Recent laser accidents and incidents at research laboratories across the Department of Energy complex are reviewed in this paper. Factors that contributed to the accidents are examined. Conclusions drawn from the accident reports are summarized and compared. Control measures that could have been implemented to prevent the accidents will be summarized and compared. Recommendations for improving laser safety programs are outlined and progress toward achieving them are summarized.

1.
Special Operations Report: Laser Safety, US Department of Energy, SOR 2005–01 (February 2005), http://hss.energy.gov/csayanalvsis/repoits/Laser_Safety_Report.pdf
2.
ORPS Report NA–SS-SNL-5000-2006-0004, Near Miss Laser Occurrence in Bldg. 66002, November 9 2006 (Sandia National Laboratory)
3.
ORPS report SC–TJSO-JSA-TJNAF-2006-0005, FEL Laser Lab Sweep Fails To Note Worker In Lab, December 5 2006 (Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility)
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© 2007 Laser Institute of America.
2007
Laser Institute of America
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