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Lasers
The Radiation Safety Act requires all class 3B and class 4 lasers and their premises of operation be registered with the Radiological Council. UWA Safety and Health maintain the registration for the University. The use of class 3B and 4 lasers is also restricted to people who are appropriately licensed or supervised. Each department using registered class 3B and 4 lasers has an appointed Laser Safety Officer (LSO) or a School Radiation Safety Officer (SRSO). The LSO is responsible for the safe operation of lasers under their control. The Laser Safety Officer for the University is the Manager, Safety and Health. Laser working rules are required to be posted in a prominent position in the laser area. Generic working rules for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers are provided by the Safety & Health Office (S&H) and can be used as a starting point for specific laser areas. A laser checklist for compliance of laser safety with the Radiation Safety Act is provided by the S&H. Class 3B and Class 4 lasers must be inspected by the S&H when purchased and prior to beginning work. Half day Laser Safety in Research courses are provided by S&H. Laser classes are defined in Australian Standard 2211.1 (1997) Laser safety Part 1: Equipment classification, requirements and user’s guide. Legislative Requirements for Laser PointersLaser pointers, whilst a useful training tool, can present a hazard capable of causing harm to eyes. They have recently become relatively common and have unfortunately been misused on humans. An incident in Western Australia resulted in permanent eye damage to a 12 year old boy. It is an offence under the WA Radiation Safety Act to manufacture, sell, possess or use a laser pointer with a classification exceeding Class 1 or Class 2 as defined in Australian/New Zealand Standard 2211:1997. Laser pointers are effective tools when used properly. The following considerations should be observed when using laser pointers:
Power MeasurementsUWA Safety and Health offers the service of having the power output of your laser pointer measured free of charge. If the power output is found to exceed the limits then a neutral density filter will be bonded to the aperture to bring the output down to the regulated limit for these devices. TrainingAll laser users at the University are encouraged to attend the Laser Safety in Research Course. It is a requirement under the Radiation Safety Act 1975 that licensed users of lasers (usually research group leaders) have attended an appropriate laser safety course and their supervised users are appropriately trained. The half day Laser Safety in Research Course consists of lectures on basic laser physics, biological effects of laser radiations, hazards associated with laser use, classification of lasers, procedures for hazard control, engineering measures, legal requirements and administrative requirements. Also included is a video entitled 'Laser Safety in Higher Education' (37 minutes). Assessment will take the form of an in-class open book test. Eye Examinations and Reporting AccidentsOphthalmic examinations are not required for pre employment or as a routine surveillance of laser users. If a laser exposure is suspected then a medical examination by a qualified specialist ophthalmologist should be carried out immediately. Note that all accidents and incidents involving lasers shall be immediately reported to the Laser Safety Officer and investigated, and recommendations made and followed to prevent recurrence. For further information contact the Safety and Health on 6488 3938 or email: safety@uwa.edu.au
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