Laser Safety Guide

Laser Hazard Evaluation

Laser Personnel

The personnel who may be in the vicinity of a laser and its emitted beam(s) and the operator can influence the total hazard evaluation. Hence, they can influence the decision to adopt additional control measures not specifically required for the class of laser being employed. The type of personnel influences the total hazard evaluation. It must be kept in mind that for certain lasers or laser systems (for example, some Class IIIA lasers used for alignment tasks), the principal hazard control rests with the operator. The following are considerations regarding operating personnel and those who may be exposed:

• General level of training and experience of the laser user(s), (that is, whether part time employees, scientists, etc.).
  
  
• Awareness of onlookers that potentially hazardous laser radiation may be present, and of relevant safety precautions.
  
  
• Degree of training in laser safety of all individuals involved in the laser operation.
  
  
• Reliability of individuals to follow control procedures.
  
  
• Number and location of individuals relative to the primary beam or reflections, and the potential for accidental exposure.
  
  
• Other hazards not due to laser radiation which may cause the individuals to react unexpectedly, or which influence the choice of personnel protective equipment.