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McGill University

Laser Safety CourseEnvironmental Health & Safety

Instructor: Joseph Vincellijoseph.vincelli@mcgill.ca

Version: Sept 24, 2010

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Agenda / Course Content

• Agenda: Lecture 3.0 hrs & Quiz 0.5 hr

• Course Content:

• McGill Laser Safety Policy & Program

• Procedures & responsibilities

• Fundamentals of laser operation

• Laser hazards & bioeffects.

• Laser classifications

• Control measures

• Non-beam hazards

• Medical examinations & emergency procedures

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McGill University Laser Safety Policy

• According Health & Safety Policies & the Quebec Occupational

Health & Safety Act

• Intended to assist in the effective control of laser hazards

• Based on ANSI Z136.1-2007

• Covers only Class 3B and 4 lasers

• Applies to all personnel working with or near lasers

• Applies to all departments or University affiliated sites

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McGill University Laser Safety Program

• Laser safety under the ULSC, designated LSO

• Responsibilities for different personnel

• Registration of lasers

• Laboratory laser safety inspections

• Education and training

• Baseline eye examinations

• Control measures

• Reporting of incidents and program reviews

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McGill University Laser Safety Program

• Implementation relies on Faculty members

• Principle Investigator (PI) - ultimately responsible for the safe

use of lasers

• PI is responsible that all type of personnel is trained (exception:

visitors or spectators)

• Visitors are persons who wish to observe a laser in operation

• permission from the PI required

• degree of hazard, avoidance procedure must be explained

• appropriate protective measures to be taken

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Levels of Responsibilities

• Registration of lasers: PI, LSO

• Laser Safety Inspections: EHS, LSO

• Education and Training: PI to ensure that personnel

is trained by EHS or other

• Baseline examination: EHS, LSO

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Basic Definitions

Laser: light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation

Laser device: a device which produces an intense, coherent and

directional beam of monochromatic light (1 wavelength or color) by

stimulating electronic transitions to low energy levels

Laser system: assembly of 1 or more lasers

Laser classification: number increases with beam hazard

Embedded laser: enclosed laser that lowers the laser hazard

Diffuse reflection: beam is reflected in many directions & changes spatial

distribution

Specular reflection: a mirror-like reflection and no change in beam spatial

distribution

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Specularly Reflected

LightIncident Light

Diffusely Reflected

Light

Incident Light

Visibly rough surface may produce specular reflections at longer wavelengths (CO2 laser at 10.6 μm)

Specular & Diffuse reflections

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Basic Definitions

Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)

The level of laser radiation to which, an unprotected person

may be exposed without adverse biological changes in the eye

or skin.

Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ)

The space within which direct, reflected, or scattered radiation

may exceed the applicable MPE. Exposure levels beyond the

boundary of the NHZ are within the MPE.

Aversion Response: is the closing of the eyelid or movement of

the head to avoid exposure to bright light or visible laser

wavelengths and occur with 0.25 second.

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Laser Components

• Lasers require 3 components to operate:

• Active medium

• With wavelength determines the laser beam’s output

(i.e. solid or semi-solid material, dye or gas)

• Excitation mechanism

• Input energy device (i.e. an intense light or electrical

current )

• Optical resonator

• 2 specially designed mirror opposed to each other

resulting in the beam output

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Optical Resonator (laser cavity)

High reflection mirror

Energy (excitation) source

Active (amplifying orgain) medium

Emerging Laser Beam

Partial reflection mirror

Laser Components-Visual Example

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Laser Categories

• Lasers are classified by active medium, wavelength, &

maximum output power

• Lasers are characterized by their active medium:

• Solid

• Solid state

• Semi conductor (diode)

• Liquid (Dye)

• Gas

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Laser Categories - Solids

• Solid state lasers:

• Optically clear materials such as glass or host crystal

• Ruby laser, Nd:YAG (neodymium: yttrium/aluminum/garnet) laser

• Operate as continuous wave (CW) or pulse mode

• Semi conductor (diode) lasers:

• Most common laser composed of 3 families of diode lasers:

