Laser Safety Policy

Policy Summary

Each department at The George Washington University ("GW" or "university") that acquires or operates lasers for use in laboratories or research is responsible for reporting laser acquisition to the Office of Research Safety (ORS), selecting a departmental Deputy Laser Safety Officer (DLSO), mandating training for its laser operators in operational and safety practices, and for following the GW guidelines and requirements.  If improperly used or controlled, lasers can produce multiple injuries, including burns, blindness, and electrocution. This policy and related procedures were developed to provide safety and training. 

Related Regulations

• The Federal Laser Product Performance Standard (FLPPS) 21 CFR Part 1040 of the FDA/Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) 
• "American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers" (ANSI Z136.1 – 2022), published by the American National Standards Institute. 
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 115 Standard for Laser Fire Protection 
• IEC 60825 International Standard 

Who is Governed by this Policy

• Students
• Staff
• Faculty
• Non-university entities using property, equipment, or facilities

Policy

This policy applies to lasers used in laboratories or research. Departments that acquire or operate such lasers are responsible for following the guidelines and procedures for laser use and safety set forth in this policy and in the Laser Safety Manual. ORS will appoint a knowledgeable Laser Safety Officer (LSO) to oversee the university’s Laser Safety Program. 

An individual who willfully or negligently violates this policy, federal, or state rules and regulations governing the use of lasers may have their approval use suspended or revoked by the Office of Lab Safety Manager pending review by the Associate Provost for Research Integrity and Compliance. 

Reporting Acquisition of Lasers 

Only lasers of Class 3B and 4 that are acquired by departments must be reported in writing to the ORS. The written notice shall include the manufacturer, laser class, room and building where the laser will be used, and the party responsible for the laser. This can be done using the GW Laser Safety Inventory Form.  

Appointment of Deputy Laser Safety Officer 

Each department that operates lasers must select a DLSO who is responsible for the safe operation of all lasers under their control. The DLSO will be the primary contact between ORS and the respective department.  The DLSO shall be responsible for notifying ORS within 24 hours of any accident involving a laser. Lasers involved in an accident must be taken out of service immediately. Any DLSO changes or removal or disposal of lasers must be reported to ORS within 24 hours. 

Mandatory Training for Laser Operators 

Individual users of lasers must be adequately trained and demonstrate full understanding of the safety practices outlined in the Laser Safety Manual, which was developed to provide safety and training information to faculty, staff, and students who work with or in proximity to lasers. Equipment, information, and training for students will be administered by individual academic departments or by ORS depending on laser class. Completion of online training organized by ORS is required for departments that use Class 3B or 4 lasers. The DLSO and any other users must complete this training every three years as the laser(s) in question are present in a research space. Detailed safety guidelines and procedures are set forth on the ORS website and in the Laser Safety Manual, and are taken from the "American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers" (ANSI Z136.1 – 2022), published by the American National Standards Institute. 

Definitions

Laser: A device that emits electromagnetic radiation (usually in the UV, visible, or infrared spectra) in a concentrated beam that is monochromatic, spatially coherent, and has a narrow divergence.  

Laser Class: The ANSI Laser Safety standard has defined Laser Hazard Classes, which are based on the relative dangers associated with using these lasers.

Class 3b Laser: Any laser that is considered hazardous under direct and specular viewing, but diffuse reflections are not usually hazardous. Requires a Laser Safety Officer and written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Class 4 Laser: Powerful lasers that put out enough energy that even diffuse reflections are a hazard. Can start fires in unsafe conditions and will cause severe retinal injury and burn the skin upon accidental exposure. Requires a Laser Safety Officer and written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Procedures

All procedures can be found on the ORS website and in the Laser Safety Manual.

Contacts