Laser Safety

Western University is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Labour to use and store the Class 3B and Class 4 lasers/laser systems. The University has established the Laser Safety Program to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (R.S.O 1990, c.0.1) and the American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1 – 2000). The Laser Safety Program structure includes the Senior Management, the Radiation Safety Coordinator and the Radiation Safety Committee.

The University issues the Internal Permit to a University employee who is the Principal Investigator or Person in Charge of the locations where the Class 3B or Class 4 lasers/laser systems are used or stored. All users must meet the following requirements:

  • Be 16 years of age. Have an Internal Permit or work under an Internal Permit. Be registered as a Laser Worker. Comply with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, University Policies and Procedures, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers and follow the safe use and operation of the lasers/laser systems.Be familiar with the University Laser Safety Manual. A Permit Holder must ensure that all Laser Workers under their permit complete the University Laser Safety Training Program: Laser Safety Training Course by Occupational Health and Safety. Additional, specific hands-on training on particular lasers/laser systems must be given by the Permit Holder or Person in Charge of the laser laboratory.
  • Participate in the University Medical Surveillance Program. Go to the Workplace Health website and fill out the Position Hazard Communication Form online.
  • Ensure that you (and all visitors) wear the appropriate laser safety eyewear when required. Here are the recommended laser safety eyewear suppliers:

The University is committed to taking every reasonable precaution for the health and safety of its employees, students and public. The Laser Safety Program is designed to eliminate or reduce the risk of optical radiation exposure by:

  • Management control over work practices.
  • Personnel qualification and training.
  • Control of occupational and public exposure to optical radiation.
    (See our Laser Safety Awareness pages)
  • Planning for emergency situations.

Other Health & Safety related forms may be accessed under "Forms" in the left navigation on this page.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact radsafety@uwo.ca.

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