The University of California Berkeley Laser Safety Program is intended to provide staff, researchers, students, and visitors with a safe laser use environment. This manual was written to outline UC Berkeley’s laser safety policy and guidance and to serve as a reference source for laser users.
Program Authority
The UC Berkeley Laser Safety Program was developed in accordance with a charge from the Research Compliance Advisory Committee (RCAC). The RCAC directed that a faculty committee be formed to provide a laser safety program based on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.1 Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers. The UC Berkeley Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Committee’s (NIRSC) charge is to take the actions necessary to provide a safe laser use environment. The policies set forth in this manual were developed and approved by the NIRSC under their bylaws. See Appendix A for the NIRSC bylaws. The laser safety officer (LSO) and the Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) provide support to the NIRSC and are tasked by the NIRSC to implement the Laser safety program.
Regulatory Requirements
Regulation of laser hazards fall under the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Subchapter 7 General Industry Safety Orders, Section 3203 (Injury and Illness Prevention Program). Section 3203 requires that every employer “….include a system for ensuring that employees comply with safe and healthy work practices....” Enforcement of the regulations falls to the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CAL-OSHA). At this time, CAL-OSHA has not developed specific laser safety regulations, but they train their inspectors in the ANSI Z136.1 Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers as the accepted “...safe and healthy work practice...” to use in inspecting laser facilities.
The UC Berkeley Laser Safety Program is based on the ANSI Z136.1 “Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers” and Z136.8 “Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Research, Development, or Testing. In addition, standards for lasers used in a medical setting are based on ANSI Z136.3 “Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities.” A copy of the standards is available at EH&S.
Applicability / Scope
The UC Berkeley Laser Safety Program covers Class 3B and 4 lasers and laser systems on the campus and at UC Berkeley managed off-site locations. The laser safety program applies to all persons: faculty, staff, students, and visitors operating with or working in close proximity to a Class 3B or Class 4 laser.