Laser Standard Operating Procedure
St. Lawrence University - Radiation Safety
Return to the Laser Safety Home Page
ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY LASER SAFETY PROGRAM
Outline for Writing a Laser Standard Operating Procedure
Introduction:
Location of laser or laser device.
Diagram of room showing laser location(s).
Description of each laser at the site (as on registration form, include laser registration number).
What the laser is used for?
List the hazards associated with the laser(s)
Safety Controls:
Access controls (signage, door locks, etc.)
Beam description (closed, open, partly open, pulsed, continuous wave, etc.)
Electrical controls (key, key pad switch, etc.)
Eye protection requirements, optical density, etc.
Operating procedure:
Initial preparation
Alignment procedure
Target preparation and description
Personal protection requirements
Countdown procedure
Shutdown procedure
Emergency procedures (These must be prominently posted in the lab)
Training:
PI training required appropriate for the class of laser
Student training required
Maintenance training if applicable
(NOTE: class IIIb and IV laser may only be repaired by qualified technicians)
Responsibilities:
PI supervision
Emergency coordination
Student responsibilities
Miscellaneous:
Visitor regulations
Accident reporting procedures
Location of laser safety information (RSO)
SOPs must be submitted and approved by the RSO prior to using a Class IIIb or IV laser.