Did you know that every professional that uses a laser system in his practice is supposed to go through a laser safety training course? Yep, they are. From your laser hair removal specialist to your research scientist using lasers to split molecules, all of them should attend at least one laser safety training course.
Section 5 of the American National Standard (ANSI) Z136.1 states that “Laser safety training program(s) shall be provided to the users of Class 3b or Class 4 lasers and laser systems.” and “Users shall include operators, technicians, engineers, maintenance and service personnel, and any other personnel, working with or around lasers.” If you are a class 3b or class 4 laser user on campus you must first register using the registration link above. Once you have registered you must log into the IUPUI Online Laser Safety Training. This training module was developed by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety to provide you with basic laser safety principles and practices.
Even Princeton University has a laser safety course that is required for anyone using a laser on their campus: Most lasers used at Princeton University are capable of causing eye injury to anyone who looks directly into the beam or its reflections from a specular (mirror-like) surface.
In addition, diffuse reflections of a high-power laser beam can produce permanent eye damage.
High-power laser beams can burn exposed skin, ignite flammable materials, and heat materials that release hazardous fumes, gases, debris, or radiation.
Equipment and optical apparatus required to produce and control laser energy may also introduce additional hazards associated with high voltage, high pressure, cryogenics, noise, other forms of radiation, flammable materials, and toxic fluids.
Thus, each proposed experiment or operation involving a laser must be evaluated to determine the hazards involved and the appropriate safety measures and controls required.
