Laser Hazards* and Emergency Response
In the Event of an Incident, Notify the
CSULB Laser Safety Officer at x55623
Injury to Personnel
Immediately call 911 for assistance. Notify the Primary Investigator or any supervisory personnel in the area. If possible, turn off the laser equipment involved in the injury. Use standard first aid if appropriate.
Hazardous Material Spills
In the event that hazardous material is spilled, isolate the spill if possible. Unless you are confident that you can safely clean up the spill yourself, contact Campus Safety & Risk Management at x52283 (CNSM personnel may call the CNSM Safety Office at x55623) and describe the nature of the incident. If outside of normal business hours call 911. If possible turn off equipment as appropriate. Evacuate the lab and await responders.
Fire
Shut down the laser if possible. Announce to any persons in the area that a fire has occurred. Evacuate the area immediately and call 911 from any available phone. The source of ignition should be investigated by a laser Professional prior to operating the laser again.
Eye Hazards
Properly rated eye
protection must be worn if the person could potentially be exposed to a
hazardous beam or its reflection!
Retinal burns and other retinal damage are most likely to result from exposure to laser light in the visible and near-infrared regions (400-1400 nm).
Corneal effects such as photokeratitis or welders flash may occur from exposure to laser light in the mid-infrared, far-infrared and middle ultra-violet ranges (1400nm-1 mm, and 180-315 nm).
Cataracts or clouding of the lens of the eye may occur from exposure to laser light in the near-ultraviolet region (315-390 nm).
Skin Hazards
The damaging effects to the skin is principally erythema or sunburn. Damage to the skin may occur from exposure to laser light in the range of 230-380 nm. The most severe effects to the skin occur from exposure to laser light in the UV-B region (280-315 nm). Wear protective clothing/personal protective equipment as appropriate.
Electrical Hazards
The most serious hazard from the operation of high powered lasers is the possibility of electrical shock. The operator must be aware of those areas where high voltage is present. Regard all floors as conductive and never defeat laser interlock systems. Access to high voltage electricity should be physically restricted wherever possible. Visual inspections should be performed by laser users to check for appropriate insulation of high voltage contacts.
Chemical Hazards
Some lasers use chemical dyes and solvents. All lab personnel must be aware of these chemical hazards and have access to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical. If hazardous chemicals come into contact with your skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and call 911 for assistance.
The Primary
Investigator is responsible for enforcing the use of appropriate eye
protection, and ensuring that all prospective laser users receive adequate and
appropriate laser safety and operational training prior to laser use.
References: “Laser Safety Guide” Laser Institute of