Real-Life Laser Safety: Scenario-Based Risk Identification
Laser Classification, Hazards, and Risk Identification
Purpose:
This worksheet allows learners to apply theoretical knowledge of laser classification, hazards, and risk assessment to practical workplace scenarios. It emphasizes safe operations in compliance with UK laser safety legislation, including HSWA 1974, AOR 2010, PUWER 1998, and BS EN 60825 standards.
Scenario 1: Medical Laser – Nd:YAG 1064 nm Hair Removal
Scenario Description:
A private clinic is introducing a Class 4 Nd:YAG laser for hair removal treatments. The room has reflective mirrors, and staff are not fully trained in laser safety procedures.
Task Steps for Learners:
Identify Hazards:
- Direct beam exposure to eyes and skin
- Reflected beam from mirrors
- Thermal injury from high-power pulses
- Laser plume from burned hair follicles
Apply Relevant UK Legislation & Standards:
- HSWA 1974: Employer responsible for staff safety
- AOR 2010: Assess exposure risks and implement control measures
- BS EN 60825-1: Class 4 hazard requires controlled area and PPE
- COSHH 2002: Control risks from laser-generated plume
Propose Control Measures:
- Controlled area with interlocked door and warning lights
- PPE: OD 5+ protective goggles, gloves, lab coats
- Remove or cover reflective mirrors
- Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to remove plume
- Staff training and SOP implementation
Document Risk Assessment:
| Hazard | Risk Type | Control Measures | Legislation Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct beam | Eye/skin injury | PPE, controlled access | HSWA 1974, BS EN 60825-1 |
| Reflected beam | Eye injury | Cover mirrors, beam stops | BS EN 60825-1 |
| Thermal burn | Skin injury | Proper cooling, SOP | PUWER 1998 |
| Laser plume | Respiratory hazard | LEV, masks | COSHH 2002 |
Scenario 2: Industrial Laser – Fiber Laser Cutting
Scenario Description:
An engineering facility is using a Class 4 fiber laser to cut stainless steel. Sparks, reflections, and high temperatures pose hazards.
Task Steps for Learners:
Identify Hazards:
- Direct beam contact
- Reflected beam from shiny metals
- Fire hazards from sparks
- Thermal burns
Apply Relevant UK Legislation & Standards:
- HSWA 1974: Safe workplace provision
- PUWER 1998: Ensure equipment is safe, maintained, and suitable
- BS EN 60825-1: Laser classification and safety measures
- Fire Safety Regulations: Mitigate fire risk
- PPE Regulations 1992: Protective clothing and goggles
Propose Control Measures:
- Laser enclosure or curtain to contain beam
- Fire-resistant materials around the cutting area
- PPE: Goggles, gloves, flame-resistant clothing
- SOP for beam alignment and maintenance
Document Risk Assessment:
| Hazard | Risk Type | Control Measures | Legislation Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct beam | Eye/skin injury | Enclosure, PPE | BS EN 60825-1, PPE 1992 |
| Reflected beam | Eye injury | Laser curtains, beam stops | BS EN 60825-1 |
| Fire | Property/skin damage | Fire-resistant materials, extinguishers | Fire Safety Regs |
| Thermal burn | Skin injury | SOP, PPE | PUWER 1998 |
Scenario 3: Research Laser – UV Laser in Laboratory
Scenario Description:
A university research lab uses a Class 3B UV laser. Students are conducting experiments without full knowledge of exposure risks.
Task Steps for Learners:
Identify Hazards:
- Photochemical damage to eyes and skin
- Reflected UV beams from lab equipment
- Inhalation of hazardous fumes from reactions
Apply Relevant UK Legislation & Standards:
- HSWA 1974: Employer/lecturer duty of care
- AOR 2010: Exposure assessment for UV radiation
- BS EN 60825-1: Class 3B safety measures
- COSHH 2002: Control chemical or laser-generated hazardous substances
- PPE Regulations 1992: Provide eye protection
Propose Control Measures:
- Controlled lab area with warning signs
- PPE: UV-rated goggles, gloves, lab coats
- Beam alignment with shields and beam stops
- Training and supervision for all students
Document Risk Assessment:
| Hazard | Risk Type | Control Measures | Legislation Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV exposure | Eye/skin injury | UV goggles, lab coats | AOR 2010, PPE 1992 |
| Reflected beam | Eye injury | Beam stops, shields | BS EN 60825-1 |
| Fume inhalation | Respiratory hazard | Fume hood, LEV | COSHH 2002 |
Scenario 4: Aesthetic Laser – Q-Switched Tattoo Removal
Scenario Description:
A beauty clinic operates a Class 4 Q-switched laser. Staff are new and unaware of scattered beam hazards.
Task Steps for Learners:
Identify Hazards:
- Direct laser beam to operator or patient
- Scattered light causing unintended skin or eye exposure
- Laser plume from pigment ablation
Apply Relevant UK Legislation & Standards:
- HSWA 1974: Safe treatment environment
- AOR 2010: Limit optical radiation exposure
- BS EN 60825-14: Medical laser safety controls
- COSHH 2002: Plume exposure mitigation
Propose Control Measures:
- Controlled room with restricted access
- PPE: Goggles for operator and patient, gloves
- LEV to remove plume
- SOP for alignment and operation
Document Risk Assessment:
| Hazard | Risk Type | Control Measures | Legislation Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct beam | Eye/skin injury | Goggles, controlled access | BS EN 60825-14 |
| Scattered beam | Eye/skin injury | PPE, beam positioning | AOR 2010 |
| Laser plume | Respiratory hazard | LEV, masks | COSHH 2002 |
Learner Task
Instructions:
- Select one of the above scenarios or a laser scenario from your own workplace.
- For the chosen scenario:
- Identify all potential hazards (direct, reflected, scattered beams, thermal,photochemical, mechanical, plume)
- Link each hazard to the laser class
- Specify control measures (engineering, administrative, PPE)
- Reference relevant UK legislation or standard for each control
- Create a full Laser Risk Assessment Form including:
- Hazard identification
- Likelihood and severity ratings
- Control measures implemented
- Residual risk evaluation
- Optional: Prepare a diagram showing laser hazard flow from source →pathway → potential exposure → control measures