LASER SAFETY
PLAN
CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS
180508JS(
ENVIRONMENTAL(HEALTH(AND(SAFETY(
1.0( PURPOSE*...............................................................................................................................................*3(
2.0( SCOPE*.....................................................................................................................................................*3(
3.0( AUTHORITY*.........................................................................................................................................*3(
4.0( ROLES*AND*RESPONSIBIBLITIES*..................................................................................................*3(
5.0( LASER*CLASSES*...................................................................................................................................*4(
6.0( LASER*ACQUISITION/REGISTRATION*.........................................................................................*5(
7.0( LASER*TRANSFER*AND*DISPOSAL*................................................................................................*5(
8.0( TRAINING*REQUIREMENTS*............................................................................................................*5(
9.0( MANUFACTURE/CONSTRUCTION*.................................................................................................*5(
10.0( MEDICAL*SURVEILLANCE*................................................................................................................*5(
11.0( CONTROL*MEASURES*........................................................................................................................*6(
12.0( NON-BEAM*HAZARDS*.......................................................................................................................*6(
13.0( LASER*USE*OUTDOORS*.....................................................................................................................*6(
14.0( LASER*USED*FOR*PUBLIC*DISPLAYS/ENTERTAINMENT*(Non-Research)*......................*6(
15.0( LASER*POINTERS*................................................................................................................................*7(
16.0( EYEWEAR*..............................................................................................................................................*7(
17.0( EXPOSURE*INCIDENTS*......................................................................................................................*7(
18.0( AUDITS*..................................................................................................................................................*7(
19.0( RECORDS*...............................................................................................................................................*7(
20.0( DEFINITIONS*.......................................................................................................................................*7(
21.0( REVISION*RECORD*.............................................................................................................................*8(
22.0( APPENDIX*A*–*REGISTRATION*FORM*..........................................................................................*9(
23.0( APPENDIX*B*–*TRANSFER/DISPOSAL*FORM* ..........................................................................* 11(
180508JS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
3
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this plan is to establish clear and consistent procedures for the safe use of lasers in
research and instructional laboratories at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI).
2.0 SCOPE
The contents of this manual apply to all University personnel, employees, students and visitors, who
operate lasers or work in locations where lasers are used.
3.0 AUTHORITY
The recognized standard and primary guidance for laser hazards is the American National Standard for
Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1). Additionally, laser safety falls under the General Industry Safety
Orders, California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Subchapter 7, Section 3203 (Injury and Illness
Prevention Program).
4.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBIBLITIES
LASER SAFETY COMMITTEE (LSC)
The Laser Safety Committee may be formed when the number, hazards, complexity, and/or diversity of
laser activities warrants.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY / LASER SAFETY OFFICER (LSO)
The LSO has the authority to authorize, suspend, and specify conditions of use of all lasers at facilities of,
and areas of administration by CSUCI. The LSO shall:
Laser safety program development and oversight.
Maintain registrations for Class 3B or Class 4 laser or laser systems.
Confirm laser classifications.
Maintain inventory for all lasers classes.
Approve and/or perform hazard evaluations for all class 3B and 4 lasers, laser systems and laser-
controlled areas.
Approve and/or specify control measures for all class 3B and 4 lasers, laser systems and laser-
controlled areas.
Review standard operating procedures (SOPs), signs, and labels.
Review safety training and maintain program records.
Investigate laser incidents.
The LSO may appoint a Laser Safety Supervisor (LSS) and may delegate duties to the LSS in accordance
with ANSI Z136.1.
LASER SAFETY SUPERVISOR (LSS)
The LSS shall maintain the Laser Safety Program for assigned lasers use areas, and may call on the LSO
for assistance as needed. Duties include, however are not limited to:
Supervise the use of lasers under their authority.
Maintain an inventory for all lasers under their authority.
Monitor 3B and 4 lasers and laser system.
Immediately report any accident, eye exposure, or suspected eye exposure to the LSO.
Report any safety concerns to the PI or LSO.
180508JS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
4
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI)
The Principal Investigator (PI) shall be designated for each class 3B and 4 lasers. The PI shall have the
responsibility and authority to ensure laser safety compliance for their personnel and equipment. The PI
shall:
Register each Class 3B and Class 4 laser and laser systems with the LSO.
Maintain proper classification of all lasers and laser systems under their authority.
Maintain an inventory for all lasers and laser systems under their authority.
Generate SOPs for Class 3B and Class 4 laser and laser systems use, alignment and laser specific
training and submit to LSO.
Implement approved control measures for all 3B and 4 lasers, laser systems and LUA.
