The first laser was produced in 1960 and soon after was used to heat and destroy tumors in human body tissue. Since that time, laser use has expanded into other areas of medicine, industry, construction, laboratory research, entertainment, and the military. Unfortunately, the widespread use of lasers has resulted in many workplace injuries. These injuries are most often on the retina, an area at the back of the eye that sends messages from the optic nerve to the brain. Retinal injuries can result in sudden blindness and severe complications. However, these safe practices can help prevent accidental laser eye injuries.
1 Know the sources of laser radiation.
Sources of workplace laser radiation range from tattoo removal to semiconductor manufacturing. An effective safety plan requires a customized review of all laser radiation sources at each work site.
- Industrial lasers typically are used for cutting, welding, or other types of material processing.
- Medical and surgical lasers are often used in ophthalmology, microsurgery, diagnostics, dermatology, and cosmetic procedures.
- Communication lasers are often confined to maintenance and service procedures on fiber optics.
- Display and entertainment lasers may emit many watts of visible light that can be very dangerous if system safety features fail during operations.
- Scientific laser applications are the hardest to control and categorize since almost any possible exposure wavelength or condition can occur.
2 Identify the hazards and assess the risks.
The most important step in finding hazards and evaluating risks of workplace lasers is to identify the level of radiation each beam emits under normal operating conditions. There are five laser classifications: Class I, Class II, Class III-a, Class III-b, and Class IV. These categories indicate the laser’s ability to cause damage to the eyes or other tissue from the least hazardous (Class I) to the most hazardous (Class IV). Hazard identification and risk assessment also include evaluating the environment where the laser is used; the level of training the laser operators have; how many workers may be exposed to it; and the intended use of the laser.
3 Limit exposure to laser radiation.
Beam hazards, non-beam hazards, and biological hazards should all be considered when deciding how to control radiation. Hazard control measures may include:
- keeping the laser’s optics aligned;
- ensuring safe methods are used when handling high voltage;
- preventing unprotected personnel from entering the laser area; and
- anticipating and providing protection for possible hazards, such as eye exposure while aligning the laser beam.
4 Use appropriate eye protection.
Protective safety glasses must match the laser’s wavelength frequency and the type of laser being used. Laser safety glasses are measured in optical density (the ability of the filter to block the light from a particular wavelength). The higher the optical density, the more light from the wavelength is blocked. Always select laser eye protection that filters the maximum expected radiant exposure.
5 Provide training.
All workers who may be exposed to laser radiation should get training on possible hazards and how to protect themselves. Operation of Class III-b or Class IV laser systems are a hazard not only to the operator, but also to others, even at longer distances. For this reason, only trained workers should control lasers. Training should include system operating procedures; the health effects of lasers on the eyes and other tissue; the proper use of hazard control procedures; the need for personal protection; the consequences if protection is not used; the accident-reporting procedures; and where to get medical attention.
For more information on laser safety and eye protection, review OSHA’s Laser Hazards website, the International Radiation Protection Association’s online publication, The Use of Lasers in the Workforce, or the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)-Workplace Safety’s eye wellness publications and online safety videos. DWC’s safety training specialists are also able to help companies create a workplace health and safety plan and eye protection measures by contacting safetytraining@tdi.texas.gov or 1-800-252-7031, option 2.