University of SalfordLaser Code of Practice V3.1
LaserCode of Practice
Effective from 18 January 2016
Version Number: 3.1
Author: Health and Safety Coordinator
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Status and reason for development
Status: / Current
Reason for development: / This document was developed to ensure compliance with associated legislation and standards, and University requirements.
Revision History
DateDate / Author / Summary of changes / Version No.
15 May 2017 / CW / Role title changes and BS update / 3.1
18/01/16 / Dave Lamb / Transferred onto new template. / 3
5/8/14 / Dave Lamb / Updated to reflect changes in laser classification. / 2
5/8/14 / Dave Lamb / Transferred onto new template. / 1
Code of Practice Management and Responsibilities
Owner: / Associate Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Author: / The owner has delegated responsibility for day to day management of the Code to Health and Safety Coordinator
Others with responsibilities
(please specify): / All subjects of the Code will be responsible for engaging with and adhering to this policy.
Assessment / Cross relevant assessments / Cross if not applicable
Equality Analysis
Legal
Information Governance
Academic Governance / x
/ x
x
x
Consultation / Cross relevant consultations
Staff Trades Unions via HR
Students via USSU
Any relevant external bodies
(please specify)………………………………….. / N/A
Authorised by: / Associate Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Date authorised: / 5 August 2014
Effective from: / 18 January 2016
Review due: / Every 2 years from date authorised
Document location: /
Document dissemination and communications plan
The Health and Safety Coordinator will circulate to the designated laser officers within the schools via the school operation managers, to enable promotion throughout their area of responsibility.
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University of SalfordLaser Code of Practice V3.1
1.0Purpose
Some forms of artificial light have the potential cause harm to operators if used without adequate precautions. This can include temporary and permanent damage to the skin and eyes and in the case of more powerful machines, burns or amputation. There is a legal and moral duty for the University to control this risk to anyone who could be affected by it. This code of practice gives guidance on how to prevent injuries or health effects through a risk assessment based management system.
2.0Scope
This code of practice lays out the University approach to managing the risks from the use of lasers as required by the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations (AOR) 2010.
3.0Code of Practice Statements
Definitions
AOR - For the purpose of this document the term Artificial Optical Radiation (AOR) refers to the description as defined within CAORWR:
‘any electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range between 100nm and 1mm which is emitted by non-natural sources’ [1]
CAORWR - The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 which came into force on 27 April 2010. A full copy of the regulations can be found via the link in the appendix.
Roles and Responsibilities
Dean of School or Director of Professional Service (DoS / PS)
The DoS/PS is responsible for ensuring the appointment of a suitable Laser Safety Officer when one is required. They are also responsible for making sure risk assessments are suitable and sufficient for any lasers used in their School. The DoS/PS is also responsible for ensuring only competent persons use laser equipment within their area. These tasks can be delegated in part to the DLO, however, ultimate responsibility for ensuring these measures are in place remains with the DoS/PS.
Designated Laser Officer (DLO)
For the purpose of this document, the DLO is the person who “owns” the laser, or has responsibility for managing its use. Where lasers above class 2 are present a DLO must be appointed from the School who either own or are intending to use the laser. The role of the DLO is to ensure that the lasers are safe and used in accordance with current legislation and best practice.
The DLO must have experience and appropriate qualifications in the use of lasers and have a sufficient knowledge of the CAORWR to ensure its requirements are met.
The DLO should carry out risk assessments on lasers in their area which should take into account the risks outlined in the ‘Risk Assessment’ section below. Maintenance schedules and registers must also be arranged and monitored by the DLO. Records of any maintenance and repair should be kept by the DLO.
[1]
Health Safety and Wellbeing (HS&W)
HS&W will ensure registers are kept by the DLO/HSC of all lasers above class 2. Where appropriate, HS&W will also assist with risk assessments and subsequent actions carried out by the HSC and DLO’s and will provide support and advice to HOS/PS.
HS&W will audit Schools / Professional Services to ensure safe systems of work are suitable and sufficient and are being adhered to and registers of lasers are kept up to date.
Health surveillance will be provided by HS&W where it is deemed a necessary control measure as part of a risk assessment.
Health and Safety Coordinator (HSC)
The HSC will coordinate and maintain a register of lasers in their School or Professional Service, in consultation with the DLO, and oversee that the duties outline in this document are being fulfilled; and appropriate safety records are being maintained.
