#  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:

1. Submit a permit application in the [Assessment and Inspection Management System (AIMS)](/resource/assessment-and-inspection-management-system "Assessment and Inspection Management System").
2. EHS reviews your registration following radiation authorizations procedures.



 

##  Related resources 

Find documents and online tools to manage lasers.

 

 



  [### Construction EHS Exhibit: Equipment Safety

 ](/resource/construction-ehs-exhibit-equipment-safety)Construction tool and equipment safety requirements



 

 

   [### Laser Inventory Amendment Form

 ](/resource/laser-inventory-amendment-form)Form to amend a Class 3B and Class 4 laser device inventory



 

 

   [### Laser Safety Manual

 ](/resource/laser-safety-manual)Safety policies and procedures for lasers and laser instruments



 

 

   [### Laser Standard Operating Procedure Template

 ](/resource/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

 ](/resource/laser-transfer-and-disposal-form)Form to transfer or dispose of a laser or laser device



 

 

   [### Laser Transfer and Disposal Requirements

 ](/resource/laser-transfer-and-disposal-requirements)How to transfer or dispose of lasers and laser devices



 

 

   [### Radiation Safety Manual

 ](/resource/radiation-safety-manual)Safety policies and procedures for radiation, radioactive materials, and radiation generating devices



 

 

  

 

 

 

 

##  EHS support 

Contact [radiation\_safety@harvard.edu](mailto: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.



 

 

 See also:- [ Radiation ](/topic-areas/radiation)
- [ Lasers ](/topic-areas/lasers)
- [ Labs and Research ](/audience/labs-and-research)