasers in their area which should take
into account the risks outlined in the ‘Risk Assessment’ section below. Maintenance
schedules and registers must also be arranged and monitored by the DLO. Records
of any maintenance and repair should be kept by the DLO.
Health Safety and Wellbeing
HS&W will ensure registers are kept by the DLO/HSC of all lasers above class 2.
Where appropriate, HS&W will also assist with risk assessments and subsequent
actions carried out by the HSC and DLO’s and will provide support and advice to
HOS/P.
HS&W will audit Schools / Professional Services to ensure safe systems of work are
suitable and sufficient and are being adhered to and registers of lasers are kept up to
date.
Health surveillance will be provided by HS&W where it is deemed a necessary
control measure as part of a risk assessment.
Health and Safety Coordinator
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The HSC will coordinate and maintain a register of lasers in their School or
Professional Service, in consultation with the DLO, and oversee that the duties
outline in this document are being fulfilled; and appropriate safety records are being
maintained.
Where a DLO is not required, the HSC is responsible for ensuring any lasers used
within their area are risk assessed and adequate control measures are in place to
control any hazards.
The Safety Coordinator is responsible for keeping up to date records of the number,
type and location of all laser equipment in their area.
Any risk assessment relating to laser use should be carried out or checked by the
safety coordinator. Copies of these risk assessments must also be held by the
Safety Coordinator and reviewed annually or whenever a significant change in use,
setup or procedure takes place. These risk assessments will also form part of the
external health and safety audit.
The coordinator should also work closely with academics and students who use the
equipment and ensure procedures for safe operation are distributed and followed.
Maintenance records should be held by the safety coordinators as well as any repair
or damage reports where a DLO is not appointed.
Existing Lasers
Existing lasers must be assessed to ensure they do not pose a risk in their existing
environment.
New Lasers
When purchasing a new laser it is essential to use the lowest class of laser which will
fulfil the intended use. Once purchased the School’s Health and Safety Coordinator
should be informed and a risk assessment carried out prior to the laser being used.
Any class 3B or Class 4 lasers need to be added to the University inventory and the
DLO informed prior to their commissioning.
Procedure
This procedure should be applied to both existing and newly acquired laser
equipment. The CAORWR requires that a risk assessment is made of all laser
equipment and stipulates information which should be included / considered in this
assessment.
The risk assessment should be carried out on the standard University template
which can be found at the following link:
http://www.salford.ac.uk/hr
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Additional information is required which can then be listed on the form provided at
the end of this document (section 10).
This procedure mainly refers to higher risk class 3B and class 4 lasers however the
use of lower class laser equipment such as laser pointers can pose some degree of
risk and should be assessed in a similar fashion however a generic risk assessment
for this type may be more practical i.e. for laser pointers used during lectures.
[1] http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1140/regulation/1/made - Downloaded 6/12/2010
Lasers should be supplied with their classification clearly stated in accordance with
BS EN 60825:1 (2007). For more information about laser classification please see
the following document (Athens password required);
https://bsol.bsigroup.com/en/Bsol-Item-Detail-Page/?pid=000000000030187909
When purchasing a new laser it is essential to use the lowest class of laser which will
fulfil the intended use. Once purchased the School’s Health and Safety Coordinator
should be informed and a risk assessment carried out prior to the laser being used.
Any class 3B or Class 4 lasers need to be added to the University inventory and the
DLO informed prior to their commissioning.
For all areas with lasers above Class 2 an appointed person within the school should
be designated to oversee that the safe use of lasers is maintained and meets current
best practice.
Risk Assessment.
A written risk assessment should be completed for all lasers above class 2 using the
standard University risk assessment form which can be found here:
http://www.salford.ac.uk/pod
The following should be taken into account when completing this assessment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The effect of exposure.
The effects of exposure on specific higher risk groups.
Risk from photosensitising chemical substances in contact with the laser.
Any indirect effects of exposure.
Availability of alternative equipment designed to reduce levels of exposure.
Is health surveillance required?
Are there multiple sources of exposure?
Fire risk.
Any other associated risks such as electrical or heat.
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Control Measures.
The following control measures should be considered when risks are identified.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A lower class of laser should be used wherever possible.
A safe system of work for higher risk lasers may be necessary.
Restrict access to authorised operators.
Isolate / lockout the laser when not in use.
Protective measures such as interlocks / filters / screens / remote controls /
remote viewing.