Provide appropriate safety training to laser users.
Immediately report any accident, eye exposure, or suspected eye exposure to the LSO.
Report any safety concerns to the LSO.
Inform the LSO prior to all class 3B and 4 lasers and laser system acquisitions, transfers and
disposals.
LASER USER (LU)
A LU is a person who works with Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and laser systems (including embedded
lasers). The general responsibilities of a LU include, however are not limited to:
Complete all appropriate laser safety training.
Read, understand, and comply with lab specific laser standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Immediately report any accident, eye exposure, or suspected eye exposure to the PI or LSS.
Report any safety concerns to the PI or LSS.
VISITORS and SHORT-TERM RESEARCHERS
Visitors and short-term researchers are individuals who are present in the laboratory as an invited guest of any
CSUCI employee or student researcher for the purpose of doing research or visiting a laboratory environment.
Short-term researchers must meet the same laser safety-training requirement as campus laser users.
The Principal Investigator will provide a laser safety orientation and safety equipment for their laser-
controlled areas.
5.0 LASER CLASSES
Class 1
Lasers and laser systems are incapable of producing damaging radiation levels during normal operation
and are exempt from any control measures. Class 1 laser systems may contain embedded higher-class
lasers and may produce laser hazards if operated with interlocks defeated.
Class 1M
Lasers and laser systems are incapable of producing hazardous exposure conditions during normal
operation unless the beam is viewed with optical instruments.
Class 2
Lasers and laser systems emit wavelengths in the 400 to 700 nm range and are incapable of causing eye
injury unless intentionally viewed directly for an extended period. The normal aversion response to bright
light is adequate protection.
Class 2M
Lasers and laser systems emit visible light only. The normal aversion response to bright light is adequate
protection for unaided viewing. However, viewing the beam with optical aids is potentially hazardous.
180508JS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
5
Class 3R (Formerly Class 3A)
Lasers and laser systems are potentially hazardous under some viewing conditions, but the probability of
an actual injury is small, and the control measures for safe use are straightforward. (Most lasers
previously classified as class 3a fall in this category.)
Class 3B
Lasers and laser systems are eye hazards for intrabeam viewing and specular reflections, even for
momentary exposures, but diffuse reflections are not usually hazardous.
Class 4
Lasers and laser systems are eye hazards and skin hazards for intrabeam exposures, specular reflections,
and diffuse reflections. They are also fire hazards and may produce laser generated air contaminants.
6.0 LASER ACQUISITION/REGISTRATION
All Class 3B and Class 4 lasers must be registered with the EH&S Laser Safety Officer prior to
installation and use. The CI Laser Registration Form is available on the Environmental Health and Safety
webpage.
7.0 LASER TRANSFER AND DISPOSAL
Transfer
Complete and submit the Laser Transfer/Disposal form found on the EH&S website prior to a transfer of
Class 3B or Class 4 lasers or laser systems from one PI to another PI on-campus, or if the laser is to be
sold or transferred off-campus.
Disposal
Complete and submit the Laser Transfer/Disposal form found on the EH&S website prior to the disposal
of a Class 3B or Class 4 laser or laser system.
Lasers and laser systems should be rendered "inoperable" prior to disposal.
The LSO will coordinate with the hazardous waste program, as appropriate.
The laser or laser system shall be removed from the inventory upon disposal.
8.0 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
All operators of Class 3B and 4 lasers and laser systems, all incidental personnel and visitors who may be
allowed to enter laser-controlled areas shall receive approved laser safety training before operating the
laser or entering laser controlled areas.
9.0 MANUFACTURE/CONSTRUCTION
Any classification of laser or laser system that is manufactured from components for formal transfer to an
entity outside the University, shall meet US Food and Drug Administration requirements per 21CFR Part
1040, Federal Laser Product Performance Standard.
A laser or laser system which is manufactured or assembled for internal CSUCI use, or which is designed
for specific temporary use at another entity with explicit intent to return the laser directly to CSUCI is
exempt from this requirement.
An operator manual shall be generated by for all classifications of lasers or laser systems manufactured or
assembled from components.
10.0 MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE
Baseline eye exams are not required. A medical eye exam may be required immediately following a
suspected injury or adverse effect from a laser, under the guidance of medical personnel.
180508JS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
6
11.0 CONTROL MEASURES
When used as intended Class 1, 2, and 3R laser systems are generally low hazard devices; however some
requirements still apply.
Exposure to laser radiation must be kept below the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) under
all conditions of operation or maintenance.
