University of Toronto Laser Safety Committee

Radiation Protection Service

This training is mandatory for all users of Class 3B or Class 4 open beam lasers and meets the requirements for laser user training of the American National Standard for Safe Use of Laser ANSI Z136.1-2014

If you plan to work with Class 3B or Class 4 open beam lasers at the University of Toronto, use your “UTORid” to register for the course at https://ehs.utoronto.ca/training/my-ehs-training/ . If you are a new user with previously laser safety training and laser work experience, please send an e-mail to sandu.sonoc@utoronto.ca.

If you are from outside the University or do not have an “UTORid” please send an e-mail to sandu.sonoc@utoronto.ca

Dates of training

The Laser Safety-Theory course will be offered as:

1. Online – course number EHS736 or
2. In-person – course number EHS737 (see note below)

The applicant can choose between the two versions of the theory training.

The Laser Safety–Theory must be followed by the Laser Safety–Practical (EHS738) which is offered only in-class. The completion of the Theory part is a pre-requisite for the Practical part.

The laser safety theory online course (EHS736) is recommended only for people with previous experience with lasers. People with no knowledge of fundamental physics principles of laser functioning and laser construction are recommended to take the in-class laser safety theory course (EHS737). These concepts are much easier to understand in a class setting, where you can ask questions, see and handle the laser parts.

EHS738 consists of practical sessions in which attendees will learn alignment procedures of visible and invisible lasers, beam profile measurements, power measurements, engineering controls and discussions of laser accidents, and a test.

The Laser Safety–Theory and Laser Safety-Practical together, are mandatory to be taken by a person that has not been previously trained in laser safety and plans to work with open beam class 3B or class 4 lasers.

Important Note Regarding Registration:

1. Participation in the EHS738 is only accepted on completion of the EHS736 or EHS737;
2. EHS736 (Laser Safety-Theory online) must be taken at least three business day before registered for EHS738;
3. EHS736 has a qualifying quiz as a pre-requisite. Three questions must be answered correctly in three minutes to unlock the content of the training. Only one attempt is allowed;
4. EHS736 (Laser Safety-Theory online), is considered completed after passing the test with a mark of 80 %;
5. EHS737 is offered in-class every month and it can accommodate up to 25 participants. During the COVID-19 crisis, this course will be delivered using the video-conference system of Microsoft Teams and there is no limit to the number of participants.
6. EHS738 consists of two parts. One is an experimental session and the other is a one-hour test. This course is normally offered the day after EHS737. Sessions can accommodate up to 5 participants and are offered, in general, in the morning, but afternoon sessions will be added as required. During the COVID-19 crisis, this course will be limited to 4 participants.

Dates of training 2020-2021

If the practical sessions are full, more sessions will be added the same in the afternoon and in the following days.

For EHS training dates and to register for the course, pleases click the link below and log in with your UTORid

https://ehs.utoronto.ca/training/my-ehs-training/ .

Instructors: Dr. Sandu Sonoc, CLSO – Dr. Gustavo Moriena, CLSO

Location: 256 McCaul Street, Toronto, ON, room 117

Content

1 – BASICS OF LASER SAFETY

Basic Laser Safety
Units and Definitions
Optical Spectrum and Common Lasers
Stimulated Emission of Radiation
Beam Characteristics
Specular and Diffuse Reflection
Laser Operation: CW, Pulsed, Q-Switched
Laser Safety Principles

2 – LASER BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Normal Function of Eye and Skin
Negative Effects on Eye and Skin
Medical Surveillance Program

3 – NON-BEAM HAZARDS

Electrical, Fire, Explosions
Chemicals, Biological, Compressed Gas
Radiation (ionizing)
Other

4 – HAZARD CONTROLS

Hazard assessment
Laser Classification
MPE, NHZ, OD
Engineering Controls
Administrative Controls
PPE

5 – LASER SAFETY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Regulatory Requirements, Responsibility
Registration, Training, Inspections
Hierarchy of Controls
Management Audit

6 – EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Causes, Higher Risk Scenarios
Types of Accidents,
Emergency Preparation, First Response
CPR Information
Accident Reporting

7 – Laser lab work

Practice in the laser lab
Accidents: Case Studies,
Group Discussions

8 – Examination & Course Evaluation