Laser Safety
WPI Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is responsible for the establishment and continuing review of a laser safety program at the University. EHS is also responsible for the University’s compliance with laser safety regulations promulgated by state, federal, and local agencies. EHS administers the laser safety program through a variety of services provided to the University community. All users of lasers must be registered with Environmental Health & Safety.
WPI's Laser Safety Officer (LSO) is Steve Snay. Questions for the LSO can be sent to gr-LSO@wpi.edu.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute laser safety program provides guidance on the safe use of lasers. While all lasers and laser systems (Class 1, Class 1M, Class 2, Class 2M and Class 3R, Class 3B and Class 4) should be used with caution, the program's purpose is to specifically ensure that all Class 3B or Class 4 lasers are purchased, used, stored and disposed of properly.
Class 3B lasers produce light with an intensity that can exceed the maximum permissible eye exposure. Therefore, a user subject to direct eye exposure without eye-protection has a reasonable chance of sustaining serious eye damage. The range of rated power that qualifies as Class 3B for a continuous wave laser is 5 - 500 milliwatt.
Class 4 lasers produce light with an intensity that is known to exceed the maximum permissible eye exposure limit. Therefore, direct eye exposure to a Class 4 laser, without suitable eye-protection, will certainly lead to serious eye and skin damage. Continuous wave lasers are Class 4 if their rated power emission is greater than 0.5 watt.
Each Class 3B or Class 4 laser system must be registered with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). WPI personnel wishing to own a laser system should fill out a Laser Use Registration, and submit it for review to the campus Laser Safety Officer prior to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to I reach out to the Laser Safety Officer?
Email gr-LSO@wpi.edu to reach out to the LSO.
What do I need to do to set up my laser lab?
- Everyone with laser lab access either to operate or to be in the space when the laser is on, shall complete laser safety training.
- Fill out the Laser SOP template, which must be approved by the LSO.
- Fill out the inventory form for all class 3B and class 4 lasers.
- Forward the LSO a digital copy of the laser manufacturer spec sheets or a manual.
- The LSO will inspect the space to ensure compliance with 105CMR121 and ANSIZ136.1 standards.
- Principal Investigator completes the laser permit.
How do I become laser safety trained?
- Complete initial online laser safety training.
- Participate in site-specific training with Principal Investigator or designee. Site specific training shall include:
- Site specific controls,
- Procedure review and demonstration,
- Proper PPE use,
- Beam hazards (eye, skin) and hazard analysis distances (eyewear OD, NOHD, NHZ if applicable), and
- Emergency response procedures
What do I do if I think an accident occured?
If you are exposed to a laser beam and experience symptoms (eye pain, visual impairment, unusual visual experiences, or skin burns) during work with or near lasers:
CONTACT CAMPUS POLICE AT x 5555 FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
WPI Campus Police will arrange for transport to the medical facility listed below, based
upon the nature of the injury. Additionally, the WPI Campus Police will notify EHS, who will investigate to ensure proper mitigation of hazards.
UMASS Medical Center Emergency Room
University Campus
55 Lake Ave. North
Worcester, MA 01655
The Principal Investigator/Laser Supervisor must submit an Accident Report within 48 hours of the incident occurrence.