Laser safety

Purchasing lasers

The process for purchasing equipment found on the plant and equipment safety web page needs to be followed when purchasing and commissioning lasers.

Managing the risks

Laser equipment that introduces a risk into the workplace must be assessed and managed in accordance with the University’s WHS Risk Management Procedures.  The laser risk assessment process must consider all stages of the laser equipment life cycle.

The Manager/ Supervisor responsible for the laser equipment must make sure that a risk assessment is conducted and documented where it is identified that controls are required to be implemented.

Training

General laser safety

All Class 3 or 4 laser users need to attend general laser safety training delivered by the University Laser Safety Officer.  Please contact the University Laser Safety Officer via the WHS Unit to arrange training.

Specific Lasers

Managers, Supervisors and Researchers need to ensure that every person using a laser is trained on the safe work procedure of the laser being utilised.  Training records must be kept locally.  Training should be reviewed to ensure it covers all aspects of the laser equipment’s use, hazards and control measures  (including if it has multiple uses for research).

Disposal of lasers

When disposing of lasers, they must be decommissioned and/or dismantled by a competent person.  The Disposal of Plant / Acceptance Conditions of Plant form (Plant and Equipment) process must be used to dispose or transfer ownership of a laser.