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 into 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 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 70%;
5. EHS737 and EHS738 are offered in-class every month. EHS737 is a four hours course (9:00 am to 1:00 pm) and can accommodate up to 25 participants. EHS738 consists of two hours of experimental sessions plus one hour test. Sessions can accommodate up to 5 participants and are offered, in general, in the morning (9:00 am to 12:00 pm) and afternoon (1:00 pm to 4:00 pm) of the day after the theory lecture;

Dates of training 2019-2020

EHS737	November 7-2019	EHS738	November 8-2019
EHS737	December 5-2019	EHS738	December 6-2019
EHS737	January 17	EHS738	January 20
EHS737	February 12	EHS738	February 13
EHS737	March 16	EHS738	March 17
EHS737	April 15	EHS738	April 16
EHS737	May 11	EHS738	May 12
EHS737	June 8	EHS738	June 9
EHS737	July 15	EHS738	July 16
EHS737	August 6	EHS738	August 7
EHS737	September 14	EHS738	September 15
EHS737	October 7	EHS738	October 8 and 9
EHS737	November 9	EHS738	November 10
EHS737	December 3	EHS738	December 4

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

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
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