LASER SAFETY

Lasers utilize spontaneous emission to produce intense, coherent, directional beams of light. These properties of laser beams make them broadly useful but also can lead to biological damage, most notably to the eye or skin. Depending on the work environment, other hazards can be associated with laser use such as biological, electrical, chemical or respiratory hazards. The Laser Safety Programs at Stony Brook oversee the safe use of lasers to mitigate hazards in research and clinical environments.

When to contact Laser Safety:
- Requesting a new or modification to a Research Laser Permit
- Adding new users
- Registering new lasers
- Requesting a hazard classification and evaluation
- Decommissioning Laboratories
- Responding to an emergency/Reporting a near miss
- Request to Host Public in a Permitted Ionizing Radiation Space
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides several Laser Safety Standards to minimize hazards to those who work with lasers by providing general requirements for their safe use.

ANSI Z136.1 is the laser safety standard that has been adopted by the laser industry and representatives from user communities to control laser hazards.

ANSI Z136.3 is the standard for Safe Laser Use in Health Care. The control measures in this standard are tailored to the intentional application of laser radiation to a patient for diagnostic, preventative, cosmetic or therapeutic purposes.

ANSI Z136.8 describes alternative controls and procedures that may be utilized in a research environment.

For some situations, two or more standards should be utilized in combination to sufficiently and reasonably address potential hazards. Laser Safety Officers make the determination as to which standards are applicable.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in Laser Safety Standards requires each laser to contain a label at or near the beam outlet that states its classification.

Classes 1 and 2 lasers: Present minimal risk in instances of accidental exposure.

Class 3 lasers: Are hazardous in that direct viewing or specular reflections are harmful. Normally, are neither a fire nor a diffuse viewing hazard.

Class 4 lasers: Are not only hazardous from direct or specular reflection, but also diffuse reflection. This class may also produce fire or skin hazards.

**Class 3 and 4 lasers require specific considerations for hazard control.
Laser Permit Application

Labs must submit a Laser Permit application for work involving Class 3B and 4 Lasers. The Laser Permit Application is to be filled out by the Principal Investigator or Senior Investigator who has documented experience and/or training to use such devices. This individual will become the permit holder for the laser equipment. The Permit Holder is also responsible for all users, staff members and/or students who use the registered devices in the laboratory.

If you need assistance completing this application, please contact the Research Laser Safety Officer by calling Radiation Safety at (631) 632-6410.

Adding a New Laser User

New users must receive authorization from the Radiation Safety Officer prior to beginning work with Lasers. Complete the following steps to request authorization for a new user:
1. Contact the Environmental Health & Safety Front Office at 631-632-6410 or ehsafety@stonybrook.edu to request applicable training registration.
2. Complete the assigned trainings in the Salute Safety Management System
3. After completing the assigned training, the new user will fill out the Personnel Radiological Authorization Request with the appropriate information and signatures.
4. After the Personnel Radiological Authorization Request has been completed and certified by the Candidate and the Principal Investigator, the form must be emailed to ehsafety@stonybrook.edu for reviewal by the Radiation Safety Officer.
5. Users will be informed via email when the Personnel Radiological Authorization Request has been approved.
Research Laser Safety Officer (LSO)

Can Erdonmez is the Research Laser Safety Officer for Stony Brook University. The LSO is responsible for the Research Laser Safety Program and has the authority to suspend, restrict or terminate the operation of a laser system if laser hazard controls are deemed inadequate.

Training

Research Laser Safety Training is offered through the Salute Learning Management System (LMS). If you would like to take this course and have not yet been enrolled, please contact Radiation Safety at (631) 632-6410.
The Laser Safety Program was created by Stony Brook Medicine to establish, maintain and control hazards associated with medical lasers. The program is overseen by a Laser Safety Committee. The committee is responsible for reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safety, monitoring compliance of control measures, credentialing new users, education and training, managing and reporting accidents.

Medical Laser Safety Officer (MLSO)

Samantha Claros is the Medical Laser Safety Officer for Stony Brook Medicine. The MLSO is authorized and responsible for the Medical Laser Safety Program and has the authority to suspend, restrict or terminate the operation of a laser system if laser hazard controls are deemed inadequate.

Laser Safety Committee

The Medical Laser Safety Committee advises laser activity and enforces operational policies and procedures in the use of medical lasers at Stony Brook Medicine. The committee consists of surgeons, clinicians and administrators involved in medical laser usage. The committee meets quarterly or when necessitated by an emergency event with lasers.

Training

Laser Safety Training for clinical applications is issued by the Stony Brook Medicine Learning Management System (LMS). If you would like to take this course and have not yet been enrolled, please contact the Medical Laser Safety Officer by calling 631-487-1094.
FORMS
- Research Laser Permit Application
- Research Personnel Authorization Requests
POSTINGS

Notice: "Laser Repair in Progress" Signage
American National Standards Institute in Laser Safety Z136 Laser Safety Standards

CDRH: Center for Devices and Radiological Health

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

ASLMS: American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery

AORN: Association of Peri-Operative Nurses

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