• GaAlAs (gallium/aluminum/arsenide) from 750 to 950 nm used in

CD & CD/ROM players

• InGaASP (Indium/gallium/arsenide/phosphide) from 1100 to 1650

nm used in optical telecommunications

• AlGaInP (aluminum/gallium/arsenide/phosphide) operates in the

visible spectrum, primarily red

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Laser Construction

Solid state laser (e.g. Nd:YAG)

Optical Resonator (laser cavity)

High reflection mirror

Energy (excitation) source

Active (amplifying orgain) medium

Emerging Laser Beam

Partial reflection mirror

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Laser Construction

Semiconductor (diode) laser

Active Region

−Lead

Polished Face (mirror) Polished Face

Current Lead+

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Laser Categories – Liquids & Gases

• Liquid (dye) lasers:

• Use a flowing dye as the active medium

• Operate either as pulse or CW mode

• Example: Argon laser

• Gas lasers

• Examples: HeNe (helium-neon) laser, CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser, and

Ar (argon) laser

• Operate in CW

• Excimer (“excited dimer”) lasers like XeCl (xenon-chloride) laser,

function in ultraviolet spectrum & operate in the pulse mode

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Laser Construction

Gas laser (e.g. He-Ne, Argon, CO2)

Mirror Partial MirrorTube

Cathode Anode

ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE

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Laser Categories – By wavelength

Copyright 2005 Laser Institute of America Copyright 2005 Laser Institute of America Copyright 2005 Laser Institute of America

Common Laser classifications by wavelength

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Modes of Operation

• Continuous wave (CW)

• Pulsed mode

• Q-switched (~10-250 ns)

• Single pulses

• Repetitively pulsed

• Scanning (1D or 2D)

• Combinations of modes

• Ultra-short (femtosecond) pulses (10-15 sec)

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Is anything wrong on this picture?

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Beam Exposure (radiation hazards)

Laser Hazards

•Direct beam•Specular reflections•Diffuse reflections

Associated Hazards (non-beam)

•Eye hazards•Skin hazards

Many types hazards

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Eye Hazards

Simplified Schematic of the Human Eye

Sclera

Choroid

Fovea

Visual axis

Optic nerve

Vitreoushumor

Lens

Iris

Cornea

Aqueoushumor

Ciliarymuscle

Retina

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Retinal Hazard Range400 nm to 1400 nm

Visible and near infrared radiation is transmitted through and focused on the retina

Eye Hazards

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UVB and UVC (180-315 nm)

andFar IR and Mid IR

(1400 nm to 1 mm)

Visible (400–700 nm)

andNear IR

(700–1400 nm)

UVA

(315 – 400 nm)

Absorption of optical radiationby the human eye

UV damage at the cornea IR damage at the retina UV damage at the cornea

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Summary of bioeffects on the eye and skin

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Non-Beam hazards

Electrical

Fire

Ancillary radiation (other radiation hazards)

Explosion

Compressed gases, cryogenics

Laser Generated Air Contaminants

Noise, confined space, robotics (crushing)

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Laser Classifications

Class 1:

• Generally safe during operation

• Incapable of producing eye injury

• Low emission levels or beam completely enclosed

• Exempt from control measures or surveillance

Class 1M:

• Safe for the naked eye during operation

• Only concern: optically aided viewing

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Laser Classifications

Class 2:

• Visible wavelengths only (0.4 to 0.7 μm)

• Eye protected by the aversion response (0.25 s)

• Maximum CW output: 1 mW

Class 2M: (low power)

• Visible wavelengths only (0.4 to 0.7 μm)

• Naked eye protected by the aversion response (0.25 s)

• Potentially hazardous if viewed with optical aids

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Laser Classifications

Class 3R: (replaced the 3A)

• Potentially hazardous direct viewing

• Probability of actual injury is small

• Not a diffuse reflection hazard

• Maximum visible CW power 5 mW

Class 3B:

• May be hazardous for direct and specular reflection

• Normally not a diffuse reflection or fire hazard

• Maximum CW power 500 mW

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Laser Classifications

Class 4:

• Hazard to the eye and skin

• From direct beam, specular and diffuse reflections

• Fire hazard

• LGACs – respiratory hazards

• Hazardous plasma radiation

• CW power > 500 mW

LGACs = laser-generated air contaminants

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Laser Accidents – Potential Causes

Conditions associated with laser accidents:

1. Unanticipated eye/skin exposure during alignment 2. Misaligned optics and upwardly directed beams3. Available eye protection not used4. Equipment malfunction5. Improper methods of handling high voltage6. Intentional exposure of unprotected personnel7. Operators unfamiliar with laser equipment8. Lack of protection for non-beam hazards9. Improper restoration of equipment after service10. Use of eyewear not appropriate for laser in use 11. Inhalation of laser-generated air contaminants12. Fires resulting from ignition of materials13. Failure to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

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Where is the laser?

