SFS Laser User Training

1. 1
Lasers
Skin or tissue surface damage
inducer

2. Applicability
 This training is required for all personnel routinely
working with or potentially exposed to Class 1M, 2M,
3R, 3B or 4 laser radiation and shall be accomplished
in conjunction with initial training and re-accomplished
annually, training shall be documented on AF Form 55
or electronic equivalent
 This training meets the requirements of AFI 48-139
and ANSI Z136.1 for Class 3B and Class 4 laser users
 If you have questions regarding this training, please
contact your Unit or Installation Laser Safety Officer
2

3. 3
What are Lasers?
 Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission
of Radiation
 Lasers are extremely focused light
 Three primary characteristics
 Monochromatic
 Coherent
 Focused

4. 4
Lasers are used in:
 Surveying work
 Surgery and other medical
applications
 Construction
 Communications
 Research

5. 5
Maximum Exposure Limits
Based on Laser Type
 Class 1 – Normal aversion methods
(blinking, turning of the head) are
enough to prevent damage.
 Class 2 - An exposure duration less
than or equal to 1000 seconds. Normal
aversion methods (blinking, turning of
the head) are normally enough to
prevent damage.

6. 6
Exposure Limits continued
 Class 3 – Avoid any exposure. Aversion
methods (blinking, turning of the head)
aren’t sufficient to prevent eye damage.
 Class 4 – Avoid any exposure. Aversion
methods (blinking, turning of the head)
aren’t sufficient to prevent eye damage.
Skin damage and fire hazard.

7. Nominal Hazard Zone
 Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)
 Nominal Hazard Zone = Safety Distance
7

8. 8
Shop Exposure Limits
The classes of laser exposure for your
shop are:
PEQ-2A: 3b
PEQ-15: 3b

9. 9
Reduce Your Exposure
Following we will discuss how we are
minimizing your exposure to lasers, and
how you can further protect yourselves
through the use of:
Protective Gear
Hygiene
Work Practices
Training

10. 10
Health Precautions
Protective Gear
The intensity of the beam and the ability of
structures in the eye to either absorb laser
energy or amplify beam power underscore the
importance of using the appropriate eye
protection.
 Eye protection is suggested for working with any class 3
or higher laser type.
 All Class 3B and 4 laser users must use eye protection
designed for that specific wavelength and optical
density.

11. 11
Health Precautions continued
Protective Gear continued
 Skin protection (work uniform and/or
gloves) is suggested whenever working
with Class 3 and 4 lasers.
 Suitable respirators or eye protection is
suggested whenever there is a chance for
particulate exposure.

12. 12
Health Precautions continued
Hygiene and Work Practices
 With Class 1 and 2 lasers, normal
aversion methods are sufficient to prevent
damage.
 With Class 3 and 4 lasers, damage can
occur before any aversion method occurs.
 Avoid fumes and materials produced by
laser usage. Other hazards may be
produced by laser welding or cutting.

13. 13
Training Practices
You can further reduce your exposure to
lasers through training on:
Engineering Practices
Work Practices
Use of Protective Gear
Health Effects Recognition

14. 14
Training Practices
Engineering Practices
 Adequate ventilation shall be installed to
reduce noxious or potentially hazardous
fumes and vapors.
 Areas using class 3b or 4 lasers must be
isolated and exhibit signs detailing the
potential skin or eye damage.
 Shielding should be applied where
applicable.

15. 15
Training Practices continued
Engineering Practices continued
 Windows should have necessary
coverings.
 Beam shutters, beam polarizers, and beam
filters should always be used to limit
exposure.
 Lasers unable to be seen with the naked
eye should have audible or visible warning
signs to show when in use.

16. 16
Training Practices continued
Work Practices to Limit Exposure
 Avoid any chance to be directly exposed.
 Stop all lasers with a specified beam block.
 Erect shielding to prevent reflections or
exposure.
 Light in the work area should be as bright
as optimal for work, as the pupil would be
the smallest then.
 All non-necessary reflective surfaces
should be minimized.

17. 17
Training Practices continued
Use of Protective Equipment
 Eye and skin protection for Class 3 and 4
lasers.
 Gloves when handling lasers and materials
used by or produced by lasers.
 Respirator if necessary for fumes and
vapors produced.

18. 18
Training Practices continued
Occupational Health Surveillance
Workers will be advised about any local
requirements for medical qualification or
occupational health examination.

19. 19
Training Practices continued
Learn to Recognize Signs of Adverse
Health Effects
 Short Term
 Long Term

20. 20
Potential Health Effects
Short Term
 Redness, itchiness, or burning upon skin.
 Redness, watery eyes, minor to permanent
eye damage. Minor vision impairment to
blindness.
 Eye, nose, and throat irritation
 Nausea, or vomiting
 Nasal congestion
 Chest tightness
 Abdominal cramping
 General flu-like symptoms, and fatigue.

21. 21
Potential Health effects
Long Term
 Chronic exposure may cause cataracts and
permanent eye damage.

22. Questions??
22