Laser Safety

Ensuring the safe use of lasers, laser systems, and non-ionizing radiation sources.

On the Job (OJT) Laser Training Checklist (PDF)

2024

Practical, hands-on training activities for new laser users

New Laser User Onboarding Checklist (Word)

2024

Guidance on laser use requirements for all new users of Class 3B and / or Class 4 laser systems.

New Laser User Onboarding Checklist (PDF)

2024

Guidance on laser use requirements for all new users of Class 3B and / or Class 4 laser systems.

Laser Eye Exposure from a Specular Reflection

June 17, 2024
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety
What happened?

A researcher walking towards an optical table was exposed to a laser beam that reflected off a hex ball driver tool. Another researcher at a nearby bench was installing an optical component on a breadboard when the hex ball driver he was using inadvertently moved into an active beam path. The hex ball tool had a reflective surface.

Resources and Guides

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A JSA describes job tasks in step-by-step fashion, identifies associated hazards at each step, and outlines proper hazard controls that minimize the risk of injury or illness to the individual(s) performing that task.

JSAs Listed by Topic: Body Mechanics ...

New labs

How do I set up a new lab?

Note: Your department's Department Safety Coordinator (DSC) may have their own practices and guidelines. It is strongly suggested that you contact them for guidance. Not sure who your DSC is? Use the "Who's your DSC?" tool to find out!

Getting Started Email labsafety@berkeley.edu to have your new lab set up in our database. If you are a new Principal Investigator,...

Campus Committees

Certain high-hazard activities and equipment require additional safety training and written pre-approval. Faculty-led committees issue use authorizations for high hazard activities to ensure the work is safe and monitored appropriately. These include:

collapse all expand all Laboratory Operations & Safety Committee

Summary of Charges

The campus Laboratory Operations...

Lab Decommissioning

Lab Equipment Decontamination Protocol Departments must identify equipment desired for release by creating a list for Equipment Management (contact: betshelp@berkeley.edu). Department equipment listings must provide a BETS #, Serial #, building and room number of the equipment intended for release. Departments must also include: equipment history, associated chemical use, biological use or radiation use authorizations - where applicable. Verify and update equipment building, room and description to...

Laser Safety Manual (PDF)

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2023

This is a PDF version of the Laser Safety Manual

Laser Free Day - November 9, 2022

December 7, 2022
Laser Free Day Information Two laser safety presentations were held on Wednesday, November 9; 10:00am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Both presentations were identical and were held in-person at 290 Hearst Memorial Mining Building and virtually via Zoom. Laser Use Principal Investigators (PIs) were encouraged to attend the session that worked best with their schedules. Online option

Those unable to attend in-person were encouraged to attend the virtual Zoom session. Those who were unable to attend in-person or virtually are encouraged to watch the following...