Laser Safety Program

Scope

This program applies for any laser medical equipment, which used in International Eye
hospitals

The main scope of this program is to identify laser hazards and use a suitable control
measure for dealing with these hazards.

Laser Classes

Class 1 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
higher class lasers and may produce laser hazards if operated with interlocks defeated.

Class 1M laser systems are incapable of producing hazardous exposure conditions during
normal operation unless the beam is viewed with optical instruments. Operators of class
1M laser systems shall receive a laser safety briefing.

Class 2 laser systems emit visible light only at a power level of 1 milliwatt or less. The
normal aversion response to bright light is adequate protection. Staring into the beam of
a class 2 laser is hazardous. Operators of class 2 laser systems shall receive a laser safety
briefing.

Class 2M 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. Operators of class 2M laser systems shall receive a
laser safety briefing.

Class 3R 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 laser pointers fall in this class. Operators of class 3R laser
systems shall receive a laser safety briefing. (Most lasers previously classified as class 3a
fall in this category.)

Class 3B laser systems are eye hazards for intrabeam viewing and specular reflections,
even for momentary exposures, but diffuse reflections are not usually hazardous. Class
3B laser systems shall be operated only in laser controlled areas by authorized operators.
Operators of class 3B laser systems shall receive approved laser safety training.

Class 4 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. Class 4 laser systems shall be operated only in laser
controlled areas by authorized operators. Operators of class 4 laser systems shall receive
approved laser safety training.A written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is required
for class 4 laser operation.

Laser Equipment in International Eye Hospital

Equipment Manufacturer Model Location Serial Class

S.L.T TOPCON TANGO First Floor 100915 4
YAG LASER ZEISS VISULAS First Floor 776578 4
ARGON ZEISS IP20 First Floor 903855 4

Control Measures

All class 3B and 4 lasers shall be operated in a laser controlled area. The requirements
for individual laser controlled areas shall be determined and/or by the LSO. The
minimum requirements for laser controlled areas are:

 To be operated by authorised personnel only.

 Access to the area for visitors to be limited, by the provision of partitions.
 Visitors not to be allowed when the laser is in operation.
 Any potentially hazardous beam to be terminated in a beam stop of an appropriate
material.
 Entryway controls to allow only authorized personnel or approved spectators to
enter the laser control area. (Administrative controls are acceptable.)
 Laser safety glasses must be used if the permissible exposure limits for the laser
are exceeded
 Beam control (barriers and beam blocks) to limit laser hazards within the
controlled area.
 Written SOP for class 4 lasers. (Recommended but nor required for class 3B
lasers)
 Users must never view the beam at the level of the horizontal plane where they
are passing.
 Watches and jewelry must not be used in the area.
  Alignment of beams and optical components must be performed at a reduced
beam power whenever possible.
 Fire extinguishers must be at an easily accessible location in labs using Class 4
lasers. Keep flammable materials away from open beams.

Responsibilities Of Employees Working With Lasers

Employees (Authorized Laser Operators) who work with class 3B or 4 lasers with the
beam exposed shall:
 Energize or work with lasers only when authorized to do so.
 Comply with laser safety rules and work procedures.
 Notify their supervisor in case of potential accident or injury or suspected unsafe
condition.

Turn-on Procedures

 Follow any pertinent safety precautions listed in the laser manufacturer’s

published owner’s manual.
 Prior to lasing, perform a “ countdown” or make an announcement to warn
others that you are about to laze.
Laser Alignment Practices

 Never look directly into a laser beam. Do not bring your eyes near the axis of
any beam to perform an alignment (or any other operation).
 Wear laser skin and eye protection (see section 6 above).
 Use a low power laser for alignments. If this is not possible, adjust your laser
to minimum power levels and/or use a filter to bring down the power to safe
levels.
 Use viewers or viewing cards to sight where an invisible beam is. To sight
where a visible beam is, use lower optical density laser protective eyewear
(see below) or sight beams with a non-specular, dark colored viewing card.

