OSHA Laser Safety Requirements

Lasers have many applications in today's world. They are used in scanners and detectors, night vision optics, medical applications and industry, just to name a few. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that personnel involved with laser operations be provided a safe working environment. This requires the proper protective equipment, understanding the different classes of lasers and the level of potential hazards each class represents.

Standards

• OSHA has no specific regulations governing the safe operation and use of lasers; however, it does have a compilation of general safety standards that must be followed. The General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide a work environment free from recognized hazards likely to cause injury or death. Title 29, Part 1910.133 of this code describes the requirements for using personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically, eye and face protection.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Laser light radiation can cause permanent eye damage. It is critical that the correct safety goggles are available to employees. Different lasers operate at different wavelengths and strengths. Safety goggles must be labeled with the wavelength and optical density they are designed to protect against. Employers must ensure that all operators, maintenance and repair personnel wear their goggles at all times when around lasers.

Laser Classes

• Lasers are divided into four classes specifying relative power output and hazard levels. Class I lasers, such as supermarket scanners, are basically harmless, and no safety procedures are necessary. In some industrial applications, lasers are actually stronger than class I, but due to interlocks and protective enclosures, they are rated class I for operators. Class II lasers, such as laser pointers, are more powerful than class I but typically do not require safety goggles. Basically, it is assumed that people won't stare at the beam due to its brightness. Class III lasers are most hazardous when the beam is looked at directly. Safety goggles are required for operators, maintenance and repair personnel. A class III laser is typically not powerful enough to cause a diffuse reflection hazard when the beam "bounces" from one surface to another. These lasers are generally not a fire hazard. Moderate safety measures are required. Class IV lasers are the most powerful and are hazardous, whether viewed directly or diffusely. Protective goggles are required. These lasers are also a fire hazard as well as a skin hazard. Class IV lasers require the most extensive safety measures, such as strict personnel access controls and several levels of interlocks that shut the system down if tripped.