There is no specific legislation in the UK covering the use of lasers in the workplace. Therefore, there is likely to be a reluctance by companies to invest in laser safety. However, the UK, in common with other countries in the European Union has general safety legislation that requires a risk assessment approach to safety in the workplace. This should encompass laser hazards.
The laser safety standard (based on EEC 825-1) requires a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) to be appointed where lasers greater than class 3A are operated. In most companies the LSO will undertake other duties. Indeed, the percentage of time available to be an LSO may be quite small and after the laser safety infrastructure has been established may require little effort. However, when a new laser product is installed or the existing product is modified, the LSO may quickly find themselves out of their depth and looking for further assistance.
The National Radiological Protection Board has been providing a UK-wide Laser Safety Advisory service to many industries for about eight years. This is along similar lines to the Radiation Protection Adviser service which addresses a legal requirement for many users of ionising radiations.
The extent of the service is described along with the approach used to audit companies and the administrative system developed to provide a structured manual on laser safety tailored to each customer. The benefits in time saved and being able to demonstrate an auditable approach to laser safety have been proven where companies have been assessed by regulators against their duties under general safety legislation.