Laser Beam Termination

 Terminate laser beams at the end of their useful path with immovable, non-
specular, fire retardant beam stops or targets.
 Do not allow open beams to cross aisle ways.
 Choose target materials that partially absorb the laser beam.
  Unused secondary beams emerging from alternate laser apertures will be
terminated..
 Terminate all unused beams.
 Every time that a beam hits an optical element in you beam path, a portion of
the beam will be reflected. This is of particular concern with an invisible
beam and when a prism or angled optical element is used. Block all
reflections and prevent them from leaving the experimental area. Even a 1%
reflection from a high power YAG laser beam can cause instantaneous eye
damage.

Non-Beam Hazards

a. Electrical Safety

 Practice Lock-Out/Tag-Out procedures where appropriate.

 Do not defeat laser-housing interlocks or come into contact with energized
electrical circuits.
 Do not wear jewelry or metallic objects when working near a high voltage
source.
 In case of emergency, press the Emergency Power Off button in your lab to
turn off the electricity to your lab.

b. Chemical Safety

 Follow the precautions in you Lab Safety Plan when working with
chemicals in your lab. Before working with chemicals you must have
attended Hazard Communication training.
 Work shall be performed in hoods where required. Use appropriate
personal protective equipment, including safety glasses/goggles, gloves,
respirators, etc., as required.
 Follow the precautions listed on the Material Safety Data Sheets for your
chemicals.
 Many dyes and dye solvents are either known or suspected carcinogens.
In addition to the above, you must have a containment tray or system to
contain any spill which may occur within you laser.

c. Gas Safety

 Store hazardous gases in vented gas cabinets. Provide laser housing

ventilation for those lasers (e.g. excimers) that use hazardous gases.

d. Airborne Contaminants
  High power lasers interacting with a target or sample many cause airborne
contaminants to be released to the air. Use a hood or other ventilation
system to remove these contaminants from the ambient air.

e. Noise Safety

 Wear hearing protection when in the vicinity of a laser that generates noise
levels exceeding 85dB.

f. Cryogenic Safety

 Wear protective gloves, face shields, and clothing, as required when

handling cryogenic materials.

g. X-Ray Safety

 Power supplies operating at potentials above 15 kV may produce X-rays.

Leave interlocked power supply doors in place. Do not defeat the door
interlocks and open these doors when the power supply is on.

Service and Maintenance Procedures

 Wear laser skin and eye protection

 Set up a temporary controlled area that restricts access to the nominal
hazard zone. Post warning signs as required.
 When access cannot be adequately restricted, use partitions or curtains to
prevent the beam from leaving the area.
 Work carefully. Take the time needed to service the laser properly.
 Remove only the minimum number of protective housings required to do
the work. Replace the housings promptly when done.
 Use the lowest possible laser power.
 Use indirect viewing instruments or targets to align the beam. Do not look
directly at a potentially hazardous beam or specular reflection.
 After servicing, reactivate all safety features.

Accident/Emergency Procedures

 Shut down laser (if it is safe to do so)

 Notify supervisor

Rules for working with the laser beam

 Always wear eye protection glasses, if there is indication of laser radiation
(warning sign “laser on ” in the gate area is illuminated). Ask personnel
working in the hutch which lasers are on choice of the right goggle
 All alignment has to be done WITH laser goggles using fluorescence cards
/ IR Viewer
 Never look directly into a laser beam, even not with laser safety eyewear.
Even reflected and scattered light can be hazardous
 Class 4 laser radiation is dangerous for your skin – mindful and responsible
alignment required
 Manipulation on the safety installation (e.g. safety shutter / shielding) is
forbidden.
 Dangerous alignment shall be carried out by at least 2 persons. Persons
which are not involved in the alignment shall exit the laser room

 Special care if cover of laser is opened. (a broader wavelength spectrum is

present than when working with the amplified pulses only. The powerful
pump radiation is not shielded!)
 Block the beam before unscrewing optics, inserting flip mirrors or visual
inspection of optical components
 Remove all reflective parts from your hands (watches, rings, bracelets, … )
before starting to work in the laser setup.