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

Starting April 2018 the Laser Safety Training will be divided in two parts: Laser Safety-Theory and Laser Safety-Practical

The Laser Safety-Theory course will be offered as:

1. Online – course number EHS736 or
2. In-class – course number EHS737

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 (EHS736) is recommended only for users with previous experience about lasers. The users with no knowledge about fundamental principals of lasers and laser functioning are recommended to take the in class laser safety theory (EHS737).

EHS738 consists of laser hazard presentation, practical sessions demonstrating the alignment of visible and invisible lasers, emergency preparations, 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 ERHS738 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 (Laser Safety-Theory online), is considered completed after passing the test with a mark of 70%;
4. EHS737 and EHS738 are offered in-class every month in two consecutive mornings.

Dates of training 2018-2019

EHS737	November 8-2018	EHS738	November 9-2018
EHS737	December 6-2018	EHS738	December 7-2018
EHS737	January 15	EHS738	January 16
EHS737	February 7	EHS738	February 8
EHS737	March 11	EHS738	March 12
EHS737	April 11	EHS738	April 12
EHS737	May 9	EHS738	May 10
EHS737	June 4	EHS738	June 5
EHS737	July 8	EHS738	July 9
EHS737	August 8	EHS738	August 9
EHS737	September 12	EHS738	September 13
EHS737	October 7	EHS738	October 8
EHS737	November 7	EHS738	November 8
EHS737	December 5	EHS738	December 6

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

Location: 256 McCaul Street, Toronto, ON, room 117
Course hours: from 9:00 to 13:00 

Content

1 – BASICS OF LASER SAFETY

Basic Laser Safety
Units and Definitions
Optical Spectrum and Common Lasers
Simulated 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 – Laser lab work

Practice in a laser lab setting

5 – HAZARD CONTROLS

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

6 – LASER SAFETY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

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

7 – EMERGENCY RESPONSE

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

8 – Examination & Course Evaluation