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Laser Safety ProgramBackground This procedure outlines basic safety considerations for laser operations. The procedure is based on but is not as inclusive as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z136.1 - 1972. It is essential that personnel working with lasers be thoroughly familiar with this standard. Purpose & Policy The purpose of this program is to provide policy for personnel protection from hazards caused by laser operations. It is the policy of [COMPANY] to have a continuing and aggressive program for the control of hazards from lasers This program is applicable to all [COMPANY] employees and contractors. This Program does not apply to bar code readers, laser printers, laser optical disc readers (CD ROMS), or any other system with a laser device which is enclosed as an integral part of the system. These are categorized as Class 1 or Exempt (see Definition). Laser pointers, Class 3A or less, are also exempt from this program, however safe practices shall be exercised when using these devices. Because the energy level and output frequency of wave length depend upon the type of laser used and its method of operation, the radiant intensity of each laser beam and of its reflections shall be determined by direct measurement or by calculations. Control measures shall be taken to keep the possible exposure of personnel well within the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) levels stated in ANSI Z136.1 Definitions Accessible Emission Limit (AEL). The maximum accessible emission level permitted with a particular class. Aversion Response. Closure of eyelid or movement of head to avoid an exposure. Class 1 or Exempt. Any laser or laser system that cannot emit accessible laser radiation levels in excess of the Class 1 AEL for the maximum possible duration inherent in the design or intended use of the laser or laser system during normal operation. Thus, these lasers or laser systems are exempt from all control measures or other form of surveillance with the exception of applicable requirements for embedded lasers. The exemption strictly applies to emitted laser radiation hazards and not to other potential hazards Class 2. Any laser or laser system considered low power (<1 milliwatt) and are in the visible spectrum (400-700 nm). Eye protection comes from aversion response. Written alignment procedures are required for Class 2 laser optical systems. Class 3a/3b. Any laser or laser system that can harm the eye if viewed directly or from specular reflection. Upper limit for a continuous wave for a Class 3a is .005 watts and typically .5 watts for a Class 3b. Class 4. Any laser or laser system that can produce an eye hazard not only from direct or specular reflections, but also from a diffuse reflection. In addition, such lasers may produce fire and skin hazards. Diffuse Reflection. Change of the spatial distribution of a beam of radiation when it is reflected in many directions by a surface or by a medium. Specular Reflection. A mirror-like reflection. Responsibilities Safety Department Survey, evaluate, and recommend actions needed to control hazards associated with operations involving the use of lasers or laser systems. Maintain a current inventory of all Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser systems at [COMPANY]. Review plans, specifications, and operating procedures for all operations using Classes 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems and approve or disapprove requests for deviations from established guidelines. Review and approve/disapprove all purchase requests for Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser systems. Maintain a current roster of all personnel who use or provide maintenance on Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser systems and assure they receive appropriate medical examinations, including a baseline ophthalmological eye examination, as required. Work closely with facility managers on interrelated problems involving both the health and safety of personnel working with lasers. Provide annual laser safety training, including refresher training for all Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser system users. Purchasing Department Review procurement requests for lasers or laser systems to ensure that special approval has been obtained. Facility Managers Prepare and submit to the Safety Department a laser registration form for all new lasers or laser systems received. Comply with the American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, ANSI Z136.1, for all laser operations at [COMPANY]. Notify the Safety Department in advance of new operations which will use Classes 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems so that an evaluation can be performed. Prepare written operating procedures for Classes 3b and 4 lasers or laser systems and alignment procedures for Classes 2, 3a, 3b and 4 laser optical systems, and submit them to the Safety Department for approval and signature. Ensure that all standards, guidelines, and procedures relating to the protection of personnel from laser radiation hazards are complied with and all users are trained in the proper use of the laser or laser system. Ensure all laser areas are equipped with adequate safety devices and are properly posted with appropriate warning signs in accordance with ANSI Z136.1. Maintain a list of all personnel authorized to use lasers or laser systems. Ensure that all personnel listed as users of lasers or laser systems report for health monitoring examinations as needed. Notify the Safety Department each time a Classes 3b or 4 laser operation changes location or property custodians, is turned in, or is disposed of in any manner. Provide to the Safety Department, by April 15th of each year, an updated [COMPANY] Form 3543 for each Classes 3b or 4 lasers or laser system. Ensure all users of Classes 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems are trained in the safe use of lasers and receive annual laser safety refresher training. Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and all users of Classes 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems are trained in the correct use of it. Operational Requirements
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All personnel working on the laser and their assistants must have a documented baseline eye exam.
Eye Protection Appropriate eye protection shall be used whenever the possibility exists for eye exposure in excess of
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