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Specifics of Laser Use in Research

• Various and changing applications

• Multiple lasers and/or multiple users in same area

• Experimental work, prototypes, pushing the limits

• Presence of not involved personnel

• Frequent modifications and/or alignment

• Large number of optical components

• Beam enclosures and interlocking - rarely feasible

• Heavy reliance on safety goggles

• No specific budget for laser safety

• Experienced researchers may inadequately train new researchers to deal with laser hazards

and/or laser safety practices

• Lack of centralized control on new laser purchasing

• Researchers simply may be unaware about the laser safety program

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A typical laser laboratory

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High Risk Laser Scenarios

• Laser system requiring frequent alignment

• Many optical components

• Access to a high power open beam

• Different operators using the same laser system

• Same laser used for different applications

• Several lasers used within the same lab

• Laser service, repair, alignment, testing

• Experimental use or building of prototypes

• Outdoor use

• Inadequate training

• Safety goggles considered as the only protection measure

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Approach to Control Measures

• To reduce the possibility of eye/skin exposure

• Prescribed according to classification

• Approved, monitored and enforced by LSO

• Minimum laser radiation sufficient for the application

• Beam height – not at eye level !

• Engineering controls primary consideration

• Enclosure preferred method of control

• If engineering controls impractical or inadequate administrative and

procedural controls and PPE

• Embedded lasers – what is the class of the enclosed laser

• LSO: may request additional safety instructions for special use

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Control Measures for Specific Operations

• Class 3B and 4 lasers require supervised operation

• Laser operator needs to maintain visual control

• Visual contact necessary to terminate operations in case

of malfunction or unsafe conditions arise

• Unsupervised operations granted if accessible levels are

< MPE by control measures

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Control Measures for Unattended Use

Unattended use of Class 3B/4 lasers only permitted when:

– LSO has implemented adequate control measures

and laser safety training to those who may enter the

area

– the area is posted with a “DANGER” sign

– the sign contains appropriate instructions regarding

the hazards of entry into the area

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LEGEND NR No requirement NHZ Nominal Hazard Zone analysis requiredMPE Required if MPE is exceededLSO Alternative Controls to be established by the Laser Safety Officer

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User-Built Enclosures

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User-Built Enclosures

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Enclosure provided by manufacturer

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Partial beam enclosure

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Curtain

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Beam path between enclosures

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Side shield / desk

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Side shield

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Corner shrouds

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Sample warning signsfor Class 3B and 4 lasers emitting visible radiation

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Sample warning signs for Class 3B and 4lasers emitting invisible radiation

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Sample warning signs for Class 3B and 4 lasersemitting visible and invisible radiation

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Sample sign for a Temporary Laser Controlled Area during service (Class 4 embedded laser)

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Laser Controlled Area

• Controlled access by trained personnel

• Posted with warning signs outside and within the area

• Beam path is well defined

• Well defined & controlled if laser beam extends outdoor

• Supervision by an individual knowledgeable in laser safety

• Access by spectators (visitors) is limited and requires

approval

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Laser Controlled Area - Continued

• Potentially hazardous beam properly terminated

• Only diffuse materials near the beam (where feasible)

• Personnel provided with appropriate eye protection

• Exposed beam path - above or below eye level

• Windows, doors, etc. covered or restricted so laser < MPE

• Disable laser when not in use to prevent unauthorized use

• “Emergency Stop” installed if necessary

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Laser Controlled Area - Continued

Entryway Controls:

• Quick exit at all times in case of emergency

• Non-defeatable (non-override) Safety Controls

• Procedural Safety Controls:

• Authorized personnel is trained and adequate PPE provided

• A blocking barrier to screen the laser radiation at the entryway

• An activation warning (light or sound) indicates that laser is

operates at Class 4 levels

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Barriers

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Entryway controls – Activation warning signage 1st example

