UCSD's Laser Safety Program describes institutional and employee responsibilities for safe use of lasers and laser systems under UCSD campus jurisdiction and provides:
Controls required by UCSD's Laser Safety Program are determined by the hazard classification of a laser or laser system and how and where it will be used.
This program meets the requirements of the American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1 – 2007).
Institutional and individual responsibilities:
- UCSD's Laser Safety Committee advises the Chancellor on laser safety issues, recommends and establishes UCSD policy, and has institutional authority to approve or rescind an investigator's authorization to work with lasers.
- Principal investigators (PIs) with class 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems must have a Laser Use Authorization (LUA) before beginning work. The PI is ultimately responsible for adhering to UCSD's requirements for Class 3b and 4 lasers.
- Environment, Health & Safety's (EH&S) Laser Safety Officer (LSO) is responsible for laser safety services that include consulting, evaluating, auditing, and enforcing the control of laser hazards.
Auditing LUA compliance:
- EH&S will conduct an annual audit of activities and areas under each LUA.
- If an audit identifies deficiencies, corrective action must be taken within 30 days of being notified.
- Deficiencies that constitute an imminent safety hazard must be corrected prior to the next use of the laser or laser system.
- The PI, LSO, or Area Safety Coordinator may request additional audits.
Related policies:
- California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3382 – General Industry Safety Orders, Eye and Face Protection
- California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3203 – General Industry Safety Orders, Injury & Illness Prevention Program
Additional information:
If you are a UCSD campus employee with questions, contact EH&S Laser Safety, (858) 822-2850 or (858) 534-3660.
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