Compliance of SLAC’s laser safety program with the SLAC control of hazardous energy (COHE) program

SLAC’s COHE program requires compliance with OSHA Regulation 29CFR1910.147, “The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout).” This regulation specifies lockout/tagout requirements during service and maintenance of equipment in which the unexpected energization or start up of the equipment, or release of stored energy, could cause injury to workers. Class 3B and Class 4 laser radiation must be considered as hazardous energy (as well as electrical energy in associated equipment, and other non-beam energy hazards) in laser facilities, and therefore requires careful COHE consideration. This paper describes how COHE is achieved at SLAC to protect workers against unexpected Class 3B or Class 4 laser radiation, independent of whether the mode of operation is normal, service, or maintenance.