Laser Safety Training: Applying Physics to Real Use

Fundamentals of Laser Physics and Technology

Purpose

To demonstrate how foundational laser physics concepts directly connect to real workplace practices, decisions, and safety controls relevant to an LSO working in medical, industrial, or aesthetic environments.

Concept: Basic Principles of Laser Generation

Practice Connection:

Understanding stimulated emission, population inversion, and optical resonance helps
LSOs determine:

  • Whether the laser is functioning safely and efficiently.
  • If the internal components need alignment or servicing.
  • The potential risk level from malfunctioning equipment.

Workplace Example:

A diode laser in an aesthetic clinic shows reduced output; the LSO checks for pump source degradation or cavity misalignment before authorising further use.

UK Regulation Link:

  • The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 (AOR)
  • BS EN 60825-1 – classification and safety controls for laser products.

Concept: Wavelength

Practice Connection:

Different wavelengths interact uniquely with tissues and materials, influencing hazard assessment and PPE selection.

Workplace Example:

A 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser penetrates deeper than a 755 nm Alexandrite laser. The LSO selects wavelength-matched eyewear (certified under BS EN 207) to avoid retinal injury.

UK Regulation Link:

  • BS EN 207 – laser protective eyewear
  • BS EN 60601-2-22 – safety of medical laser systems

Concept: Beam Divergence

Practice Connection:

Low divergence = small, high-risk spot even at long distances.
High divergence = lower risk at distance.

Workplace Example:

When testing an industrial fiber laser, the LSO calculates the Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD) to establish safe boundaries and restrict personnel access.

UK Regulation Link:

  • AOR Regulations 2010 – assessment of exposure limits
  • BS EN 60825-1 – establishing hazard distances

Concept: Coherence

Practice Connection:

High coherence allows precise cutting but increases risks of specular reflection.

Workplace Example:

In operating theatres using CO₂ lasers, the LSO requires all shiny surgical tools (metal retractors, clamps) to be covered to prevent beam reflection.

UK Regulation Link:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – duty to maintain a safe working environment
  • BS EN 60825-1 – reflective hazard control

Concept: Types of Lasers

Practice Connection:

Different categories of lasers create different hazard profiles.

Workplace Examples:

  • Medical CO₂ laser – deep thermal injury risk
  • Industrial fiber laser – fire and cutting hazards
  • Aesthetic Alexandrite laser – high melanin absorption risk

UK Regulation Link:

  • BS EN 60601-2-22 (medical lasers)
  • BS EN 60825-1 (general laser safety)

Concept: Laser–Tissue / Material Interaction

Practice Connection:

Absorption, reflection, scattering, and transmission determine burn risk, plume generation, and required PPE.

Workplace Example:

Tattoo-removal lasers create airborne plume; the LSO mandates LEV (local exhaust ventilation) and FFP3 respiratory protection under COSHH.

UK Regulation Link:

  • COSHH Regulations 2002
  • AOR Regulations 2010

Concept: Laser Performance and Efficiency Factors

Practice Connection:

LSOs must recognise degraded performance as a potential safety hazard.

Workplace Example:

A clinic’s IPL system overheats because the cooling system is inefficient. The LSO removes it from service under PUWER until inspected.

UK Regulation Link:

  • PUWER 1998 – equipment must be safe and maintained
  • BS EN 60825-1

Concept: Continuous-Wave vs Pulsed Lasers

Practice Connection:

Pulse structure affects the type and severity of hazards.

Workplace Example:

Q-switched pulses (nanoseconds) used for tattoo removal create extremely high peak power → eyewear with sufficient Optical Density (OD) is mandatory.

UK Regulation Link:

  • BS EN 207/208 – CW vs pulsed protective eyewear
  • AOR Regulations 2010

Concept: Components of Laser Equipment

Practice Connection:

LSOs must verify that each component functions correctly before use.

Workplace Example:

During alignment of a Class 4 industrial laser, the LSO checks:

  • Interlocks
  • Key switch
  • Shutter mechanism
  • Beam delivery lenses

UK Regulation Link:

  • BS EN 60825-1 – engineering controls for lasers

Concept: Applying Laser Physics to Workplace Safety

Practice Connection:

Laser physics knowledge enables LSOs to set controls such as signage, restricted access, hazard distances, and PPE.

Workplace Example:

For a new diode laser installation, the LSO:

  • Calculates NOHD
  • Selects proper eyewear
  • Establishes controlled areas
  • Ensures compliant signage (BS EN 60825 format)

UK Regulation Link:

  • AOR Regulations 2010
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • BS EN 60825-1

Learner Task

Instructions:

  1. Select three concepts from the handout.
  2. For each concept, describe:
    o A workplace scenario
    o How the concept guides the LSO’s safety decision
    o The relevant UK regulation or BS EN standard
  3. Submit your work as part of your assessment evidence.