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Entryway controls –Activation warning light 2nd example

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Activation warning signage with curtain

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Entryway controls – Activation warning signage with procedures

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Entryway controls –

Using curtain

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Door signs with procedures

With proper info on laser type, wavelength, output power, & pulse energy

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Outdoor Use of Lasers

• NHZ evaluation is required including all possible

beam directions

• Use of optical aids to be considered

• Exposure levels << MPE may be of concern (50

nW/cm2)

• Lasers in navigable airspace: • Canada: NAVCAN, Transport Canada, Health Canada

• US: FAA, Space Command

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Administrative & Procedural Controls

• Engineering controls - primary consideration

• When impractical or inadequate –

• administrative and procedural controls

• personal protective equipment

• Include methods or instructions which specify rules or

work practices

• May specify the use of personal protective equipment.

• Normally apply to Class 3B and 4 lasers

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LEGEND

NHZ Nominal Hazard Zone analysis requiredLSO To be determined by the Laser Safety OfficerMPE Required if MPE is exceeded

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Administrative & Procedural Controlsfor Alignment Procedures

Alignment Procedures

• A temporary beam attenuator to reduce the level < MPE

• Written alignment methods

• Use of low power visible lasers

• Only by those who have received laser safety training

• Exclude unnecessary personnel from the area

• Wear protective eyewear and clothing

• Use beam viewers or other devices

• Use the laser shutter

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Administrative & Procedural Controlsfor Alignment - Continued

Alignment Procedures

• Beam stop to terminate high power beams

• Barriers to block potential stray beams

• Beam blocks behind optics (e.g. mirrors)

• Block stray reflections before proceeding to next component

• Assure beams and reflections are terminated before high power operation

• Post with appropriate area warning sign

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Administrative & Procedural Controlsfor Laser Demonstrations

Laser Demonstrations Involving the General Public

• Require special control measures that are different in

nature

• Limitation of exposure and access to invisible laser

radiation

• Safety considerations for operators and performers

• Emission prevention in case of failure of scanning devices

• Unsupervised installations – specific vertical and lateral

separation distance requirements

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Administrative & Procedural Controlsfor Laser Demos - Continued

Laser Demonstrations Involving the General Public

• Supervised laser installations – visual access by operator

and distance considerations

• Beam termination in case of malfunction, audience

unruliness, or other unsafe conditions

• Maximum power limitations

• Posting of warning signs and logos

• Compliance with federal, provincial or local (e.g.

municipal) requirements.

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Administrative & Procedural Controlsfor LOFTS

Laser Optical Fiber Transmission Systems• Enclosed systems

• Requirements for LOFTS are normally different

• If accessible radiation when disconnected < MPE by engineering

controls then an uncontrolled area & no other controls needed

• If accessible radiation > MPE:

- during operation controlled area

- during maintenance or service temporary controlled area

- fibers attached to laser not to be disconnected before termination of the beam

into the fiber

- connector to bear a label “Hazardous Laser Radiation when Disconnected”

- Procedures for broken/loose fibers (lock/tag at laser) need to be initiated

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Administrative & Procedural Controlsfor Laser Robotics

Laser Robotic Installations• robot envelope should include the laser NHZ

• where beam is focused, safeguards can be

guaranteed if:

- design or control measures in combination provide

positive beam termination

- beam geometry is limited to only necessary task

- workers located at a distance >= lens-on-laser NHZ

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What is wrong ?

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PE & PPE

Protective Equipment (PE) & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Enclosure of laser or beam - preferred method

• When other controls inadequate, use of PE & PPE may be

necessary

• Goggles, safety glasses, face shields, barriers, windows,

clothing, gloves, etc.

• PPE may have serious limitations if the only control used

• PPE may not adequately reduce/eliminate hazard

• PPE may be damaged by the laser radiation.

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When to use protective eyewear?

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PPE - Eyewear

Eye protection

• should be required and enforced for Class 3B

• must be required and enforced for Class 4

• PI responsible that PPE is available and worn in NHZ

• PI must assure that PPE is labeled with the OD & λ info

• Color coding or other identification recommended in

multi-laser environments

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PPE - Continued

• PPE must withstand direct or scattered beams as intended

• Damage threshold is typically for a 10 seconds duration

• Damage threshold not to be exceeded in the “worst case”

scenarios

• Request test data from manufacturers to confirm suitability

• PPE must be periodically cleaned and inspected

• Suspicious eyewear should be tested & discarded or

replaced.

