LASERS/ INTENSE-PULSE LIGHT
Regardless of funding, researchers utilizing Class 3b laser devices, Class 4 laser devices, or intense-pulsed light (IPL) devices in their research must notify the University’s Laser Safety Officer (LSO) in the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Office prior to initiation.
APPLICABILITY
A laser device is defined as an electronic device that emits stimulated radiation to energy density levels that could reasonably cause bodily harm. A Class 3b laser is defined as any laser that permits human access during operation to levels of laser radiation in excess of the accessible emission limits of Class 3a lasers in ANSI Z136.1-2000, Safe Use of Lasers but does not permit human access during operation to levels of laser radiation in excess of the emission limits of Class 3b lasers contained in ANSI Z136.1-2000, Safe Use of Lasers. A Class 4 laser is defined as any laser that permits human access during operation to levels of laser radiation in excess of the accessible emission limits of Class 3b lasers contained in the most recent edition of ANSI Z136.1-2000, Safe Use of Lasers. An IPL device is defined as a device that emits radiation to energy density levels that could reasonably cause bodily harm and that is used for photothermolysis. An IPL device is a Class 2 or Class 3 surgical device certified as complying with the design, labeling, and manufacturing standards of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The use of all Class 3b laser devices, Class 4 laser devices and IPL devices at UT Arlington is authorized by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Radiation Control under Certificate of Registration for Lasers Number Z00256.
REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES
Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation, 25 Texas Administrative Code §289
Texas Regulation for Control of Laser Radiation Hazards, 25 Texas Administrative Code §289.301
UT Arlington Fiscal Regulation 8-5, Use of Radiation Sources
UT Arlington’s Radiation Safety Manual
REVIEW PROCEDURES
The LSO must be informed of all laser and IPL devices prior to work beginning to ensure compliance with the Texas Regulation for Control of Laser Radiation Hazards and the University’s Certificate of Registration for Lasers.
Contact:
Leah V. Hoy, 817-272-2185
hoy@uta.edu
Or visit the website: http://policy.uta.edu/index.php?navid=16879
TRAINING
Laser Safety Training is required prior to persons working with laser or IPL devices. Contact the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Office at 817-272-2185 or ehsafety@uta.edu to schedule an appointment to complete UT Arlington’s Laser Safety Training.
LAB COMISSIONING PROCESS
Work conducted with laser or IPL devices must be reported to the LSO in the EH&S Office before initiation. Laboratory facilities at UT Arlington must be reviewed and approved by the LSO before being commissioned for the use of laser or IPL devices. In addition to commissioning the laboratory, the LSO will assist with and approve the required standard operating procedures, assess training needs, and provide the appropriate lab signage.
Please contact the LSO at 817-272-2185 or hoy@uta.edu to begin the laser or IPL device lab commissioning process.
Radiation Safety Evaluation Form (Lasers)
PROCUREMENT
Class 3b and 4 laser devices are required to be registered with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Radiation Control Program. Researchers must contact the LSO before procuring Class 3b or 4 lasers regardless of the method of procurement (purchase, gift, transfer, loan, etc.)
For questions or assistance, please contact Environmental Health & Safety:
Leah V. Hoy, 817-272-2185
hoy@uta.edu
Or visit the website: http://policy.uta.edu/index.php?navid=16879