Laser competency and training

Information on the level of training and overall competency required for work with lasers

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For those departments that have, or are likely to have, lasers of significant risk, then the University expects them to identify, implement, and document appropriate levels of training for all laser users to ensure individuals are competent to undertake their laser work.

Only suitably trained individuals are permitted to work in laser controlled areas or wherever there is a known hazard from a potential laser exposure. The supervisor must identify the appropriate level of training required for these individuals and outline these requirements within the associated local rules.

Supervisors must assess the competency of an individual and determine the level of training or supervision required for the person carrying out hazardous laser activities. This includes individuals who have received training in other departments or establishments and should also consider the competency of visitors or contractors before permitting access to lasers.

Training requirements should be outlined within the local rules, including any additional requirements for higher risk activities such as alignment, installations, or modifications. All laser users, working under the requirements of local rules, must have attended an Introduction to Laser Safety, as provided by the University Laser Safety Officer or a departmental laser supervisor. They must also have been instructed in those requirements set out in the local rules and the key findings from laser risk assessments. 

Laser users must be authorised by their Supervisor before operating a laser and an individual training record must be maintained. It may be necessary to supervise individuals as their competency is developed, especially if they start carrying out new or higher risk activities. The training record should be seen as a ‘working document’. It must be regularly updated/reviewed between the supervisor (or nominated deputy) and the laser user and should clearly describe what can or cannot be done without certain levels of training or supervision. The Laser User Authorisation/Training Record (LS-4) can be used for this purpose.

Supervisors of laser controlled areas, or wherever there is a known hazard from a potential laser exposure, must be knowledgeable in the hazards associated with the laser and the general requirements of this policy statement as it applies to their process, activity, or laser product.

The University Safety Office provides a Laser Safety for Research Supervisors course. This introduction to laser safety covers topics such as laser registration, risk assessment, implementation of suitable control measures, and training/supervision of others. Anyone involved in supervising others or is involved in undertaking detailed laser risk assessments should attend. 

The Safety Office can organise suitable training courses for departmental laser supervisors. This is delivered by an external trainer and covers, in detail, the process of Laser Safety Management. The following points are discussed:

  • Laser-related hazards
  • Quantifying beam hazards (please bring along a scientific calculator)
  • Introduction to laser safety management
  • Lasers and the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010
  • Identifying the critical elements of the laser application
  • Assessing the risks, identifying and implementing suitable controls

Departmental laser supervisors must attend this course, unless they have previously been trained to a similar level or attend a similar course elsewhere. If the departmental laser supervisor does not attend, they must consult the University Laser Safety Officer on the alternative training provision and provide a certificate of training on completion.

 

 

KEY

M = Mandatory

The training is required for this role, especially if there is minimal or no close supervision from a more experienced user.

R = Recommended

The training is helpful for this role, especially if there is minimal or no close supervision from a more experienced user.

O = Optional

The training should be decided by risk assessment, considering the individual’s competence and available supervision.

N = Not required

The training is not required for this role.

Roles

Training Modules

Basic Laser Safety

Intermediate Laser Safety

Advanced Laser Safety

Risk Assessment & Local Rules

Laser Alignment & Maintenance

DLS Training

ULSO Training

Users of enclosed laser systems, where the risk of laser emission exposure is unlikely.

R

O

O

M

O

N

N

Users of ‘high risk laser systems’, where the risk of exposure is possible.

M

R

O

M

O

N

N

Users who build or develop laser systems, including beam alignment, and there is a risk of injury from a ‘high risk laser system’.

M

M

R

M

O

N

N

Supervisors who oversee work with ‘high risk laser systems’ and are actively using lasers on a routine basis.

M

M

M

M

O

N

N

Supervisors who oversee work with high-risk laser systems, but are not actively using lasers on a routine basis.

M

O

O

R

O

N

N

Heads of department where ‘high risk laser systems’ are operated.

M

O

N

N

N

N

N

Departmental Laser Supervisors

O

O

O

O

O

M

N

University Laser Safety Officer

O

O

O

O

O

M

M

Full-time safety officers covering areas where ‘high risk laser systems’ are operated.

M

O

O

N

N

N

N

Laboratory or facility technicians who may work in areas where ‘high risk laser systems; are operated.

M

O

N

N

N

N

N

Event organisers where ‘high risk laser systems’ are operated

O

N

N

N

N

N

N

Visitors & contractors to the University who may access areas where ‘high risk laser systems’ are operated.

O

O

O

M

O

N

N

Tools / Further Information

  • Laser Safety Training
  • AURPO Guidance on the Safe Use of Lasers in Education and Research
  • PD CLC/TR 50448:2005 - Guide to levels of competence required in laser safety