How much safety training do you need to safely operate your laser equipment? The answer depends directly on how much you rely on procedures, warning signs and other administrative controls.

Take the case of a fully enclosed laser marking or cutting unit, a Class 1 laser product. Safety for the user is provided by engineering controls in the form of guarding and interlocked access, so provided the product is operated within the limits set out in the user manual and is properly maintained, then the operator need take no further precautions. In this case the safety trainer needs to point out the nature of the laser hazard, the safety features, how to conduct a safety check on the equipment, how to maintain the safety features, how to identify an emergency and what to do if there is an accident. At the end, the operator should be left with peace of mind about the laser hazard.

Now take the case of the service engineer dealing with the same Class 1 product or the researcher involved in open beam work on a Class 3B or Class 4 laser. Here the degree of laser hazard is high, and comprehensive practical training is required, including how to set up controlled areas, how to write safe procedures for beam alignment and how and when to use safety eyewear.

There is no specific legal requirement for laser safety training, not even for a Laser Safety Officer. However, the Cenelec draft standard 'Guide to levels of competence required in laser safety' recommends what topics a person should have an understanding or appreciation of, for each of the following categories: Competent Adviser, Laser Safety Officer, Laser User, Other Persons with responsibility for laser equipment.

The Cenelec draft guide acknowledges that the LSO may be an experienced and knowledgeable laser user but the LSO can equally well be an administrator with responsibilities to ensure that procedures are followed, and with sufficient training to know when to call in the Competent Advisor.

The need for re-training

Laser safety principles need regular reinforcement and there are continual advances in safety equipment and best practice. Regular re-training or refresher training is therefore important, and should be repeated 'as frequently as necessary in order to ensure continuing compliance with safety procedures and the continuing competence of employees to work safely'. Two years is generally regarded as a reasonable period for refresher training.

A further benefit of re-training is the opportunity it provides to re-examine existing safety procedures and update if necessary. In this way, employers can ensure that they remain compliant with health and safety regulations

Pro Laser offers a complete safety audit and training package.