The UNC Asheville Laser Safety Program requires that all lasers and laser systems be operated in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.1 2014, American National Standards for Safe Use of Lasers. This is a voluntary standard that encompasses the requirements of OSHA regulations. The safe use of laser systems depends upon the basic principles of safety, which are:
- Recognition of potential hazards.
- Evaluation of potential hazards.
- Control of potential hazards.
The primary objective of the UNC Asheville Laser Safety Program is to ensure that no laser radiation in excess of the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limit reaches the human eye or skin. Additionally, the program is designed to ensure that adequate protection against collateral hazards is provided. These collateral hazards include the risk of electrical shock; fire hazard from a beam or from use of dyes and solvents; and chemical exposures from use of chemicals or vaporization of targets.
This Laser Safety Program applies to the acquisition, use, transfer, and disposal of all Class 3B and 4 lasers at UNC Asheville.
Class 3B Laser: A Class 3B laser is hazardous if the eye is exposed directly, but diffuse reflections such as those from paper or other matte surfaces are not harmful. The Accessible Emission Limit (AEL) for continuous lasers in the wavelength range from 315 nm to far infrared is 0.5 W. For pulsed lasers between 400 and 700 nm, the limit is 30 mJ. Other limits apply to other wavelengths and to ultra-short pulsed lasers.
Class 4 Laser: Class 4 is the highest and most dangerous class of laser, including all lasers that exceed the Class 3B AEL. By definition, a Class 4 laser can burn the skin, or cause devastating and permanent eye damage as a result of direct, diffuse or indirect beam viewing. These lasers may ignite combustible materials, and thus may represent a fire risk. These hazards may also apply to indirect or non-specular reflections of the beam, even from apparently matte surfaces—meaning that great care must be taken to control the beam path.
Laser Registration and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Class 3B and Class 4 Laser Registration
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
SOPs are to address laser hazard assessments, design requirements, warning signs and labels, required protective equipment, maintenance procedures, and safe operation of the laser system. SOPs are approved by the Laser Safety Officer and the Laser Safety Supervisor.