Laser Safety

Lasers are used in a variety of ways on campus from enhancing lectures and teaching laboratories to in-depth research using high powered lasers. The laser safety program covers any laser used in research or a laboratory. It does not include laser pointers, mice and other non-research lasers.

To stay in compliance with the applicable standards, we have designed a laser safety program intended to keep individuals who work around lasers safe. The program is designed to comply with the American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1), which can be purchased from the Laser Institute of America.

Establish a Main Point of Contact

Each laboratory must appoint a Deputy Laser Safety Officer (DLSO) who is responsible for laser safety in the lab and is the main point of contact for the Office of Research Safety. All laboratories on campus with Class 3B & Class 4 lasers must also submit a Laser Inventory Form (PDF) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Please email the contact information for the DLSO along with the Laser Inventory Form to the Office of Research Safety. Contact us with questions or concerns.

Standard Operational Procedures

Use these examples for guidance with standard operational procedures: 

• Laser Standard Operational Procedures Example from Penn State (PDF)
• Class 4 Guidelines from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (PDF)