Requirements:
Roles and Responsibilities (5.1.6)

Laser Safety Officer (5.1.6.1)

The laboratory director has assigned a SLAC laser safety officer (LSO) who reports to the chief safety officer and approves all hazardous laser operations.

The responsibilities of the LSO are prescribed in the laboratory director's letter of appointment, in Section 1.3.2, "LSO Specific Responsibilities", of the ANSI Z136.1-2000 standard, and are consistent with SLAC ISEMS policy. Throughout this chapter, it will be understood that wherever duties or responsibilities of the LSO are specified, it will mean that the LSO either performs the stated task or ensures that the task is performed. The LSO is an ex officio member of the Laser Safety Committee, which advises the LSO on laser safety issues.

The LSO will

Advise the laboratory director on laser safety topics
Recommend internal laser safety policies within the framework of federal regulations and accepted industry standards
Approve all new installations and changes in laser safety systems, provides written approval for the operation of all Class 3b and Class 4 lasers
Ensure that major changes/installations are reviewed by the Laser Safety Committee and decide which changes are minor and which are major
Carry authorization to stop any operation for which he perceives the laser safety to be inadequate, and can be overruled only by the laboratory director
Comply with all duties as prescribed in the standard ANSI Z136.1-2000, including those prescribed duties listed below
Classify or verify classification of all laser systems
Provide consultation concerning lasers and laser hazards
Carry the authority to inspect, monitor, and approve all laser installations and enforce laser safety control of hazards
Suspend, restrict, or terminate the operation of a laser or laser system if the laser hazard controls are inadequate
Ensure that personnel receive laser safety training specific for the type of laser they will be operating and assist laser system supervisors to develop and implement on-the-job training programs
Ensure that personnel receive appropriate medical surveillance
Investigate any known or suspected accident resulting from a laser operation, initiate appropriate action, and prepare accident report
Ensure the maintenance of the appropriate records for medical surveillance, training and an inventory of lasers under jurisdiction
Accompany regulatory agency laser equipment inspectors on tours of laser installations, document any discrepancies noted, and ensure that the required corrective action is taken
Approve, in writing, the standard operating procedures required for all Class 3b and Class 4 lasers
Approve, in writing, all Class 3b and Class 4 laser purchase orders
Designate a deputy laser safety officer to perform LSO functions when the LSO is not available

Deputy Laser Safety Officer (5.1.6.2)

The deputy laser safety officer (DLSO) is designated by the LSO and performs LSO functions when the LSO is not available.

System(s) Laser Safety Officer (5.1.6.3)

In accordance with the SLAC Integrated Safety and Environmental Management System (ISEMS) and the principle of line management responsibility for safety, each laser system or facility will have a designated system laser safety officer (SLSO), to whom the line management responsibilities for laser safety are assigned. The program manager for the laser facility will designate this SLSO in a written, signed document to the LSO. Subsequently, it is through communication between the SLSO and the LSO that the SLAC laser safety program ensures adherence to the ISEMS guiding principles and core functions, while, at the same time, following the DOE-prescribed laser safety standard, ANSI Z136.1-2000.

The SLSO will

Prepare and submit the following for LSO's approval before permitting Class 3b and Class 4 laser operations for those lasers within the SLSO's jurisdiction:

Written standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each laser or laser system
Plans for new installations or modifications to existing lasers and laser systems
Specifications for each laser sufficient for hazard classification of all lasers and laser systems
Written identification of all hazards
Written description of all mitigating engineering and procedural controls
Written alignment procedures
Written maintenance and service procedures
Descriptions of labels and signs on laser equipment and in laser areas
Specifications for PPE to be used by personnel such as protective eyewear and gloves.
Checklist of prerequisites and training to be completed by personnel prior to operating lasers

In addition, the SLSO will

Ensure that safety controls of laser hazards for personnel, visitors, and the general public are adequate before permitting the operation of a laser
Suspend the operation of a laser when there is inadequate control of laser hazards
Designate nominal hazard zones (NHZs), as needed
Know and enforce all applicable procedures pertaining to laser safety
Determine the appropriate training requirements for personnel using the SLAC Training Assessment (see Chapter 2, "Work Authorization", and Chapter 24, "Training") and ensure that all personnel are appropriately trained on the specific lasers they will be operating before they begin working with lasers. Supervisors will document personnel training for Class 3b and Class 4 lasers.
Develop and document laser-specific, on-the-job training programs in conjunction with the LSO for users of Class 3b and Class 4 lasers
Ensure that personnel working with Class 3b and Class 4 lasers receive the appropriate eye exams
Notify the Medical Department and the LSO immediately of any known or suspected accident resulting from the operation of a laser and assist in obtaining the appropriate emergency medical attention for personnel involved in a laser accident
Maintain a current inventory of all lasers within their group. The inventory will include the classification, wavelength, power, type, manufacturer, model designation, and serial number of the laser.
Perform an annual test that all safety interlocks are functioning correctly and document results of the test

Personnel (5.1.6.4)

All personnel, including employees, users, and service subcontractors, working with or near Class 3b or Class 4 lasers will

Energize or work with or near a laser only after obtaining written authorization from the SLSO and the LSO
Stop work and seek instruction from SLSO when encountering a circumstance that appears unsafe or not clearly covered in the SOP. Notify SLSO of new or increased laser hazards in the workplace.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Immediately notify their supervisor (or the Medical Department if their supervisor is unavailable) of any known or suspected accident involving a laser and assist in obtaining the appropriate emergency medical attention for personnel involved in a laser accident

Laser Safety Committee (5.1.6.5)

The Laser Safety Committee (LSC)

Advises the LSO on laser safety matters
Reviews projects pertaining to lasers and recommends improvements
Provides expertise in forming laser safety policy
Studies accidents and helps apply lessons learned
Provides oversight and periodic review as requested

Medical Department (5.1.6.6)

The Medical Department specifies required eye examination protocol, evaluates examination results, provides medical clearance for use of lasers, and maintains medical records of these examinations (see Section 5.1.3.4, “Medical Surveillance”).

Purchasing Department (5.1.6.7)

The Purchasing Department will refer laser purchase requisitions for Class 3 and Class 4 lasers to the LSO for approval (see Section 5.1.4.3, “Acquisition Procedure for Lasers”).

Environment, Safety, and Health Division (5.1.6.8)

The Environment, Safety, and Health Division (ES&H) will

Be represented on the Laser Safety Committee
Provide consultation on related safety issues, such as electrical safety
Assist the LSO in providing laser safety training for personnel

continue to Procedures and Specific Requirements (5.2)

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Requirements: Roles and Responsibilities (5.1.6)