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Overview
The MIT Laser Safety Program is established to provide staff, researchers, students and visitors with a safe laser use environment.
“Massachusetts state laws[1] and Institute policy require registration of all Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. We’re here to help.”
A Radiation Protection (RP) Officer works with a contact in the lab, such as the EHS Rep, to help researchers comply with required training, registrations, safety procedures and hazard assessments. We are also available to answer any questions or concerns.
To register your lab and lasers, complete the following forms. Once a form is received by RPP, the RPP Officer will contact you. Notify RPP of any changes that may affect laser safety.
RPP Staff will work with the lab to help minimize risks and determine appropriate controls.
Laser Safety Procedure (LSP)
Before starting work, an LSP must be approved by RPP for each laser system. LSPs must be maintained and made available at the lab. Here’s a copy of the Laser Safety Procedure.
After completing the laser safety course the laser worker registration form must be submitted to RPP. Here’s a copy of the Laser Worker Registration.
Laser Specific Training
This training is provided by the PI or an experienced laser user in the lab. The training should include the basic operation of the laser, its associated systems and a focus on the established Laser Safety Procedures of each laser in the lab. The RPP Officer is available to assist in the development of Laser Specific Training.
Laser Eye Exam
In the event of any accidental or suspected eye exposure to laser radiation, proceed immediately to the MIT Health Department for a thorough eye examination by the ophthalmologist.
In addition, MIT strongly encourages baseline eye examinations for all faculty, staff, researchers and students working with open beam Class 4 lasers or laser systems.
Appropriate PPE will be determined during the RPP Hazard Assessment. The lab is responsible for maintaining PPE in good condition. Eyewear should fit properly and be made available for all who work in the laser lab. Consult the RPP Officer when considering new PPE purchases.
A MIT Laser Safety Officer from EHS Radiation Protection shall be consulted to determine the required access control and posting requirements.
To prevent unauthorized access to an active laser lab, Class 3B and4 laser labs require access control. The three most common controls are: Door interlock systems, Electronic lock (keypad / RFID), and Hazard/Warning posting
Disposal
Contact Radiation Protection to remove from inventory and for disposal options
Deactivate Laser with Property Office
Render inoperable
Check for hazardous materials
Transfer of ownership
Contact Radiation Protection prior to transfer.
Notify RPP when the lab is ready to terminate the laser registration.
See disposal for equipment removal/disposal
All proposed outdoor lasing shall be reviewed in advance by RPP to ensure compliance with FDA, FAA and LCH requirements as part of the hazard assessment and LSOP development. RPP can assist or provide direction for any of the required submittals to the appropriate agencies.
Confocal microscope and other microscope systems may be classified as a Class 1 laser system under normal operation conditions but must first be re-classed by the RPP office.
[2] “Changes that may affect laser safety may include but are not limited to: Manipulations that affect laser parameters such as wavelength, output power, pulse characteristics; relocation of”
[3] “A laser or multiple lasers and/or accompanying equipment, such as frequency doublers, OPAs, etc. in the same optical path.”
Overview
The MIT Laser Safety Program is established to provide staff, researchers, students and visitors with a safe laser use environment.
“Massachusetts state laws[1] and Institute policy require registration of all Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. We’re here to help.”
A Radiation Protection (RP) Officer works with a contact in the lab, such as the EHS Rep, to help researchers comply with required training, registrations, safety procedures and hazard assessments. We are also available to answer any questions or concerns.
To register your lab and lasers, complete the following forms. Once a form is received by RPP, the RPP Officer will contact you. Notify RPP of any changes that may affect laser safety.
RPP Staff will work with the lab to help minimize risks and determine appropriate controls.
Laser Safety Procedure (LSP)
Before starting work, an LSP must be approved by RPP for each laser system. LSPs must be maintained and made available at the lab. Here’s a copy of the Laser Safety Procedure.
After completing the laser safety course the laser worker registration form must be submitted to RPP. Here’s a copy of the Laser Worker Registration.
Laser Specific Training
This training is provided by the PI or an experienced laser user in the lab. The training should include the basic operation of the laser, its associated systems and a focus on the established Laser Safety Procedures of each laser in the lab. The RPP Officer is available to assist in the development of Laser Specific Training.
Laser Eye Exam
In the event of any accidental or suspected eye exposure to laser radiation, proceed immediately to the MIT Health Department for a thorough eye examination by the ophthalmologist.
In addition, MIT strongly encourages baseline eye examinations for all faculty, staff, researchers and students working with open beam Class 4 lasers or laser systems.
Appropriate PPE will be determined during the RPP Hazard Assessment. The lab is responsible for maintaining PPE in good condition. Eyewear should fit properly and be made available for all who work in the laser lab. Consult the RPP Officer when considering new PPE purchases.
A MIT Laser Safety Officer from EHS Radiation Protection shall be consulted to determine the required access control and posting requirements.
To prevent unauthorized access to an active laser lab, Class 3B and4 laser labs require access control. The three most common controls are: Door interlock systems, Electronic lock (keypad / RFID), and Hazard/Warning posting
Disposal
Contact Radiation Protection to remove from inventory and for disposal options
Deactivate Laser with Property Office
Render inoperable
Check for hazardous materials
Transfer of ownership
Contact Radiation Protection prior to transfer.
Notify RPP when the lab is ready to terminate the laser registration.
See disposal for equipment removal/disposal
All proposed outdoor lasing shall be reviewed in advance by RPP to ensure compliance with FDA, FAA and LCH requirements as part of the hazard assessment and LSOP development. RPP can assist or provide direction for any of the required submittals to the appropriate agencies.
Confocal microscope and other microscope systems may be classified as a Class 1 laser system under normal operation conditions but must first be re-classed by the RPP office.
[2] “Changes that may affect laser safety may include but are not limited to: Manipulations that affect laser parameters such as wavelength, output power, pulse characteristics; relocation of”
[3] “A laser or multiple lasers and/or accompanying equipment, such as frequency doublers, OPAs, etc. in the same optical path.”
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