Construction EHS Exhibit: Equipment Safety
Construction tool and equipment safety requirements
Lasers
Summary
How to classify and work with laser instruments.
Who is this for?
Labs and research.
Laser safety at Harvard
Manufacturers assign laser classifications based on potential injury risks, which depends on the laser’s output energy or power and wavelengths.
Before using a laser:
- Receive a permit from EHS.
Determine the laser classification by reviewing the hazard label or manufacturer’s operating instructions.
If the laser doesn’t have a classification label or it was built or modified in a lab, contact EHS to review and classify the laser.
- For Class 3B and Class 4 lasers, receive approval from EHS.
Laser permits
You must receive a permit from EHS before using lasers.
To apply for a permit:
- Submit a permit application in the Assessment and Inspection Management System (AIMS).
- EHS reviews your registration following radiation authorizations procedures.
Related resources
Find documents and online tools to manage lasers.
Laser Inventory Amendment Form
Form to amend a Class 3B and Class 4 laser device inventory
Laser Safety Manual
Safety policies and procedures for lasers and laser instruments
Laser Standard Operating Procedure Template
Template to create a standard operating procedure (SOP) for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers
Laser Transfer and Disposal Form
Form to transfer or dispose of a laser or laser device
Laser Transfer and Disposal Requirements
How to transfer or dispose of lasers and laser devices
Radiation Safety Manual
Safety policies and procedures for radiation, radioactive materials, and radiation generating devices
EHS support
Contact radiation_safety@harvard.edu for more information about working with lasers, including:
- Disposal.
- Hazard classifications, evaluations, and control measures.
- Laser cutters.
- Laser eyewear cleaning.
- Laser pointers.
- Laser terms glossary.
- Pre-assignment eye exams.
- Registering laser instruments.
- Warning labels and signs.