Radiation
Protection Office
80 East Concord St.
Boston, Massachusetts
02119-2511
Tel: 617.638.7052
Fax: 617.638.7509
Email: kurk@bu.edu
SOP for ___________________________________________________
Title
Contact
Laser Permit Holder:
Laser Alternate:
Laser Liaison:
Laser Safety Officer:
Office Phone #
Emergency Phone #
Revision History
Revision
A
Effective
Date
Description of Changes
Author
Initial Release
Approvals
Name and Title
Signature
Date
The laser SOP will be reviewed annually from the approval date. If new hazards are
introduced, a full OEHS review will be required. If no changes other than the users have
been made, an update of the laser users list will be sent to the LSO with confirmation that
there are no new hazards.
1. Laser specifications: (duplicate as needed)
Type / Medium:
Manufacturer:
Class:
Max. Power:
Beam Diameter:
Model:
Wavelength range:
Pulse Length:
Beam Divergence:
Serial #:
Wavelength used:
Pulse Repetition Rate:
BU Property #:
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Radiation
Protection Office
80 East Concord St.
Boston, Massachusetts
02119-2511
Tel: 617.638.7052
Fax: 617.638.7509
Email: kurk@bu.edu
2. Duration of Activity:
On Going?
Limited Period of Months?
Average hrs/day of operation?
3. Identification of potential hazards associated with the activity, lasers, and any
additional hazards:
HAZARD
YES
NO
HAZARD
Laser secured to table
Beam enclosed
Laser at eye level
seated/standing
No beam stops
Beam barriers in place
Reflective materials in
YES
NO
beam path
Uncovered windows in
area
Electrical hazards
Physical evidence of
errant beams
Compressed gas hazards
Emergency shutoff
Optical tables not
present & functional
properly grounded
Optics secured to table
Toxic laser media
Cryogens
Skin & eye hazards of
UV light
OTHER:
OTHER:
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Radiation
Protection Office
80 East Concord St.
Boston, Massachusetts
02119-2511
Tel: 617.638.7052
Fax: 617.638.7509
Email: kurk@bu.edu
4. Prior to operation of the laser system, each of the following safe operating steps
shall be implemented:
Post section 4 of the laser SOP, “Safe Laser Operating Procedures” in close
proximity to the laser. This list of safe operating procedures shall be maintained in
clear view of the operator.
A. Power On Sequence: (List the nominal steps for power on)
Note: Laser units must never be left unattended during operation.
B. Power Off Sequence: (List the nominal steps for power off)
(Non-Emergency)
(Emergency)

Depress EPO
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Radiation
Protection Office
80 East Concord St.
Boston, Massachusetts
02119-2511
Tel: 617.638.7052
Fax: 617.638.7509
Email: kurk@bu.edu
5. Attach a diagram of laser use area: (A simple block diagram will do. Block
diagram should also be posted in a prominent location, either on the lab door or
inside the laboratory.)
6. Describe access controls, including use of interlocks: (ex. card key access,
interlock applicability, password requirements)
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Radiation
Protection Office
80 East Concord St.
Boston, Massachusetts
02119-2511
Tel: 617.638.7052
Fax: 617.638.7509
Email: kurk@bu.edu
7. Describe alignment procedures:
Note: All laser users need to keep in mind that the majority of laser accidents during
alignment. All possible steps should be taken to prevent such accidents. Alignment
procedures are performed in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions and at
the lowest possible laser output. Laser safety glasses must be worn at all times during
alignment procedures. As a precaution, reflective jewelry will be taken off by those
handling the laser.
Example:
 Notify supervisor prior to commencing alignment procedures.
 Notify lab personnel of initiation of alignment procedure.
 Ensure that there are no unauthorized occupants in the area.
 Complete “Safe Operating Procedures” as itemized in part 4.
 Remove laser cover.
 Override laser interlocks, and commence work.
 Close aperture when cleaning optics.
 Operator will not leave the area until the laser cover is replaced and
the interlocks are operational.
8. Laser warning signs: (ensure completion)
 ANSI Laser signs are posted on entry ways to the laboratory.
 Illuminated “Laser in Use” signs are conspicuously posted outside of the NHZ.
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Radiation
Protection Office
80 East Concord St.
Boston, Massachusetts
02119-2511
Tel: 617.638.7052
Fax: 617.638.7509
Email: kurk@bu.edu
9. Laser protective eyewear:
Manufacturer
Optical Density
Wavelength
Storage Location
10. Beam Control:
All beam reflections terminated
at end of useful path?
Are windows covered by shades /
curtains?
Is a laser curtain in use?
How is beam blocked?
11. Beam Path:
Is beam path open? Explain.
Enclosed? Explain
Partially enclosed? Explain.
12. Non-beam hazards, if any: (List and describe protective actions)
13. Hazardous Material Handling: (Hazardous materials involved, quantity, handling
and labeling requirements, this includes laser dyes.)
14. Hazardous Waste: (Identification of hazardous waste generated by the activity, if
any, and its disposal.)
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Radiation
Protection Office
80 East Concord St.
Boston, Massachusetts
02119-2511
Tel: 617.638.7052
Fax: 617.638.7509
Email: kurk@bu.edu
15. Emergency procedures: Authorized laser users will be familiar with the building’s
emergency evacuation plan, location of emergency equipment, and emergency
procedures for fires or other emergencies. Emergency shut off procedures for lasers
consist of shutting off electrical power to the laser system. Note locations of main
electrical shut off switches to the laser.
Power off laser via:
On/Off switch on laser control panel
Room Emergency power off (EPO)
button on wall. EPO’s (closest to
entryways per diagram)
Ancillary EPO (immediate area of
optic table)
Circuit breaker box
Follow BU Safety/ Emergency Instructions on flip chart if there is a need to contact
Police, Fire or Ambulance Emergency Response personnel.
16. Maintenance: Specially trained and/or certified personnel will maintain the
equipment. All relief devices, safety interlocks, alarms and other hazard prevention
devices will be maintained, calibrated, and tested for functionality on a regular basis
in accordance with standard industrial practices and recommendations of the
manufacturers.
Service Agreement with:
Date of last maintenance
inspection:
17. Laser Users: Only those personnel listed in the Laser Safety Manual / Laser User
Authorization Records are allowed to be trained on or follow this procedure. Laser
Users must have (a) completed the Initial Laser Safety Training provided by Boston
University's Office of Environmental Health and Safety, and (b) had specific training
on this laser's SOP administered by the permit holder. Users are responsible for
reviewing and complying with all applicable rules, regulations and University
procedures as explained in the BU Laser safety Manual and other BU Laser Safety
Program documents.
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