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Laser Safety Program: Non-Beam Hazards

Learn about non-beam hazards, which are present in addition to the direct skin and eye hazards from laser beams.

  • Note: Evaluate and include procedures for non-beam hazards in your written laser safety plan.

Electrical

Electrocution is most likely to occur when the protective covers are removed or interlocks are defeated to allow access to active components during installation, maintenance, modification, or service of lasers or laser systems.

  • Check for potential electrical problems during laser facility audits:
    • Make sure laser systems are installed according to manufacturer specifications, or as required on the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70E).
    • Check for uncovered or improperly insulated electrical terminals.
    • Be alert for hidden "power-up" warning lights.
    • Properly discharge and ground capacitors.
    • Ensure that all energy sources are disengaged or blocked and that electrical sources are de-energized and locked in the "off" position during work or repair. UC San Diego offers Lockout/ Blockout Training for employees.
    • Guard against excessive wires and cables on the floor creating fall or slip hazards.
    • Know where the closest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is located and how to use it.
  • Make sure personnel receive training about electrical hazards.
    • Require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for service personnel, researchers, and their assistants. UC San Diego offers Emergency Medical Training.
    • Encourage periodic refresher courses.
  • Require at least 2 trained employees be present when work involves high voltage laser power supplies.

Fire

Recognize the fire hazard from Class 4 laser beams.

Explosions

Prevent injury from explosion to the equipment operator and observers.

  • Enclose high-pressure arc lamps, filament lamps, and capacitor banks in a housing that can withstand the maximum explosive pressure.
  • Enclose or equivalently protect the laser target and elements of the optical train which may shatter during laser operation.
  • Be aware of the possibility of explosive reactions from chemical laser reactants.

Chemicals

Compressed gas

Optical radiation (other than laser beam hazards)

  • Take precautions to eliminate or reduce optical radiation hazards:
    • Shield ultraviolet radiation emitted from a laser's discharge tubes and pumping lamps (i.e., not part of the primary laser beam).
      • Maintain personnel exposures within the threshold limit values specified by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
    • Consider additional protection requirements for operators exposed to plasma emissions. Plasma emissions created during a laser-welding process may have sufficient ultraviolet or blue light content (1.8 to 5.5 µm) to raise concern for operators viewing a process on a long-term basis.
      • Recommended additional protection for plasma emission may include:
        • Distance
        • Shielding
        • Personal protection equipment

Ionizing radiation

  • Investigate and control the source and intensity of X-rays emanating from laser power supplies and components.
  • Follow standards and guidelines from:
    •  UC San Diego Radiation Safety Manual (PDF)
    • American National Standard "General Safety Standard for Installations Using Non-Medical X-Ray and Sealed Gamma-Ray Sources, Energies up to 10 MeV," ANSI/ NBS Handbook 114

Exhaust fumes and vapors

Potentially hazardous fumes and vapors may be produced by laser welding, cutting, and other laser-target interactions.

Loud noise

Enroll employees who are routinely exposed to high levels of workplace noise in the UC San Diego Hearing Conservation Program.
For more information, contact EH&S Laser Safety, (858) 822-2850 or 822-2494.