LASERS

 

Lasers utilize spontaneous emission to produce intense, coherent, directional beams of light. These properties of laser beams make them broadly useful but also can lead to biological damage, most notably to the eye or skin. Depending on the work environment, other hazards can be associated with laser use such as electrical, chemical or respiratory hazards. The Laser Safety Programs at Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine oversee the safe use of lasers to mitigate hazards in research and clinical environments.

 

Research

Laser permit application

Purpose:  All work with Class 3B and Class 4 lasers must be declared to and evaluated by a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and Laser Safety Program (LSP) to comply with OSHA regulations and ANSI standards.  For non-medical uses, the Laser Permit provides the LSO and the LSP with the necessary information for performing their duties.

Who should complete this permit: The Research Laser Permit Application is filled out by the person who will be responsible for the use of lasers in the research group, research facility or teaching center.  This person must have experience and training in the safe use of lasers. 

How to complete this permit: 

1. Permit holders should review, print out and retain a copy of ERM.EHS.RS 118 Research Radioactive Materials, X-ray and Laser Permit Holder Responsibilities
2. Submit to Radiation Safety:
   • Permit holder’s most recent CV or resume demonstrating laser experience.
   • Research Personnel Radiological Authorization Request for each faculty/student or staff member (other than the permit holder) working with or in close proximity to Class 3B or Class 4 lasers. Each form is to be signed by the user and permit holder.
   • Complete required training: The LSO will enroll the permit holder and all users in the online safety course, SBRS 022. The permit holder and users must complete the course through the Learning Management System (LMS). 
   • Simple map of all locations where Class 3B or Class 4 lasers will be used. Indicate locations of the lasers, windows, doors and barriers such as curtains or dividers. 
   • The Research Laser Permit Application, completed in its entirety.
3. Approval process:
   • Upon receiving a complete application, the LSO will perform an initial review of materials submitted and will schedule an initial brief visit of the workspace. Your Class 3B and Class 4 lasers will be registered during this visit. Additional visits may be scheduled at this time for any required follow-up inspections.
   • The permit holder is usually a faculty member and/or principal investigator. With approval from involved faculty, they can instead be a member of the research staff with a leading role in projects where Class 3B and/or Class 4 lasers are used. The determination of satisfactory knowledge is at the discretion of the LSO.
   • Approved permit holders receive notification of decision once the LSO/Radiation Safety process is complete.

Expiration/Amendments: 

Laser Permits are valid for five years from the approval date. Amendments to permits must formally be submitted to Radiation Safety by email and approved by the LSO before the changes can occur. Amendments include:

• Request to add, move, transfer or decommission equipment
• Changes in procedures leading to reevaluation of safety controls 
• Major modifications of workspace

Adding a new laser user

New users must receive authorization from the Radiation Safety Officer prior to beginning work with Lasers. Complete the following steps to request authorization for a new user:

1. Contact Environmental Health & Safety or radiationsafety@stonybrook.edu to request applicable training registration.
2. Complete the assigned trainings in the Learning Management System (LMS).
3. After completing the assigned training, the new user will fill out the Research Personnel Radiological Authorization Request with the appropriate information and signatures.
4. After the Research Personnel Radiological Authorization Request (step 3 above) has been completed and certified by the Candidate and the Permit holder, the form must be emailed to radiationsafety@stonybrook.edu for review by the Radiation Safety Officer.
5. Users will be informed via email when the Research Personnel Radiological Authorization Request has been approved.

Research Laser Safety Officer (LSO)

Can Erdonmez is the Research Laser Safety Officer for Stony Brook University. The LSO is responsible for implementing the Research Laser Safety Program and has the authority to suspend, restrict or terminate the operation of a laser system if laser hazard controls are deemed inadequate.

Training

Research Laser Safety Training is offered through the Learning Management System (LMS). If you would like to take this course and have not yet been enrolled, please contact Radiation Safety at radiationsafety@stonybrook.edu or (631) 632-6410.

Forms/postings

Forms:

• Research Laser Permit Application 
• Research Personnel Radiological Authorization Request
• Laser System Registration and Standard Operating Procedures
• Laser Laboratory Self Assessment
• Laser Incident Report

Postings:

• Laser Controlled Area Danger Sign Class 4
• Laser Controlled Area Danger Sign Sample Class 4 ANSI-Compliant
• Laser Controlled Area Warning Sign Class 3B
• Laser Controlled Area Warning Sign Class 4
• Laser Controlled Area Warning Sign Sample Class 3B or 4 ANSI-Compliant
• Laser Controlled Area Warning Sign Sample How to Complete ANSI-Compliant
• Laser Repair in Progress Sign Sample

 

Medical