6. Train operators in best practice.
7. Signage and demarcation of laser areas.
8. Keep equipment well maintained.
9. Use appropriate PPE such as goggles and protective clothing. Goggles
should meet or exceed EN207 standards for general use and EN208 during
any alignment of lasers where the risk is higher.
10. Keeping combustible materials away from sources of ignition.
11. Consider installing extraction for any fumes which may be generated by laser
cutting etc.
These measures are a guide and not exhaustive. Additional measures may be
required as determined by the risk assessment.
4 Related Policies
Policy Name
University Health and Safety
Policy.
Fire Policy – Managing the Risk.
Laboratories Cleaning and
Maintenance.
Location
http://www.salford.ac.uk/hr
5 Related Processes
Process Name
N/A
Location
N/A
6 Related Procedures
Procedure Name
Risk Assessment Code of Practice.
Location
http://www.salford.ac.uk/hr
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7 Monitoring and Performance of the Procedure
Records:
Monitoring application
of the Procedure:
Performance
Indicators:
Training and Support
for the Procedure:
Copies of any written risk assessments should be kept
by the Laser Officer and/or the Schools Safety
Coordinator.
Any safe systems of work need to be available for all
operators.
Maintenances schedules and records should be held by
the Laser Officer.
Monitoring will be as part of regular safety inspections
carried out by School Safety Coordinators and Laser
Officers and as part of the School’s / Professional
Service’s Audit.
Not applicable
Laser officers will need to be aware of this procedure
and relevant legislation.
8 Procedure sign-off and ownership details
Document name:
Procedure for the safe management and use of
Laser equipment
Version Number:
2
Status:
Working
Equality Impact Assessment:
Completed Mar 2011
Approved by:
Effective from:
Date for Review:
January 2013
Author:
Dave Lamb
Owner:
Document control:
All printed versions of this document are classified as
uncontrolled. A controlled version of this document is
available from Human Resources. Questions on this
process should be initially directed to Health Safety &
Wellbeing.
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9 Revision History
Release
Number
2
Date
Revision description
Author
July 2011
Minor amendment to
responsibilities
Dave Lamb
10 Appendices
Further Information;
The Association of University Radiation Protection Officers - Lasers – Guidance Note:
http://www.aurpo.org/docs/AURPO_GN7_Lasers_0107.pdf
CLASS
MEANING
Old Classification
New
Classification
Class 1
Normally Safe
1
1
1M
Class 2
Class 3
Eye protected by
aversion response
(visible only)
2
Eye hazard
3A & 3B*
2M
3B
Class 4
Class 1
Class 1M
Class 2
Class 2M
Class 3R
Class 3B
Class 4
Eye and skin hazard
2
3B
4
Reason for Change
1M - diverging/low power
density devices that could
be hazardous if beam
focussed
2M - diverging/low power
density devices that could
be hazardous if beam
focussed
3R
Low eye hazard, power
density restriction removed
3B
No significant change
4
No significant change
Safe.
Safe provided optical instruments are not used.
Visible lasers. Safe for accidental exposure (< 0.25 s).
Visible lasers. Safe for accidental exposure (< 0.25 s) providing optical
instruments* are not used.
Not safe. Low risk.
Hazardous. Viewing of diffuse reflection** is safe.
Hazardous. Viewing of diffuse reflection is also hazardous. Fire risk.
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*Optical instruments - binoculars, telescopes, microscopes, magnifying glasses (but not
prescription glasses).
**Diffuse reflection - the reflection of radiation from a matt surface such as a wall.
Please complete the following table and attach it to the risk assessment form for the
individual piece of equipment.
AOR Risk assessment form.
Manufacturer
Model
Location
Class 3B or Class 4 Laser?
Level
Wavelength
Duration
Exposure limit values
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LASER INSPECTION FORM.
Date;
Room
No;
Building;
Completed by;
Make;
Model;
Serial No;
Precautions
Remote Interlock
Key Control
Emission indicator
Beam Shutter
Beam Stop
Beam Level
Beam Enclosure
Eye Protection
Protective Clothing
Eye Examinations
Training
Laser Labels
Door Signs
Type;
Mode;
l
Max
Power;
Class
1
Class 2
Class
3R
Class 3B
Class
3B
Class 4
Class
1(E)
Authorised Users;
(please list)
Current Risk Assessment
completed;
(please tick)
Yes
No
Risk Assessment review date;
Administrative controls;
(Based on risk assessment)
Further recommendations;
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