Laser Training:
Recommended Laser Training Requirements: The LSO
shall insure that all employees assigned to service, maintain,
install, adjust, and operate laser equipment be appropriately
qualified and trained. The training program should be designed
appropriate to the Class of laser radiation accessible during
the required task(s) of the personnel. Laser area supervisors
shall maintain the names of all persons trained and date of training
and inform the LSO of training completions and requirements.
A. Class I Training:
Class I training can be limited, in general, to information contained
in the operation/maintenance manuals of the laser Manufacturer.
No additional operator training is necessary provided the Class
I status is maintained.
B. Class II, Class IIA and Class IIIA Training:
Class II, Class IIA and Class IIIA training can include information
contained in the operation/maintenance manuals of the laser Manufacturer
and, where appropriate, additional basic safety guide literature
of a general topic nature. Short, concise audio-visual programs
can also enhance understanding of hazards in some use scenarios
especially where Class II, Class IIA or Class IIIA laser systems
are subject to frequent operator changes.
C. Class IIIB and Class IV Training:
Class IIIB and Class IV training is recommended for those working
with Class IIIB and Class IV lasers, including operators, maintenance
personnel, service persons as-well-as those on the technical support
staff, technicians, ..etc. The training should provide a complete
understanding of the requirements of a safe laser environment
and include discussion of the hazards, safety devices required,
procedures related to operating the equipment, warning sign requirements
and description of medical surveillance practices. Emphasis should
be placed on practical, safe laser techniques and procedures as
well as safety devices that provide an overall safe environment.
D. Laser Safety Officer Training:
Laser Safety Officer training is required for the facility LSO.
This can be a comprehensive multi-day course which covers the
all key aspects of laser safety and a indepth review of the appropriate
standards, OSHA requirements, and needs for state and local compliance,
as appropriate.
E. Update Training Requirements:
Update training requirements have been shown to be appropriate,
especially for research and service personnel where beam alignment
is a frequent work requirement. For example, one published account
by an individual who lost the sight of one eye when protective
eyewear was not used, concluded: "But more important than
the actual event is the idea that this incident could have been
avoided. Don't let it happen to you or a co-worker. Take time
to assess safety conditions, and do it again in 6 months or a
year; additional hazards arise in an ever-changing research environment.
Safety deserves your thoughtful considerations, now, before your
accident."
F. Tailored Training Sessions:
There often will be a need to tailor the laser safety training
session for each of the different groups that use lasers in the
facility. Often the type of laser(s) and locations will impact
the content of the training program. For example, the hazards
and controls recommended for the far-infrared CO(2) lasers are
usually different than those for a near-infrared Nd:YAG laser
or a visible Argon Ion laser or an ultraviolet Excimer laser.
Where possible, the specific course content should be designed
for the lasers and personnel in the environment.
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