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Laser Basics

EM spectrum: non-ionising radiation.
Characteristics of laser emission: collimation of laser radiation.
General laser types: how lasers are described.
cw and pulsed emission
Beam divergence and propagation: free space & optical fibre
Overview of laser applications
 

Optics & Radiometry

Transmission, absorption, reflection of radiation
Diffuse and specular reflections
Energy and power: the distinction & the units

Biological effects

Injury to eye & skin (threshold effects)
Ocular transmission vs. wavelength: special hazards of near-IR
Skin effects
Associated hazards
 

Safety Standards

Summary of user & employer responsibilities under HASAW Act Main provisions of MHSW Regs
EN/IEC 60825-1: basic scope & contents
Laser class definitions
Labels & warning signs
Product safety features
User safety precautions for each class
Concept of NOHD & NHZ
 

Hazard control procedures

Distinction between hazards & risk
Approach to hazard evaluation & risk assessment
Hierarchy of control procedures & general principles of application
Summary of Engineering controls
Summary of Administrative Controls
Summary of Personal Protection
 

Workplace safety

Need for Class 1 operation
Typical Class 1 laser configurations
Beam path integrity, beam components
Failure modes
Workpiece handling
Reflected beam hazards
Absorbed beam hazards(high power)
Main provisions of PPE at Work Regs.
Safe systems of work & written procedures
Temporary controls for maintenance & servicing
Incident reporting & accident procedures
Need to maintain safety awareness
Relevance of medical surveillance
 

Laser/Application Specific

Classes of lasers in use
Wavebands of emission
Tissue at risk
Other possible hazards (e.g. electrical,mechanical, chemical, fume)
Degree of risk under all possible modes of operation
Essential procedures for key operations