Course Aim

AS/NZS IEC 60825.14:2022 Safety of laser products: A user’s guide describes laser users/operators as “those who use, work with, or who are placed in control of [laser] equipment of Class 1M, 2M, 3R, 3B or 4”. In addition to being competent in the use and operation of the equipment they should also have sufficiently detailed safety training, with suggested topics. Our Level 3 Operator Laser Safety Course completely overlaps this suggested content, in addition provides application-based content for a variety of modern laser uses.

The aim of this course is to provide a non-mathematical introduction to lasers and laser hazards for those using lasers in the workplace to meet the laser safety component for a laser operator or Defence level 3 laser operator or maintainer training. The course provides an introduction to laser safety practice, hazard control and regulation of the use of lasers. This course is aimed at personnel who work with or around hazardous lasers or are required to work in a laser hazard area.

Course Outline

Introduction to lasers: Awareness of the basic principles of laser operation and the differences between conventional light sources and laser sources in relation to their hazard potential to the eye.

Operator laser safety in the workplace:  Awareness of laser hazard controls and workplace safety | Awareness of legislation and laser safety standards | Awareness of existence of laser safety officers and their role | Hierarchy and roles of laser safety personnel including likely interactions with operators | Practical examples of laser safety controls for indoor and outdoor scenarios.

Introduction to laser hazards: Awareness of the hazards posed by lasers | Awareness of laser hazards both beam and non-beam | Awareness of the laser classification system and the implication of these classifications.

Introduction to laser safety standards: Awareness of AS/NZS IEC 60825.1:2014 & AS/NZS IEC 60825.14:2022 and their relevance | Expected controls in the workplace, based laser hazard classification | Introduction to laser safety terminology | Operator considerations in relation to laser protective eyewear.

Hazards and safety for specific applications: Awareness of different modern laser applications | Awareness of application specific laser hazards common and unique | Awareness specific application controls and procedures.

Discussions plus Q & A: To close out day 1, time is allowed for more detailed two way discussions of other specific examples and questions on the course content or other applications that may be relevant to participants.

Operator laser safety quiz: At the conclusion of the Level 3 Operator Laser Safety Course a quiz is provided for those participants and/or their sponsors who wish to receive a certificate for the course if a passing grade is achieved.

Course Material

The following resources will be provided to attendees of this course:

1. A copy of the PowerPoint presentations used for the course.