Laser Safety

“Most lasers are capable of causing eye injury to anyone who looks directly into the beam or specular reflection. Even diffuse reflections of a high-power laser beam can produce permanent eye damage. High-power laser beams can burn exposed skin, ignite flammable materials, and vaporize materials, possibly releasing hazardous fumes, vapors, or gases. The equipment and optical apparatus required to produce the lasing action and control and direct the laser beam may introduce additional hazards. These hazards may include high voltage, high pressure, cryogenics, noise, radiation, and toxic fluids.”

Below is an incomplete listing of the requirements for using a laser at BioCAT. This document is still under construction. To be CERTAIN you have fulfilled all the requirements, contact Weikang Ma.

  • Class I

    No requirements

  • Class II

    Laser Safety Training ESH-121 (Low Power) Recommended

  • Class IIIa

    Laser Safety Training (either ESH-121 or ESH-120) Required Laser Safety Officer Approval

  • Class IIIb/Class IV

    Not available at BioCAT.

  • Bring Your own laser

    Talk to Weikang Ma if you are planning to bring your own laser. It must be inspected and approved ahead of time.

Explanation of terms:

  • Laser Safety Training

    Anyone using a class IIIa laser must take the ANL-specific Laser Safety class. If ESH-121(low-power laser) will satisfy the requirement, this course can be taken at APS user office:

    https://www.aps.anl.gov/About/Visiting-the-APS/Directions-to-the-APS-User-Office

  • Paper work at BioCAT

    After completing ESH-121(low-power) at APS user office, you need to sign the laser training form provided by BioCAT staff before using the laser on site.