Laser systems must have the appropriate warning labels and the appropriate cautionary statement.
Removal of protective housing or system modification can increase a laser’s classification and
requires approval from the LSO.
All class 3B and 4 lasers and laser systems shall be operated in a laser-controlled area. The requirements
for individual laser-controlled areas shall be determined by the LSO. The minimum requirements for
laser-controlled areas are:
Entryway controls to allow only authorized personnel or approved spectators to enter the laser
control area. (Administrative controls are acceptable.)
Conspicuously posted sign or signs with instruction for the protection of personnel.
Laser safety eyewear readily available and used in accordance with the SOP for class 3B and
class 4 lasers and laser systems.
Beam control (barriers and beam blocks) to limit laser hazards within the controlled area.
Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and laser systems written SOP’s shall include beam and non-beam
hazards.
Training of operators of all class 3B and 4 lasers and laser systems.
Alignment
Class 3B lasers and Class 4 lasers shall have written alignment procedures.
12.0 NON-BEAM HAZARDS
Non-beam hazards often exist in laser-related operations and can pose significant health and safety risks.
All non-beam hazards must be addressed in SOPs. Examples of non-beam hazards may include:
Electrical hazards from power supplies.
Laser generated air contaminants (LGAC), which may be generated when a Class 4 or some Class
3B lasers interact with matter.
Fire hazards from Class 4 lasers.
Compressed gases.
Laser dyes and solvents may contain complex fluorescent organic compounds.
13.0 LASER USE OUTDOORS
The Principal Investigator shall inform the LSO of any Class 3R, 3B, or 4 lasers used outdoors for research
projects. The application and operation of the laser system(s) shall be evaluated by the LSO to ensure that
appropriate safety measures are in place prior to operation.
FAA notification is required (for Class 3R, 3B or 4 lasers) if the laser is being used in navigable
airspace.
14.0 LASER USED FOR PUBLIC DISPLAYS/ENTERTAINMENT (Non-Research)
Any Class 3B or 4 laser used for entertainment, displays, demonstrations, or any related use intended for
public viewing (indoors or outdoors) on CSUCI property shall be operated in accordance with federal,
state, local, and campus regulations/requirements.
Campus departments and campus-affiliated groups shall notify the LSO of any laser light show
(indoor or outdoor) to be performed on CSUCI property.
The operators of laser systems used for entertainment are required by law to file a variance
document with the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health
(FDA/CDRH). If the venue is outdoors and the beam(s) may terminate in navigable airspace, then
the operators are also required to file a report with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
180508JS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
7
15.0 LASER POINTERS
Laser Users must comply with the manufacturers operating and safety instructions. The manufacturer is
required by the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health to provide correct labeling for their laser
pointers. This information should be clearly visible on the laser pointer.
16.0 EYEWEAR
Laser safety eyewear is required for the operation of class 3B and class 4 lasers and laser systems with
exposed beams. The LSO will require eyewear or approve laser operation without eyewear on an
individual basis, based on a hazard evaluation.
Eyewear shall be selected to provide an adequate level of protection from the laser and for suitability to
the wearer and environment. Eyewear shall be inspected periodically to ensure that the protection level
has not degraded through use and beam exposure.
17.0 EXPOSURE INCIDENTS
Seek immediate medical attention in the event of an exposure or suspected exposure to laser
radiation capable of an eye or skin injury.
If an exposure incident occurs, the PI or the person operating the laser must notify the LSO.
In the case of a suspected eye injury, an eye examination may require by a qualified medical
expert.
ANSI Z136.1 “ANSI Standard for Safety User of Lasers”, Appendix F, provides guidance for
medical referral following suspected or known laser injury.
18.0 AUDITS
An audit of all class 3B and 4 lasers and the Laser Safety Program shall be conducted periodically by the
LSO or designated personnel.
19.0 RECORDS
The LSO shall maintain records, which document the Laser Safety Program. These records shall include:
Laser hazard analysis reports for all class 3B and 4 lasers
Training records for all operators of class 3B and 4 lasers
Standard Operating Procedures for all class 3B and 4 lasers
Approvals of alternate laser control measures
Laser Safety Audit reports
Laser Inventory
Laser Incidents
20.0 DEFINITIONS
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - The technical body which releases the Z136.1 Standard
for the Safe Use of Lasers and Z136.3 Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities.
Aversion Response Closure of the eyelid, eye movement, pupillary construction, or movement of the
head to avoid an exposure to noxious or bright light stimulant. The aversion response to an exposure from
a bright, visible, laser source is assumed to limit the exposure of a specific retinal area to 0.25 s or less.
