Laser Administration Protocol - 404 - University of Hull

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1. No unauthorised lasers are to be brought onto University premises. 2. No laser to be brought into the University or into use without the knowledge and approval of the Departmental Laser Supervisor (DLS). 3. No Laser Designated Area to be set up and used without the knowledge and agreement of the DLS, who must be satisfied that all necessary safety features have been built into the system and that all necessary risk assessments have been carried out and documented. 4. Departments wishing to use lasers for the first time cannot do so without first nominating a DLS, whose appointment will be confirmed in writing by the Registrar and Secretary. 5. Users of lasers will be authorised to use specific lasers or specific groups below class 3B only. Subsequent authorisation to use lasers additional to these must be obtained and notified separately on the appropriate forms. 6. Users will be given eye examination and tests by the Occupational Health Physician if an existing eye condition exists on commencement of appointment, if accidental exposure takes place or if specifically requested by the user. 7. Records of lasers and authorised users will be kept by the Director of University Health and Safety Services (DUHSS). Each DLS will confirm in writing on an annual basis that the records for his/her Department are correct. 8. Significant change of registered use or modification of a laser must be notified to the DLS, who will inform the DUHSS immediately so that the records can be amended. 9. It is the responsibility of the DLS to inform the DUHSS when laser users leave the University or cease to use particular lasers. 10. Detailed 'Laser Safety Rules' and the CVCP Notes of Guidance, Lasers, are available from the ULSO, DLS, and DUHSS. Laser Safety Rules 1. Introduction The CVCP Notes of Guidance on Laser Safety contain regulations to control the use of lasers within Universities and by University staff outside Universities. Implementation of the "desirable Laser Administration Protocol Health & Safety Services Revised January 2001 requirements" indicated in that booklet (i.e. those where the word 'should' is employed) and some administrative procedures are left to the discretion of the individual University. These rules give the interpretation used here. It should be remembered that, although the CVCP Notes assign general areas of responsibility to various individuals, all workers in a laboratory have the duty to take reasonable care for the safety of others as well as of themselves. 2. Authorised Laser Users 2.1 All persons other than undergraduates who wish to work with lasers of class 3A or above lasers must sign a laser user form to the effect that they have read and understood the CVCP Notes of Guidance and these rules. 2.2 All who wish to work with lasers within a Laser Designated Area (LDA) first require authorisation. If an existing eye condition exists, they will also be required to undergo an eye test before commencement of work. Note: Laser authorisation application forms can be obtained from Departmental Laser Supervisors (DLS). Applications for authorisation should be made as soon as possible. This should be done through the DLS. 2.3 Authorised personnel who cease work with lasers must inform the DLS who must inform the LSO and the DUHSS who will amend the University records. Authorisation is withdrawn immediately. 2.4 Personnel are only authorised by the DLS to use those lasers which are listed on their authorisation form. Only the DLS can authorise the use of additional lasers for which an additional application form must be completed. 2.5 Visitors to LDAs may be authorised without further paperwork by an authorised member of the academic staff who then assumes responsibility for the visitor's safety while in the area. 2.6 Authorised personnel must report any accidental exposure to laser radiation likely to be in excess of the maximum permitted exposure level (see the CVCP Notes) to the Head of Department (HOD) without delay. The HOD must inform the DLS, LSO and the DUHSS immediately, and a detailed investigation of the accident or incident
must be carried out as quickly as possible. An eye test will be carried out to determine the extent of any injury incurred. 3. Registration Of Lasers 3.1 The staff member in charge of a laboratory where any laser is to be used must obtain registration of the laser before use through the DLS who will then inform the DUHSS. Note: Application forms for registration can be obtained from the DLS. The request for registration should be made as soon as possible especially if there are likely to be any special problems, e.g., if a laser-designated area has to be set up, special approval has to be obtained for a laser to be used outside the laboratory. (See para 5). 3.2 The purposes of registration are; (i) to maintain a record of all lasers, (ii) to ensure that safety procedures appropriate to the class of laser and the application for which the laser is registered can be recommended before the laser is put into use. 3.3 On registration the applicant is to be issued with instructions on any special precautions that are needed, an Approved Scheme of Work, where this is considered necessary (e.g. if the laser is to be used by undergraduates) or desirable and the labels which must be fixed to the laser. 3.4 A laser may have to be re-registered if either (i) its operating parameters, location or (ii) its applications are altered. The intention to make any such alterations must be reported to the DLS, who must ensure authorised alterations are re-registered. NB. The modification of any laser system within the University makes the University a "Manufacturer" in law. 3.5 Persons using laser pointers should register them on the simple forms designated for the purpose which are available form the DLS or Safety Services. 4. Laser-Designated Area (LDAs) 4.1 All class 3B ** and class 4 lasers must be operated within LDAs as required in the CVCP Notes. Creation of LDAs for lasers of lower classification is to be considered at the time of registration, in accordance with the CVCP Notes of Guidance. 4.2 All laser-designated areas are normally to be equipped with fail-safe devices to ensure that the laser is switched off or the beam is stopped if any access door to the area is opened. There are normally to be illuminated warning signs sited at the entrance to the LDAs which function when the laser is being operated. Whatever system is used must be approved by the DLS and LSO before being brought into use. Note: Door interlock systems, warning signs and notices are provided by the University; the particular arrangement for coupling the laser with the interlock is one of the details of the laser installation planned in advance by the DLS when registering the laser. 4.3 Only authorised personnel are permitted to be in an LDA when the laser is being operated. 5. Special Use of Lasers Use of lasers out of doors, in public places or off University premises must not take place without prior discussion with the LSO. Special arrangements will have to be made under these circumstances to comply with our legal and insurance requirements. 6. Administration 6.1 The responsibility for ensuring that the CVCP Notes of Guidance are implemented has been assigned by the Council of the University to the Radiation Hazards Sub- Committee of the University Health and Safety Committee. 6.2 The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) is responsible for advising the University on all safety matters attendant upon the use of lasers and for carrying out such duties as required by the Committee. He is responsible for the training of staff and the provision of appropriate measuring equipment. 6.3 The names of the various safety officers referred to in the CVCP Notes are appended. The advice of the appropriate officer must be sought immediately any problem concerning safety or the provision of safety equipment arises. Notes of Guidance referred to are:- The Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom Safety in Universities: Notes of Guidance Part 2:1 Lasers: Revised 1992
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Laser Administration Protocol - 404 - University of Hull

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