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PPE – for UV lasers

UV Laser Protection

• UV requires particular care (cumulative, eye/skin)

• Both eye and skin protection

• Face shields & clothing in addition to protective eyewear

• Specific UV wavelengths !

• PPE must be used with open Class 3B or 4 UV lasers

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Protective Eyewear & OD

Optical Density (OD)

• measure of absorption (or transmission) of a material

• wavelength dependent

OD = log10 (1/Tλ) = log10 (Hp /MPE)

Tλ = transmittance

Hp = potential laser exposure (e.g. irradiance)

• Hp and MPE: same units !

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Protective Eyewear & OD - Continued

• OD and wavelengths must be specified

• Many lasers emit more than a single wavelength

• PPE designed for a particular wavelength, may have

inadequate OD at another wavelength from the same

laser.

• Particularly serious with tunable lasers

• Alternative solution, use TV cameras

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PPE – Skin Protection

Skin Protection

• In applications where UV excimer lasers are used

• A must if repeated/long term exposures are anticipated

• Potentially damaging skin exposure possible at UVs of

295 - 400 nm

• Controls best achieved by engineering controls

• Or use skin-covers and/or “sun screen” creams

• Most gloves provide some protection

• Tightly woven fabrics made for laboratory jackets and

coats with opaque gloves are best

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Protective Equipment - Other Types

Other Protective Equipment

May be required whenever engineering controls cannot

provide protection from a harmful environment:

• Respirators

• Local exhaust ventilation

• Fire extinguishers

• Hearing protection, etc.

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Review of Common Laser Deficiencies

• Just “Not looking” at beam often considered sufficient

• Open beams at eye levels

• Poor beam management (open, reflections, stops)

• Eyewear considered before engineering controls

• Disabled interlocks and/or removed protective covers

• No manual, no SOP for operation/alignment

• Access by non-authorized personnel

• Missing or inadequate warning signs/labels

• Inadequate entryway controls, and no indication of laser

operation

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Review of Common Laser DeficienciesContinued

• MPE unknown, NHZ not determined

• Key not removed when laser not in use

• Safety practices as oral instructions only (do and don’t)

• No emergency stop

• No skin protection from UV

• Improper eyewear (markings, damaged, mixed with others)

• Flammable or reflective materials near Class 4 beams

• No protection from non-beam hazards

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Is this warning sign sufficient?

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Is this a warning sign?

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Which warning label is correct?

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What is missing?

Laser type?, Wavelength Range?, Maximum Output Power?, Maximum Pulse Energy?

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What is wrong here?

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Is this anadequate

enclosure?

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Is the open beam necessary?

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Non-Beam Hazards

• Do not result from direct exposure to the laser beam

• Physical, chemical, and biological considerations

• May occur when:– materials exposed lead to fire or airborne contaminants

– laser generation materials (e.g. gases or dyes) are released into the air, or

– contact with components (e.g. shock or electrocution).

• Can be life threatening (electrocution)

• Control measures are different from laser beam controls

• Written SOPs must also address non-beam hazards

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Non-Beam Hazards – Physical Agents

• Electrical hazards• Electric shock

• Resistive heating

• Spark ignition of flammable materials

• Ionizing & Non-ionizing Radiation• X ray-radiation from high-voltage vacuum tubes (>15 kV), or laser-

metal induced plasmas

• Ultraviolet (UV) and visible from laser-matter interactions with targets

• Electric, Magnetic or Electromagnetic Fields maybe generated and

pose an exposure risk

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Physical Agents -Continued

Fire Hazards• Class 4 • Wires, plastic tubing, flammable components• Invisible wavelengths – special concern• Open beams easily misaligned

Explosion Hazards• High-pressure arc lamps, filament lamps, and capacitor banks• Explosive chemical reactions • Target and optical elements may shatter (when contaminated)• Enclosing, shielding or other measures maybe required

