Local Rules
for the safe use of the supercontinuum laser system
Location: Chemical Engineering, Pembroke Street,
Room: Laser Suite (lab D), Basement
Responsible person:
Rosalynne Watt
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Cambridge
New Museums Site, Pembroke St.
CB2 3RA, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1223 330133
Fax: +44 (0)1223 334796
Email: rsw32@cam.ac.uk
Laser Safety Officer:
Dr. Johan Hult
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Cambridge
New Museums Site, Pembroke St.
CB2 3RA, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1223 334777
Fax: +44 (0)1223 334796
Email: jfh36@cam.ac.uk
Laser protection adviser: Lisabeth Yates
The University Health and Safety Division
16 Mill Lane
Tel. ext: 66354 or 33301
Email: ly215@admin.cam.ac.uk
Issued under the authority of:
Dr. Johan Hult
Laser Safety officer, Dept. of Chemical Engineering
15 May 2007
Scope
These local rules cover the use of the fiber laser and supercontinuum generation system
located in the Laser Suite. They cover the normal use and user maintenance operations only.
They implement the University’s laser safety policy at a practical level and form part of the
University’s duties under Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Description
Mode-locked Ytterbium Fiber Laser
Maximum output power: 900 mW
Wavelength:
1065 nm
Pulse length:
5ps
Repetition rate:
0.3-20 MHz
Class:
4
The fiber laser is used to generate a supercontinuum by launching the laser beam into a fiber.
The resulting beam consists of wavelengths between 800-1700 nm and has an average
output power of less than 300 mW (class 3 B). The supercontinuum beam is then launched
into a dispersive fibre module, after which the beam will consist of wavelengths between
1300-1700 nm, with an average output power of less than 1 mW. This beam is then launched
into free space and employed for absorption measurements.
Authorisation and Training
Only persons who are adequately trained (Class 3B and 4 Laser Users Course, and In-lab
Training as outlined below) and authorized as listed in the appendix to these local rules may
work with the laser.
Main points of in-lab training:
1. Familiarisation with laser and supercontinuum sensor operating procedures
 Laser start-up and shut-down
 Changing and monitoring of repetition rate and output power
 Fibre launching
 Correct handling of fibres
 Collimation and alignment of supercontinuum beam
 Beam termination
 General good practice alignment procedures
2. The proper use of hazard control procedures (interlocks, warning lights, laser
curtains, Laser Suite access control system)
3. The proper use of enclosures
4. The need for personal protection (type of goggles required)
5. Accident reporting and emergency procedures
6. Bioeffects of the laser upon the eye and skin
Laser Controlled Area
This laser may be operated only in the designated Laser Controlled Area. Operation is only
allowed when the following conditions are met: Laser curtain is closed, laser warning sign is
illuminated, the laser is interlocked to the Laser Suite access system, and the Laser Suite
access system has been switched to ‘laser on’ mode – which restricts access to trained and
authorized personnel only.
Procedures
* Before laser is switched on user must:
 Activate Laser Suite access system ‘laser on’ mode
 Illuminate laser warning light
 Close laser curtain
 Ensure that enclosures are intact
 Ensure that all mounts and optical components are properly secured
 Wear designated Goggles.
* Start laser at lowest output power (lowest setting of laser power potentiometer) and ensure
that laser beam is directed into supercontinuum fibre, by visualizing the beam using IR
viewing card
* Any alignment (of both pump beam into supercontinuum fibre, and of supercontinuum beam
used for spectroscopic experiments) should be carried out using the lowest possible power
(controlled using the laser power potentiometer). NOTE: Laser output is not reduced to safe
level even at the lowest power setting. Laser beams should be visualized using IR viewing
card.
* Reduce laser power to minimum before switching laser off
* Remove laser key, to be kept by authorised users, inaccessible to others.
* If in doubt on any aspect of the system an expert user must be consulted.
Protection Measures
Administrative control measures (required for all laser operation):
 Restricted access (through Laser Suite access system)
 Interlocks (connected to Laser Suite access system)
 Laser curtain closed
 Laser warning sign illuminated
Engineering control measures (required for all laser operation):
 Pump laser and fibre launch unit (class 4) to be completely enclosed on all sides
 Coupling between supercontinuum beam and dispersive fibre (class 3B) to be
completely enclosed
 Dispersed supercontinuum beam (class 1) can safely be operated as an open beam
Personal protective equipment (required for all laser operation):
 CE marked protective goggles should be worn at all times.
Goggles: CE #390806 (adequate protection against both pump and supercontinuum)
The laser must not be operated when feeling tired or dizzy, e.g. under the influence of alcohol
or medication.
Regular maintenance checks (at least 4 times/year) should be carried out by users and
recorded in the ‘Laser Log Book’. Those include the operation of the interlock system and
checks that the enclosures are undamaged.
Summary of Hazards
Potential serious damage to eyes if local rules are not followed.
Class 4 laser system: Danger of retinal damage upon exposure.
Contingency Plan
Laser Accident: Report any laser incident or accident to your Departmental Laser Safety
Officer and your Departmental Safety Officer who will report it to the Health and Safety
Division. The injured person should see a specialist ophthalmologist preferably within 24
hours of the injury occurring. The injured person must not drive. Addenbrookes has an eye
clinic where a specialist ophthalmologist should be available for consultation. However, if an
ophthalmologist is not available within 24 hours of the injury occurring, you should then be
referred to the nearest specialist eye hospital, Moorfields, which has experience in dealing
with laser eye injuries.
Addenbrookes Hospital
Accident and Emergency Department open 24 hours a day.
Address: Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ UK
Telephone: 01223 245 151
Moorfields Eye Hospital
Accident and Emergency Department open 24 hours a day.
Address: 162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD
Telephone: 020 7253 3411
Other types of Accidents: Refer to emergency Action sheet.
Appendix
Authorised Users and User Declaration
The following users have read the local rules set out above, the laser risk assessment, the
Departmental Rules for the Use of Lasers and the university guidance on the Safe Use of
Lasers, have attended appropriate training as set out in local rules, and agree to work in
accordance to these rules:
Dr. Clemens Kaminski
Dr. Johan Hult
Rosalynne Watt
Dr. Toni Laurila
Date of next review
14 May 2008 or when there is a significant change of equipment specification, location or
operating procedure.