Laser safety

The general guidelines to follow include:

• Do not work alone.

• Always wear personal protective glasses whenever lasers are in the same room, irrespective of whether you are using that laser or not.

• Never look directly at the laser beam or light-pump source.

• The level of the laser beam should be close to hip.

• Never wear jewellery when operating a laser. Metal jewellery can be conductive. Jewellery in general can create a specular reflection hazard. This includes wrist watches.

• Keep a high general illumination level where lasers are in operation to cause contraction of pupils and reduced hazard.

• Post warning signs on laser equipment and on the doors of labs/rooms that have laser equipment.

• Good quality laser protection goggles often have relevant protection levels listed on them. Before using a laser equipment, always check if the protection is adequate.

• Avoid standing in water and assume that all floors are conductive when working with high voltage.

• Use rubber gloves and insulating floor mats when available.

• Maintain access to main power shutoff.

Make sure you are!!!

All users of laser lab must pass the laser safety test. The test report is valid for one year from the date of passing the test. To continue working in the laboratory the user must successfully pass the test every year. It is mandatory to score a minimum of 80% in the test in order to gain access to working in the laboratory. Please write to me for taking the test. The study material for the test can be found on the Resources page. The test will be usually based on Item number 21, 44, 45 and 52 of the resources page. Some basic science taught in high school could be asked.