Laser Safety Permits

To apply for a laser safety permit, follow the below steps:

1. Ensure that all laser workers working with Class 3b or Class 4 lasers have the appropriate training.

2. Complete the Laser Registration Form through the ERSO Portal.

   • Refer to the ERSO Guide for Researchers for guidance about completing your application through ERSO or watch the How-to Video at the bottom of this page.

   • If you have any laser safety related questions for your application, please consult with the Radiation Safety Officer by contacting ccc@uwindsor.ca.

   • If you experience any technical issues with ERSO, please contact the Office of Research and Innovation Services (ORIS) at erso@uwindsor.ca.

3. When your application has been submitted through ERSO, it will move to the "Applications: Under Review" folder. Once it has moved to this folder, you may view your submission, but edits cannot be made to the application. The Radiation Safety Officer will conduct an initial file audit of the application to identify any potential issues. Once satisfied, the Radiation Safety Officer will forward the application to the Research Safety Committee for vetting.

4. The Research Safety Committee will review the application and may approve, conditionally approve, or defer the application.

   • If you receive a deferral decision, address outstanding conditions, and consult with the committee and the Radiation Safety Officer.

   • If you receive a conditional approval, address the minor changes, and resubmit application to the committee for final approval.

   • Once approved, you will receive an email notifying you of the decision, with a copy sent to the Radiation Safety Officer and Environmental Health and Safety Manager. You can view your approved application in ERSO under the "Applications: Post Review" folder. 

5. A copy of the laser safety permit will be sent to the Principal Investigator to print and display in their facility and the University of Windsor Certification Management System (ERSO) will be updated to reflect the new permit.

If there are any changes to the laser systems, laser locations, and/or laser workers, follow the below steps:

1. Complete the Amendment to Laser Safety Certificate form through the ERSO Portal.

   • Click on the “Applications: Post Review” folder. 

   • Click the “Events” button on the application you wish to amend.

   • Under the “Create New Event” heading, select the "Amendment to Laser Safety Certificate" form. 

   • Fill in the required information and outline the changes being made to your permit.

   • Click the “Submit” button. Indicate any further comments, if required, in the pop-up comment box, and then click submit.

   • Refer to the How-to Video at the bottom of this page for further guidance. 

2. When your amendment has been submitted through ERSO, you can view it under the “Applications: Post Review” folder. Click the “Events” button on the application in which you submitted the amendment. You will then see your submitted amendment under the “Events: Under Review” folder. The Radiation Safety Officer will conduct an initial file audit of the amendment to identify any potential issues. Once satisfied, the Radiation Safety Officer will forward the amendment to the Research Safety Committee for vetting.

   • If there are reviewer comments, you will see them under the header "Events: Requiring Attention" on the ERSO homepage, and it will be highlighted in red.

   • Click on "Events: Requiring Attention", and then click "Events" under the corresponding file.

   • Select the "Latest Workflow" button under the "Events Requiring Attention" folder. You will then be able to view the comments under the "Logs" tab. 

   • Make the requested edits in the application, and click "Re-Submit." Indicate any further comments, if required, in the pop-up comment box, and then click submit. 

3. The Research Safety Committee will review the application and may approve, conditionally approve, or defer the application.  

   • If you receive a deferral decision, address outstanding conditions, and consult with the committee and the Radiation Safety Officer.

   • If you receive a conditional approval, address the minor changes, and resubmit application to the committee for final approval.

   • Once approved, you will receive an email notifying you of the decision, with a copy sent to the Radiation Safety Officer and Environmental Health and Safety Manager. You can view your approved amendment in ERSO under the “Applications: Post Review” folder. Click the “Events” button on the application in which you submitted the amendment. You will see your approved amendment under the “Events: Post Review” folder.

4. A copy of the amended laser safety permit will be sent to the Principal Investigator to print and display in their facility and the University of Windsor Certification Management System (ERSO) will be updated to reflect the new permit.

If you have any laser safety related questions for your application, please consult with the Radiation Safety Officer by contacting ccc@uwindsor.ca.

If you experience any technical issues with ERSO, please contact the Office of Research and Innovation Services (ORIS) at erso@uwindsor.ca.