Introduction

Introduction

Welcome to the laser safety home page. This site describes the Yale University laser safety program for class 3B and 4 lasers as well as laser pointers and provides links to useful tools, training programs, programs and policies as well as many additional laser safety resources. You will find these links in the right hand column. You will also find important information on a number of programmatic issues and laser hazards.

The use of lasers on campus is overseen by the laser safety officer. The laser safety officer can assist you in establishing a laser safety program for your laboratory, evaluate your current program to ensure compliance with Yale policies, as well as answer any questions you may have regarding the use of lasers. To email the laser safety officer, use the link provided in the left side menu.

It is important to highlight the laser safety responsibilities of the lead investigator overseeing the research involving the laser. These individuals are responsible for ensuring the elements of the laser safety program (as outlined below) are implemented in their laboratory. A description/checklist of these responsibilities can be found in the tool section on this page.

There are five important elements to the laser safety program at Yale. First, all class 3B and 4 lasers that are purchased or acquired and brought on campus must be registered with the laser safety officer (see form in tool box). This allows the laser safety officer to track the use of lasers on campus and make arrangements for periodic inspections. Next, each laboratory operating a class 3B or 4 laser must implement a laser safety program. To assist in this effort a written template for a program (that can be adapted by each lab) is provided in the tools section of this page. Completing the program template will ensure that all the appropriate exposure controls are in place. It is also essential that all operators of class 3B and 4 lasers undergo medical surveillance (an eye exam) and be trained in the safe use of the specific laser they will operate. Medical surveillance is provided free to all laser operators by employee health. A web-based "generic" laser safety training program is linked in the training section of the right hand column. This generic training must be augmented with site specific information found in the lab's laser safety program and hands on training. Finally regular inspections of facilities operating class 3B and 4 lasers are conducted by the laser safety officer. Each of these elements is discussed in more detail in the links provided to the left.