Where a DLO is not required, the HSC is responsible for ensuring any lasers used within their area are risk assessed and adequate control measures are in place to control any hazards.
The HSC is responsible for keeping up to date records of the number, type and location of all laser equipment in their area.
Any risk assessment relating to laser use should be carried out or checked by the HSC. Copies of these risk assessments must also be held by the HSC and reviewed annually or whenever a significant change in use, setup or procedure takes place. These risk assessments will also form part of the external health and safety audit.
The HSC should also work closely with academics and students who use the equipment and ensure procedures / safe systems of work are distributed and followed. Maintenance records should be held by the HSC as well as any repair or damage reports where a DLO is not appointed.
Existing Lasers
Existing lasers must be assessed to ensure they do not pose a risk in their existing environment. Where possible a lower class of laser should be used if this is practical.
New Lasers
When purchasing a new laser it is essential to use the lowest class of laser which will fulfil the intended use. Once purchased the School’s HSC should be informed and a risk assessment carried out prior to the laser being used. Any class 3B or Class 4 lasers need to be added to the University inventory and the DLO informed prior to their commissioning.
Code of Practice
This code of practice should be applied to both existing and newly acquired laser equipment. The CAORWR requires that a risk assessment is made of all laser equipment and stipulates information which should be included / considered in this assessment.
The risk assessment should be carried out on the standard University template which can be found in the link in the appendix.
Additional information is required which can then be listed on the form provided in the Appendix.
This code of practice mainly refers to higher risk class 3B and class 4 lasers however the use of lower class laser equipment such as laser pointers can pose some degree of risk and should be assessed in a similar fashion however a generic risk assessment for this type may be more practical i.e. for laser pointers used during lectures.
Lasers should be supplied with their classification clearly stated in accordance with BS EN 60825:1 (2014). For more information about laser classification please see the appendix.
When purchasing a new laser it is essential to use the lowest class of laser which will fulfil the intended use. Once purchased the School’s Health and Safety Coordinator should be informed and a risk assessment carried out prior to the laser being used. Any class 3B or Class 4 lasers need to be added to the University inventory and the DLO informed prior to their commissioning.
For all areas with lasers above Class 2 an appointed person within the school should be designated to oversee that the safe use of lasers is maintained and meets current best practice.
Risk Assessment
A written risk assessment should be completed for all lasers above class 2 using the standard University risk assessment form (link in the Appendix).
The following should be taken into account when completing this assessment:
- The effect of exposure.
- The effects of exposure on specific higher risk groups.
- Risk from photosensitising chemical substances in contact with the laser.
- Any indirect effects of exposure.
- Availability of alternative equipment designed to reduce levels of exposure.
- Is health surveillance required?
- Are there multiple sources of exposure?
- Fire risk.
- Any other associated risks such as electrical or heat.
Control Measures
The following control measures should be considered when risks are identified.
- A lower class of laser should be used wherever possible.
- A safe system of work for higher risk lasers may be necessary.
- Restrict access to authorised operators.
- Isolate / lockout the laser when not in use.
- Protective measures such as interlocks / filters / screens / remote controls / remote viewing.
- Train operators in best practice.
- Signage and demarcation of laser areas.
- Keep equipment well maintained.
- Use appropriate PPE such as goggles and protective clothing. Goggles should meet or exceed EN207 standards for general use and EN208 during any alignment of lasers where the risk is higher.
- Keeping combustible materials away from sources of ignition.
- Consider installing extraction for any fumes which may be generated by laser cutting etc.
These measures are a guide and not exhaustive. Additional measures may be required as determined by the risk assessment.
4.0Code of Practice Monitoring and Performance
This code of practice will be monitored by the relevant Head of School.
4.1 Performance Indicators
Application of thiscode of practice will form part of health and safety audit.
4.2 Record keeping requirements
Laser risk assessments should be held by the responsible person for each laser. Where a DLO is designated they too should hold copies.
5.0Related Documentation
The Association of University Radiation Protection Officers - Lasers – Guidance Note
HS&W Documents page:
6.0Training and Support
Training will be identified as a risk control in the risk assessment prepared prior to the use of the laser.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing will assist with sourcing appropriate training, where required.
7.0Appendices
Not applicable
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