Fundamentals of Laser Safety Law for LSO Training

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA)

Summary:

The main UK legislation requiring employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees and others. Covers all workplace hazards, including lasers.

Workplace Implications:

• Mandatory risk assessments for laser use.
• Employers must create safe systems of work for Class 3B & Class 4 lasers.
• Adequate training, supervision, and competence of operators must be ensured.
• LSOs must enforce compliance and maintain documentation.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR)

Summary:

Requires risk assessment and the implementation of control measures for all hazards.

Workplace Implications:

• Laser-specific risk assessments must identify beam and non-beam hazards.
• Employers must plan emergency procedures (e.g., accidental eye exposure).
• Competent LSOs and operators must be appointed and trained.
• Control measures must follow the hierarchy of controls.

Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 (AOR)

Summary:

Primary law protecting workers from artificial optical radiation, including laser beams and reflections.

Workplace Requirements:

• Exposure must never exceed Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE).
• Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD) must be assessed.
• Laser Controlled Areas must be set up for higher-class lasers.
• Mandatory training must be provided before anyone works with lasers.
• Warning signage, access control, and protective equipment are required.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

Summary:

Ensures all laser equipment is suitable, safe, and maintained properly.

Workplace Implications:

• Only trained and authorised persons may operate laser systems.
• Equipment maintenance logs and inspections must be documented.
• Unsafe or damaged lasers must be removed from service immediately.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992 (amended 2022)

Summary:

Requires employers to provide appropriate PPE when risks cannot be controlled otherwise.

Workplace Implications:

• Laser safety eyewear must have correct Optical Density (OD) for the wavelength used.
• PPE must be maintained, stored properly, and inspected regularly.
• Workers must be trained in correct PPE use.

BS EN 60825-1:2014 + A11:2021 – Safety of Laser Products

Summary:

Primary standard for laser classification and safety specifications.

Workplace Implications:

• All lasers must be correctly classified (Class 1–4).
• Products require labels, output limits, and mandatory manufacturer safety features.
• LSOs must understand laser class hazards and implement matching control measures.

BS EN 60825-14:2006 – User Guide for Laser Safety

Summary:

Provides guidance for employers and LSOs on safe use and hazard management.

Workplace Implications:

• Defines LSO responsibilities.
• Provides guidance on calculating exposure & hazard distances.
• Outlines best practice for controlled area setup and staff training.

COSHH Regulations 2002 (Relevant When Laser Plume or Fume is Generated)

Relevance:

Applies to laser procedures that generate airborne contaminants, such as surgical plume or industrial cutting fumes.

Workplace Implications:

• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) may be required.
• COSHH assessments must identify exposure risks and controls.
• Staff must be trained on hazards and safe handling.

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Summary:

Controls electrical safety for equipment, including high-voltage laser systems.

Workplace Implications:

• Laser systems must be electrically safe and regularly inspected.
• Only competent persons may carry out electrical work.
• Equipment must be properly earthed, isolated, and maintained.

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Relevance:

Provides requirements for safe conditions in laser-controlled areas.

Workplace Implications:

• Warning lights, door interlocks, and signage must be installed where required.
• Controlled areas must be free from reflective hazards.
• Adequate lighting, ventilation, and workspace must be maintained.

Learner Task

Task:

Using the Key Law & Regulation Summary Sheet above:

1. Identify three UK laws or standards that directly affect laser use in your
   workplace setting.
   o For each one, explain in your own words:
   a) What the law/standard requires
   b) How it applies specifically to laser operations
   c) What actions an LSO must take to comply with it
2. Choose one standard (BS EN 60825-1 or BS EN 60825-14) and describe:
   o Why it is important
   o How laser classification affects safety decisions
   o What control measures correspond to each class
3. Describe a real or hypothetical scenario where AOR 2010 helps prevent an
   incident.
   o Identify the hazard
   o Describe the control measures required
   o Explain how the law supports safe working