Noise• Noise control may be required for certain lasers (e.g. pulsed

excimer lasers)• TWA-TLV: ACGIH (85 dBA for 8 hrs) or Quebec Standard (90

dBA for 8 hrs) will apply

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Mechanical Hazards of Robotics

Robots can:

• punch holes in protective housing

• damage beam delivery system

• aim laser beam at operators or enclosure

Mechanical safety considerations:

▪ worker pinned between robot and object (“pinch effect”)

▪ worker injured by moving parts of the robotic system

Control measures may include:

• Surface interlock mats

• Interlock light curtains

• Non-rigid walls and barriers

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Non-Beam Hazards - Chemical Agents

• MSDS required for all chemicals

• Workers must have completed a WHMIS course

• Gases can be exhausted by lasers and produced by

targets

• Proper ventilation required to reduce exposure

levels

For further information contact EHS

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Chemical Agents - LGAC

Laser Generated Airborne Contaminants (LGAC)

• Plastics, composites, metals, and tissues may produce

carcinogenic, toxic and noxious airborne contaminants

• Some materials will burn and/or create hazardous

airborne contaminants (i.e. dust, smoke, vapor, etc.)

• Exposure to LGAC should be controlled

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Chemical Agents – Compressed Gases

Compressed Gases

• Hazardous gases - Exhaust cabinets with sensors

• SOP for safe handling

Commonly found with laser dyes and solvents

Control measures should reduce the gas concentration

Examples include: ventilation, isolation, respiratory

protection, gas sensors & alarms

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Example of an Exhaust Cabinet

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Non-Beam Hazards – Biological LGAC

Biological Agents

• LGAC may include infectious materials

• LGAC may be generated when laser interact

with tissue

• Bacteria and viruses may survive beam

irradiation and become airborne

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Non-Beam Hazards – Human Factors

Human FactorsErgonomics • Glare, startle reactions, afterimages and temporary flash blindness• Reported as distractions leading to other problems• LSO should be aware that these issues may create visual distractions

Limited Work Space• Problem near mechanical or high voltage equipment• Room needed to work and maneuver comfortably• Bigger problem, when more than one laser is in operation• Wires and cables on the floor (can lead to Trip & Fall Hazards)• Local exhaust, ventilation & respiratory protection maybe needed if

LGACs are generated

Work Patterns• Changes in work shift from day to evening to night• Extended or excessive work hours • May affect worker alertness and affect safety compliance

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Non-Beam Hazards – Waste Disposal

Laser and Laser Waste Disposal• Give or donate

• assure that laser complies with product safety standards • provide adequate safety instructions for operation and maintenance

• ensure laser will be used by users trained in laser safety

• Return to manufacturer for credit if applicable

• Render inoperable (remove all means for activation) if

to be disposed

• Dispose by contacting the LSO

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Laser Waste Disposal-Continued

• Laser disposal can have landfill restrictions

• Hazardous materials may be found inside the laser

• Contaminated material must be handled in

conformance with appropriate federal, provincial and

local guidelines

• Contact the LSO for assistance

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Medical Examinations & Surveillance

• Baseline eye examinations are provided by EHS

• Periodic eye examinations - not required

• In case of accidental exposure, follow McGill

accident/incident/occupational diseases protocol

• Medical examination – preferably done within 48 hours

• For 400 – 1400 nm lasers, exams must be done by an

ophthalmologist

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Emergency Procedures & Accident Reporting

• Consider wavelength, emission specs and

exposure situation to assure an appropriate

medical referral

• In the retinal hazard region, examinations

should be performed by an ophthalmologist

• Employees with skin injuries should be seen

by a physician

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Emergency Procedures & Accident ReportingContinued

• If accident requires ambulance, fire and police, call 911

• Then contact McGill Security Services to direct emergency

vehicles to the proper location:

Downtown campus: 514-398-3000

Macdonald campus: 514-398-7777

• For hazardous materials spills call McGill Security

Services. Hazmat response team maybe dispatched.

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Emergency Procedures & Accident ReportingThe Method Used

Reporting laser accidents/incidents

• All accidents, incidents (near accidents) and operating

irregularities must be reported to the Departmental Safety

Committee and EHS for investigation, analysis and

remedial action

• The McGill Accident, Incident, Occupational Disease

Report Form must be completed and sent to EHS

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The End

Questions & Answers

Quiz