Environmental Health & Safety
Laboratory Safety Unit
Laser Safety for Research and Teaching Laboratories
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PDF Version of Research Laser Safety Program
- LASER HAZARDS
- Electrical Equipment and Systems
- High risk of injury and fire exists in laser operations because of the presence of electrical power supplies. High-voltage capacitors require grounding to discharge the component prior to servicing of the laser or laser component. The frames, enclosures, and other accessible metal non-current carrying metallic parts of laser equipment shall be grounded.
- High-pressure arc lamps, filament lamps, and capacitors in laser equipment can present an explosion hazard. These items shall be enclosed in housing which can withstand the maximum explosive pressure resulting from component disintegration.
- The installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems shall conform to the standards stated in the National Electric Code (NEC). Research personnel are not permitted to install electrical wiring or outlets in labs, or to daisy chain power strips. For River Campus and Medical School locations, contact Facilities at x3-4567. For the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, contact x5-4575
- Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation
- A laser operation may involve ionizing radiation that originates from the presence of radioactive materials or the use of electrical power in excess of 15 kV. Contact the EH&S Radiation Safety Office at x5-3781 for an evaluation of radioactive material hazards for these activities.
- Microwave and radio frequency (RF) fields may be generated by laser systems or support equipment.
- Hazardous Materials
- Only those hazardous materials that are needed for the operation of a laser should be brought into a laser laboratory. Consult the University's Chemical Hygiene Program for appropriate actions to take to prevent exposures to hazardous chemicals. All hazardous chemicals shall be properly used, stored, and controlled. Consult the Safety Data Sheets, the product label, and the EH&S Laboratory Safety Unit x5-3241) for additional information/assistance.
- All hazardous chemicals shall be entered into the University's Chemical Inventory/SDS System (Chematix). Contact the EH&S Laboratory Safety Unit for details on this system. Chemicals at LLE are entered into a special chemical inventory system in use at LLE.
- Do not allow laser beams and strong reflections to impinge on combustible materials, highly flammable materials/gases, or substances that decompose into toxic products under elevated temperatures, without providing adequate controls.
- Laser Generated Air Contaminants (LGAC) may be generated when Class 3B and Class 4 laser beams interact with matter. The primary control measure for LGAC shall be the use of engineering controls. Engineering controls requires general ventilation and may include local exhaust ventilation or isolation of the process. Local exhaust ventilation systems can include hoods, ducts, air cleaners, and fans. The design of a system shall be reviewed by EH&S before the new system is installed. Process isolation may include physical barriers, master-slave manipulators, or remote control apparatus. Respiratory protection shall be implemented as a means of protection only after the use of engineering controls. All use of respiratory protection shall comply with the University's Respiratory Protection Program. Contact the EH&S Occupational Safety Unit at x5-3241 for additional information.
- Dyes and Solutions
- Dye lasers normally use a lasing medium composed of a complex fluorescent organic dye dissolved in an organic solvent. These dyes vary greatly in toxicity, mutagenicity, and potential carcinogenicity. All dyes and dye solutions shall be treated as hazardous chemicals. Most solvents suitable for dye solutions are flammable and toxic by inhalation and/or skin absorption.
- Obtain the Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer/supplier or from EH&S for any dye or solvent used.
- Use and store all dyes and solvents in accordance with the University's Chemical Hygiene Program.
- Prepare/handle dye solutions in a chemical fume hood. Wear a lab coat, eye protection, and gloves. The EH&S Laboratory Safety Unit can assist in the selection of the required personal protective equipment.
- Pressure-test dye laser components before using dye solutions. Pay particular attention to those connections that may allow material to escape containment. Install spill pans (secondary containment) under pumps and reservoirs.
- Compressed Gases
- SOPs are to be developed when a laser application includes gases such as chlorine, fluorine, hydrogen chloride, or hydrogen fluoride. Any compressed gas, with a NFPA health hazard rating of 3 or 4 (or GHS rating of 1 or 2), either used or stored in a laser lab or other laboratory support location, is to be enclosed in an approved and operational ventilated gas cabinet. Contact the EH&S Laboratory Safety Unit to determine if any additional special exhaust system is required.
- All gas cylinders are to be labeled. Different classes of gases are to be stored separately.
- All compressed gas cylinders are to be stored upright and secured to the wall or bench with an approved chain or cylinder strap.
- When gas cylinders are not in use or whenever the cylinders are transported, the protective caps shall be in place.
- All personnel working in a laser lab using compressed gases shall complete training on gas safety annually. This training is provided in the EHS Laboratory Safety Training on MyPath or LLE's training courses.
- Cryogenic Liquids
- Cryogenic liquids, such as liquid nitrogen, are used occasionally to cool lasers and to cool sensors used as receivers of reflected or transmitted laser signals.
- Insulated gloves, clothing without pockets or cuffs, and chemical splash goggles or face shields shall be worn when transporting or using cryogenic materials. Safety spectacles without side shields are inadequate.
- Inert gas may reduce the oxygen level in a room causing unconsciousness or death. Use cryogenics only in well-ventilated areas.
- State, local and federal regulators consider cryogenic liquids as compressed gases. General gas safety training, as listed in V.E.5 above, will provide the necessary training to use these materials properly.
In addition to the hazards present from laser radiation, many chemicals and other physical hazards shall be controlled. Serious injuries resulting from the use of lasers are generally not from the beam; rather they are due to electrical and other hazards that were overlooked.
Continue to the next section - General Recommendations and Requirements
QUESTIONS or COMMENTS?
Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail Questions.
This page last updated 7/11/2019. Disclaimer.
