The laboratory, which occupies a large geographical area, is engaged in a wide variety of research and development activities that involve use of many types and classes of lasers and laser systems. There are in excess of 700 Laboratory laser personnel, as well as numerous visiting scientists, that utilize the several hundred lasers on site.
We have employed a variety of methods to meet the demands imposed by the diversity and size of Laboratory laser operations and the large number of laser personnel and laser operation areas. We have:
selected, appointed and trained Division Laser Safety Offices (DLSOs) and alternates;
established a Laboratory laser safety committee, chaired by the Laboratory LSO, and consisting of Deputy LSOs, and DLSOs;
established specific laser safety policies and guidelines based upon ANSI Z136 standards, and tailored to our needs;
standardized hazard evaluation and control procedures;
established Laboratory requirements for qualification of laser personnel and operation of laser systems in the various operating modes.
This is an overview of the Laboratory’s laser operations and the laser safety program that we have established to evaluate and control the attendant hazards.