Applied Optics Laser Training Scheme

Levels of competence and training schedule

Steve D. Sharples, Matt Clark, January 24, 2004

Introduction

It is important to document the level of training each person has received with regard to laser safety training. This document records the skills and knowledge required to gain each of the levels of competence associated with the safe use of lasers for research purposes within the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering. The levels are accumulative a person on level X will also possess all the training required for level (X-1).

This system uses a 5 point scale of training and competence from 1 (no training) through to 5 (can use class 4 lasers unsupervised). It also includes a supplementary qualification for qualifiying teaching and supervision competence; this is denoted with a '+'.

Additional protocols are in force for class 4 and other high hazard areas, these must be signed off on the training forms before use.

Training Level	Summary
1	Basic knowledge
2	Basic knowledge, can work supervised with class 3R
3	Can work unsupervised with class 3R, supervised with class 3B
4	Can work unsupervised with class 3B, supervised with class 4
5	Can work unsupervised with class 4 lasers

Supervision level	Summary
3+	Can train and supervise 1-3, must be trained to at least level 3
4+	Can train and supervise 1-4, must be trained to at least level 4
5+	Can train and supervise 1-5, must be trained to level 5

These training levels should be recorded on the user registration form . The form should then be signed off by either a qualified supervisor or the School Laser Safety Officer (Mike Somekh).

Levels of competence

Level 0: Novice

No training has been given, no knowledge is assumed.

No unsupervised access to any laser lab, no laser work.

Level 1: Basic knowledge

This sets the basic level of competency

Has seen and understood the Laser Safety video
Has sent off the screening questionnaire for prospective users of class 3B and/or class 4 lasers form if applicable.
Has read and understood the “Applied Optics Laser Safety Code of Practice.”
Has registered themselves as a ‘laser user.’
Has demonstratable knowledge of local administrative procedures

A person with this level of training may enter a designated laser area unsupervised provided they have the permission to do so from the laboratory supervisor. They may not carry out any laser work (class 1 excepted). This is a prerequisite for using any of the designated laser areas (and for using office space connected to a designated laser area, eg the office in 308).

Level 2: Supervised use of lasers up to class 3R

The person will have demonstrated the skills and knowledge of the previous levels, plus can demonstrate good working practices including, but not limited to:

using as low a power laser beam as possible, by attenuating the beam with an appropriate neutral density filter
securely attaching the laser and all the optical components in or near the beam path to the optical bench
keeping the length of the beam path through free space as short as possible
enclosing the beam path where possible
using beam dumps appropriately
keeping the beam path in one horizonal plane, including when adjusting optical components
carrying out alignment procedures, and such other adjustments and alterations which may give rise to unexpected beam paths, with the laser either switched off or attenuated to an “eye safe” level
eliminating the chance of stray reflections, by eliminating all clutter from the optical bench, removal or covering up of personal jewellery etc

A person with this level of training may carry out supervised class 3R and below laser work.

Level 3: Unsupervised use of lasers up to class 3R

The person will have demonstrated the skills and knowledge of the previous levels over a period of time, and:

can demonstrate the ability to work safely without supervision, by working supervised but without any input from the supervisor
feels that they are competent to work unsupervised
can demonstrate the correct use of neutral density filters and power meter
can perform MPE and attenuation calculations for class 3R and 3B systems

A person with this level of training may carry out unsupervised class 3R laser work. They may also carry out supervised class 3B work, this includes the selection and installation of neutral density filters to bring class 3B beams down to class 3R powers. All class 4 work is prohibited.

Level 4: Unsupervised use of lasers up to class 3B

The person will have demonstrated the skills and knowledge of the previous levels over a period of time, and:

can demonstrate the ability to work safely without supervision, by working supervised but without any input from the supervisor
feels that they are competent to work unsupervised
can demonstrate the correct use of neutral density filters and power meter
can perform MPE and attenuation calculations for class 3R and 3B systems
has either had a laser eye test at Occupational Health; or has received written confirmation from Occupational Health that no eye test is necessary, and that they can commence work with class 3B/4 lasers. The form for this is at: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/safety/forms/laser-eye-form.doc

A person with this level of training may carry out unsupervised class 3B laser work. They may also carry out supervised class 4 work.

Level 5:Unsupervised use of all laser including class 4

The person will have demonstrated the skills and knowledge of the previous level over a period of time, and:
knowledge of the Safety Procedure / Code of Practice associated with the experiment using class 3B or class 4 lasers

use and selection of appropriate protective eyewear (‘goggles’)
knowledge of the use of access control and interlocks
knowledge of the responsibilities of the person operating the high power laser shutter (e.g. checking that other people present are wearing goggles, etc.)
using a CCD camera, an infrared viewer, a phosphor card, or some other means to check for any stray relections from infrared beams
using as low a power laser beam as possible, by attenuating the beam with an appropriate method
securely attaching the laser and all the optical components in or near the beam path to the optical bench
keeping the length of the beam path through free space as short as possible
enclosing the beam path where possible
using beam dumps appropriately
keeping the beam path in one horizonal plane, including when adjusting optical components
carrying out alignment procedures, and such other adjustments and alterations which may give rise to unexpected beam paths, with the laser either switched off or attenuated to an “eye safe” level
eliminating the chance of stray reflections, by eliminating all clutter from the optical bench, removal or covering up of personal jewellery etc
use and selection of appropriate optical components, capable of absorbing the laser energy concerned without damage, and avoiding hazardous specular and diffuse reflections
can demonstrate the ability to work safely without supervision, by working supervised but without any input from the supervisor
use of guide of low power guide lasers
feels that they are competent to work unsupervised

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