Laser Safety

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Oral presentation of the themes using audiovisual resources and internet access
Problem solving based on the IEC/EN 60825 standard and laser equipment data sheets
Laboratory demonstrations.
Written examination (open book) (50%)
Resolution of practical problems (20%)
Case study (30%).

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide the laser safety training required for Laser Safety Officer functions, in compliance with the IEC/EN 60825 standard for the safety of laser devices and systems.
Skills
Knowledge on the biophysical principles on which ICNIRP recommendations for safe exposure to laser radiation are based
Calculate maximum permissible exposures for any laser source
Recommend or approve laser protection equipment
Classify or verify the classification of lasers/laser systems
Establish laser safety programs
Produce or approve standard operating procedures for equipments with laser sources
Implement risk assessment measures related to the use of laser sources.
Perform laser safety audits.

Evaluate training in laser safety
Investigate laser accidents.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Radiometry
1.1. Electromagnetic spectrum
1.2. Radiometric quantities
2. Lasers
2.1. Properties of laser radiation
2.2. Characteristics of Gaussian beams
3. Interaction of light with biological tissues
3.1. Absorption and Scattering
3.2. Light propagation in ocular tissues
3.3. Mechanisms of interaction of light with biological tissues: thermal, photochemical,
electromechanical and photo-ablative
4. Maximum Permissible Exposures (MPEs)
4.1. Biophysical bases
4.2. ICNIRP Recommendations
4.3. Calculation of MPEs according to IEC/EN 60825
5. Safe use of lasers
5.1. Specification of eye protection goggles
5.2. Calculation of Nominal Ocular Hazard Distances
5.3. Other protection and information procedures
6. Accessible exposure limits and laser classification
7. Safety requirements in the manufacture of lasers
7.1. Engineering specifications
7.2. Labelling and information requirements
Legislation and laser safety management.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution of practical problems: 20.0%
Case study: 30.0%
Written examination (open book) : 50.0%

Bibliography

Henderson, R. and Schulmeister, K.: Laser Safety, Taylor and Francis Ltd., Bristol United Kingdom, 2003 2004
IEC 60825-1:2014, Safety of laser products - Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements, IEC, 2014.
IEC TR 60825-3:2008, Safety of laser products - Part 3: Guidance for laser displays and shows
IEC 60825-4:2006+AMD1:2008+AMD2:2011 CSV Consolidated version: Safety of laser products - Part 4: Laser guards
IEC TR 60825-8:2006, Safety of laser products - Part 8: Guidelines for the safe use of laser beams on humans

IEC TR 60825-13:2011, Safety of laser products - Part 13: Measurements for classification of laser products
IEC TR 60825-14:2004, Safety of laser products - Part 14: A user's guide
ICNIRP Statement - Comments on the 2013 ICNIRP Laser Guidelines, Health Phys 118(5):543–548; 2020
ICNIRP Guidelines on Limits of Exposure to Laser Radiation of Wavelengths between 180 nm and 1,000 μm, Health Physics 105(3):271‐295; 2013
ICNIRP TG Statement: Adjustment of Guidelines for Exposure of the Eye to Optical Radiation from Ocular Instruments, Applied Optics 44(11):2162‐2176; 2005
Photophysical processes in recent medical laser developments: a review. Boulnois JL., Lasers Med Sci 1986, 1:47-66.