Laser Safety

The Research Safety Committee oversees all matters pertaining to laser safety at the University of Windsor.

The Chemical Control Centre is responsible for administering the laser safety program on a day-to-day basis, for providing technical advice on safety procedures and equipment and relevant regulations.

---

Laser Manual

Laser Manual (.doc)

---

Laser Worker Requirements

1. Complete the Laser Safety Training and any relevant health and safety training. To register for Laser Safety training please contact the CCC at ccc@uwindsor.ca.
2. Receive specific training from the Laser Supervisor or their Designate for the laser device you will be using and sign off that you received training.
3. Depending on the laser, a baseline eye examination must be performed.  Speak to your Laser Supervisor to see if an eye examination is required.  If so, the Laser Safety Eye Examination Clearance Form (.docx) must be completed by a health care professional (Optometrist or Opthamologist).  Signed and completed forms must be returned to the Team Leader in B-37 Essex Hall. 

The closest eye examination clinic that is familiar with our laser program is located at:

Visions of Canada
1521 Riverside Dr. W. (at Curry)
Windsor, Ontario, N9B 1A4
(519) 254-8488

---

Laser Supervisor Requirements (Person Responsible for a Laser Device)

Also contact the ccc@uwindsor.ca if you suspect any issues with your laser device

1. Class 3b and Class 4 Lasers: All Class 3b and Class 4 devices used for research, medical, and teaching on campus must be registered and approved by the Research Safety Committee. 
2. All Other Classes: All Class 1, 1M, 2, 2M, and 3R devices used for research, medical, and teaching on campus do not have to be approved by the Research Safety Committee.  However, the Laser Supervisor is welcome to contact the CCC at ccc@uwindsor.ca for assistance regarding their laser devices.
3. To ensure the Laser device is functioning properly, it must be inspected/surveyed at least once per year:  
   • Laser Safety Inspection Form (.docx)
4. All Authorized Laser Workers under your authority must complete all requirements and be trained on the laser by you or your Designate. The Research Safety Committee may require Authorized Laser Workers to complete a baseline eye examination.  The Laser Safety Eye Examination Clearance Form (.docx) must be completed by a health care professional (Optometrist or Opthamologist).  Completed signed forms must be returned to the Team Leader in B-37 Essex Hall. 

---

Additional Resources

Regulations

All sources of Lasers are regulated by the Province of Ontario, Ministry of Labour:

• Lasers in Ontario Workplaces

The University of Windsor has mandated the University of Windsor's Research Safety Committee to develop a Laser Safety Program that ensures compliance and facilitates research activity.  The Laser Program has been developed to meet the needs of both the regulatory bodies and the users.  

Forms

Access the Laser Registration Form on:

 ERSO

• University of Windsor Authorized Laser Worker Form (.docx)
• Classification of Lasers (.pdf)
• Laser Authorized Personnel

Policies

• Safe Use of Laser Pointers (.pdf)

External Resources

• Laser Institute of America
• Easy Haz (calculate your MPE, OD, NOHD, NHZ)
• U.S. Department of Labour (OSHA) Laser Hazards
• Laservision
• Lasermet (Laser Safety Solutions)

The Research Safety Committee may require Authorized Laser Personnel to complete a baseline eye examination.  Laser Safety Eye Examination Clearance Form must be completed by a health care professional (Optometrist or Opthamologist).  Completed signed forms must be returned to the Team Leader in B-37 Essex Hall.