Diffuse Reflection - When an incident radiation beam is scattered in many directions, reducing its
intensity. A diffusely reflecting surface will have irregularities larger than the wavelength of the incident
radiation beam.
Embedded Laser An enclosed laser that has a higher classification than the laser system in which it is
incorporated, where the system’s lower classification is appropriate due to the engineering features
limiting accessible emission.
180508JS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
8
Intrabeam Viewing - The viewing condition whereby the eye is exposed to all or part of a laser beam.
Irradiance - The power being delivered over the area of the laser beam. Also called power density,
irradiance applies to CW lasers and is expressed in W/cm
Laser Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
Laser Controlled Area (LCA) An area where the occupancy and activity of those within is subject to
control and supervision for the purpose of protection from laser radiation.
Laser User - Any person who uses a laser for any purpose on the CSUCI campus or off-campus property.
Laser Safety Officer (LSO) - A member of the EH&S staff, the laser safety officer (LSO) is responsible
for implementation of the Laser Safety Program.
Radiant Exposure - The energy being delivered over the area of the laser beam. Also called energy
density, radiant exposure applies to pulsed lasers and is expressed in J/cm
Specular Reflection - Results when an incident radiation beam is reflected off a surface whose
irregularities are smaller than the radiation wavelength.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation - Invisible radiation with a wavelength between 10 nm and 400 nm. The near
ultraviolet (UV-A) is the 315 to 400 nm band, the mid ultraviolet (UV-B) is the 280 to 315 nm band, the
far ultraviolet (UV-C) is the 100 nm to 280 nm band, and the extreme ultraviolet is the 10 to 100 nm
band. Note: Wavelengths below 200 nm are absorbed in the atmosphere and are known as the vacuum
ultraviolet.
Visible Light - Radiation that can be detected by the human eye. These wavelengths are between 400 and
780 nm
21.0 REVISION RECORD
Revision
Changes
Date
1.0
04/04/2017 Original Document
April 2017
PI Name:
First
PI E-mail
Office Location (Bld & Room)
Phone Numbers: Office
Cell
Name:
E-mail
Laser Safety Supervisor (LSS)
Office Location (Bld. & Room)
Phone Numbers: Office
Cell
Description of Laser Use / Research:
Laser Device Registration
 


22.0
APPENDIX A – REGISTRATION
FORM
9
Z # created by
EH&S upon form
submittal
First
Last
First
Last
M.I.
Operating Wavelengths (nm): Typical
Ranges
Beam Diameter at aperture (mm)
Beam Divergence (mrad)
Mode of Operation
For CW
MD[LPXP
MLQLPXP
Typical
For Pulse
Pulse Duration: Units
MD[LPXP
0LQLPXP
Repetition Rate: Units
Maximum
Minimum
Typical
Energy/Pulse: Units
Maximum
Minimum
Typical
'HVFULSWLRQRI/DVHU and Lab Setup:
Power: Units
Location
Laser Information
Location Phone
If Other, please specify
Serial #
CI Tag #
Manufacturer:
Model:
Class:
,I7\SHLV2WKHUSOHDVHVSHFLI\:
Typical
CSUCI Environmental Health and Safety
Type:
22.0 APPENDIX A – REGISTRATION FORM
10
Coherent
HeNe
3b (IIIB)
CW
mW
fs
Hz
mJ
Save a Copy As...
Submit to EHS
Laser Transfer/Disposa
l Form
This form provides notice
of relocation or disposal of a Class 3B or 4 laser or laser system.
PI Name: Registration #:
Las
er Safety Supervisor:
Laser Information:
Manufacturer: Model:
Serial Number:
7\SH If other, please specify:
Wavelength(s):
Max. output power/energy:
Pulse Rate (Hz)
Pulse Length
System or device in which the laser is housed (if applicable):
Laser class during normal operation of the system: Class Normal
Laser class during alignment procedures (if applicable): Class Align
Laser Procedure (SOP) Title:
TRANSFER INFORMATION:
Anticipated date of
relocation:PPGG\\\\
From (current location):
To (new location):
Name:
Phone #:
Email:
Additional information:
Email:
Name:
Ph
one #:
DISPOSAL INFORMATION:
Hazardous Materials within laser system:
List Components of laser system:
CSUCI Environmental Health and Safety
23.0 APPENDIX B – TRANSFER/DISPOSAL FORM
11
Z-
mW
HeNe
nm
Pulse
ns
3A (IIIA)
3A (IIIA)
Submit to EHS
Save at Copy as...
Damaged/inoperable