UW Health, Safety and Environment Policy 34 requires conformance to health and safety regulations and standards.

The UW Laser Safety Program is provided to assist members of the university community to conform to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Labour , ANSI Z136.1- 2007 and related regulations and standards.

Application

The Laser Safety Program applies to all persons: employees, students and visitors operating or working in proximity to Class 3b or Class 4 lasers. Persons included under this program are identified as Laser Workers. All components of the program are to be completed before a laser worker starts work.

Program Components

Laser Inventory

The Safety Office maintains an inventory of all Class 3B and Class 4 Lasers

Information will be provided by the laser supervisor;
The Safety Office will create a report indicating the Nominal hazard Zone and required OD for Eye protection.

Standard Operating Procedures

Developed by the laser supervisor
Copy kept on file with the Laser Safety Officer

Training

Online generic laser training
Standard Operating Procedures SOP (Produced and updated by the Laser Supervisor)
Laser Specific Operating instructions ( Laser supervisor insures worker is competent to operate laser)

Medical Surveillance

Pre employment examination done by UW Occupational Health Nurse

Record of Training

The record of training list the components of the training and medical surveillance portions of the Laser Safety Program and is signed by the;

Laser Safety Officer
Laser Supervisor
Worker
Occupational Health Nurse

Facilities

Facilities housing lasers are requires to conform to ANSI Z136.1- 2007 to prevent unauthorized / accidental entry into the Nominal Hazard Zone of the laser

Personal Protective Equipment

All laser workers will be supplied with and required to use Personal Protective Equipment listed in the SOP.