Laser Registration and Inspection

Based on a building-wide

inventory

Judi Reilly and Meg Himmel

Why

• During prior Level II inspections– Observed numerous unregistered lasers– Follow-up with researchers and LSO

time-consuming, unsatisfactory

• Therefore– Scheduled building-wide laser inventory

The Details

• Identified laser user(s) in all 25 PI groups• Recorded laser-specific information• Completed laser hazard evaluation• Registered only:

– Class 3b - 5mW to 500 mW– Class 4 - >500mW– Class 1 - completely enclosed beam, NO alignment

done by researchers.

• 80 mW Diode• Class 3b• Open beam

Class 4, Ti Sapphire, 4 Watt

Results of Laser Inventory

• Doubled the number of lasers registered to ~100

• Increased user awareness for – Correct goggles– Signage – Training requirement– SOP posting– Laser System Reclassification

• Very positive feedback from users

Results of Laser Inventory, cont.

• Inventory is now complete and accurate• Real-time hazard evaluation and registration• Re-classification is documented• Appropriate eye wear is available• Signage is correct• Gained understanding of variables

Going Forward

• This process can replace Level II laser inspection – To be done twice annually– Next round will be less time-consuming– Laser locations are now known– Researchers continue to update inventory

On-Line Registration

Risk Analysis/Laser Hazard Evaluation

• Interview the user• See the set-up and environment• Review use of the laser system• Future use options• Open/closed beam (many beams)• Actual wavelengths used • Document the operation in the SOP• Option- reclassifcation of 3b/4 to Class1 system

Two Photon MicroscopeBeam Evaluation

Open table optics Enclosed secured table optics

Two Photon MicroscopeBeam Evaluation

Open Beam Closed Beam

Warning Light and Door Sign Posting

Appropriate Eye Wear

– Eye wear must be labeled with wavelengths and corresponding OD

– OD required is determined by LSO– OD for direct beam, diffuse beam, and alignment

have different ODs

EYEWEAR LABELS

All eyewear must be labeled with wavelength and optical density.

Laser Standard Operating Procedure Class 4 Laser SOP•This SOP applies to the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser which is frequency doubled (532 nm) for this experiment.•Only laser workers who have completed the EHS Laser Safety training (EHS Course 371) and have been given laser specific training may use this laser.•To be trained in the specific use of this laser, contact (lab person’s name) at lab person’s name@mit.edu or 3-xxxx•Before beginning an alignment procedure or propagating the laser beam, verify that:

•The lab doors are closed and locked.•The laser curtains are covering the windows on the lab doors and the lab windows.•The laser warning light is illuminated.•The curtain isolating the lab entry is in place.•All people in the lab are wearing appropriate laser protective eyewear. Remember the frequency doubled wavelength is 532 nm. Requires OD 4 @ 532 nm.•The beam path is free of obstructions•If making adjustments to beam path, all jewelry (rings, watches) have been removed.

1.For laser beam alignment, please use the laser specific alignment SOPS2.In the event of an emergency, immediately turn off the laser main power supplyIn the event of an emergency involving fire or a medical emergency requiring an ambulance, dial 100 to contact the MIT Police to request assistance.In the event of a suspected exposure to laser radiation, please report to the medical department for an evaluation..

Registration Signage

Team Effort to Laser Safety!!!!