Laser risk assessment template now available online

Safety Services has launched a new online laser risk assessment template in riskNET to assist departments in documenting risk assessments for activities involving Class 3R, Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Risk assessments are required for all activities involving these lasers, including building laser setups and any alignment.

The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 requires that a suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be performed before any work starts and must consider an assessment of the levels of artificial optical radiation people could be exposed to in relation to safe limits. The new online laser risk assessment will guide you through the steps you should consider when using lasers.

Risk assessment approval

The new online template must be used for all new risk assessments involving work with Class 3R, Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and must be approved by departmental Laser Safety Officers as well as the Principal Investigator in management control of the work. You can find out the name of your departmental Laser Safety Officer in the Responsible Persons' Register.

Where the risk assessment shows it is possible to exceed the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE), it must also be reviewed by the Laser Protection Officer. 

Existing risk assessments which are being reviewed must be transferred to the online template.

Where can I find the laser risk assessment?

The online Laser Risk Assessment is available on riskNET.

Open riskNET, select the Risk Assessment module > then Create New Assessment > then select the Create Activities, Hazards, Controls tab > then Add Activities > then under "Specialist Risk Area" select  Laser Risk Assessment.

> Guidance for creating risk assessments in riskNET

Where can I get help?

Email the Laser Protection Officers for guidance on completing laser risk assessments including determining Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) and how to assess or measure the levels of artificial optical radiation.

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