EHS UNC-CH Laser Safety PolicyRoles and ResponsibilityLaser ClassificationGeneral Laser Safety Requirements for Class 3b and 4 LasersWarning Signs and LabelsProtective EyewearLaser Safety TrainingSpecial Requirements for Invisible Laser BeamsLaser Acquisitions, Inventory and Disposal of Class 3b and 4 LasersLaser Accidents and IncidentsTemplate for Written Laser Safety Operating ProceduresAppendices A and B
EHS Chapter OneChapter One

  Laser Safety		  

UNC-CH Laser Safety Policy
The UNC-CH policy on laser safety requires that all lasers and laser systems be operated in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.1 2000, “the Safe Use of Lasers;” and other applicable federal and state regulations. To implement the policy properly while giving the greatest possible latitude to the researcher, all laser operations at UNC-CH must be reviewed and approved by the UNC-CH Laser Safety Officer (LSO).

The primary objective of the UNC laser safety program is to ensure that no laser radiation in excess of the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limit reaches the human eye or skin. Additionally, the program is designed to ensure that adequate protection against collateral hazards is provided. These collateral hazards include the risk of electrical shock, fire hazard from a beam or from use of dyes and solvents, and chemical exposures from use of chemicals and vaporization of targets.