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Home›Courses›Safety Training›University Laser Safety

University Laser Safety

19 minutesENSafety TrainingANSI Z136.1 (Safe Use of Lasers), 29 CFR 1910.133 (Eye/Face Protection), OSHA General Duty Clause
Quick Answer

University Laser Safety is a 25-minute online course that trains university researchers, lab personnel, and students on laser hazards, classification systems, and control measures as outlined in ANSI Z136.1, the American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers. It is designed for anyone working with or near Class 3B and Class 4 lasers in academic and research settings, and includes a downloadable certificate of completion.

Course Overview

Lasers are essential tools in university research laboratories across disciplines ranging from physics and chemistry to biomedical engineering and materials science. However, Class 3B and Class 4 lasers pose serious risks including permanent eye damage, skin burns, and fire hazards. OSHA does not have a specific laser safety standard for general industry, but enforces the General Duty Clause and references the ANSI Z136 series of laser safety standards as the recognized framework for hazard evaluation and control. The construction standard at 29 CFR 1926.54 addresses laser use on construction sites, and OSHA's eye and face protection standard (29 CFR 1910.133) requires employers to provide appropriate laser protective eyewear. Universities operating under NRC licenses for radioactive materials may face additional regulatory oversight for laser systems used in conjunction with radiation sources.

This course prepares your university employees and researchers to work safely with and around laser systems in academic laboratories. Your team will learn laser classification (Classes 1 through 4), beam and non-beam hazards, engineering and administrative controls required by ANSI Z136.1, proper selection and use of laser protective eyewear, standard operating procedures for Class 3B and Class 4 systems, and the roles of the Laser Safety Officer and institutional Laser Safety Committee. The training provides the foundational knowledge that ANSI Z136.1 and ANSI Z136.8 (Safe Use of Lasers in Research, Development, or Testing) expect of all personnel with access to laser-controlled areas.

What You'll Learn

  • Laser classification system (Classes 1, 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B, and 4) and associated hazards
  • Beam hazards including eye and skin exposure risks at various wavelengths
  • Non-beam hazards including electrical, chemical, fire, and plasma radiation risks
  • Engineering controls: interlocks, beam enclosures, and key-switch controls per ANSI Z136.1
  • Administrative controls: SOPs, warning signs, controlled access, and training documentation
  • Laser protective eyewear selection based on wavelength and optical density requirements
  • Roles and responsibilities of the Laser Safety Officer and Laser Safety Committee

Who Needs This Training

  • University researchers and principal investigators using Class 3B or Class 4 lasers
  • Graduate and undergraduate students with access to laser laboratories
  • Laboratory technicians responsible for maintaining laser systems
  • Environmental health and safety staff overseeing university laser safety programs
  • Designated Laser Safety Officers at academic institutions
  • Facilities and maintenance personnel who may enter laser-controlled areas

Regulatory Background

OSHA does not maintain a dedicated general industry laser safety standard. Instead, the agency relies on the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) and references the ANSI Z136 series of laser safety standards as the recognized consensus framework for evaluating and controlling laser hazards. ANSI Z136.1 (Safe Use of Lasers) is the parent document, with ANSI Z136.5 addressing educational institutions specifically and ANSI Z136.8 covering research and development environments. OSHA's eye and face protection standard (29 CFR 1910.133) requires employers to provide laser protective eyewear appropriate to the wavelength and power of lasers in use. The construction-specific laser standard at 29 CFR 1926.54 applies to outdoor and construction laser use. FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) regulates laser product manufacturers under 21 CFR Part 1040 but does not directly regulate end users. Violations of OSHA standards related to laser safety can result in citations carrying penalties up to $16,550 for serious violations. Universities that fail to implement controls consistent with ANSI Z136.1 face both regulatory exposure and significant institutional liability for laser injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

ANSI Z136.1 is a voluntary consensus standard, not an OSHA regulation. However, OSHA references the Z136 series as the recognized framework for evaluating laser hazards and can enforce the General Duty Clause based on ANSI Z136.1 requirements. Most university laser safety programs adopt ANSI Z136.1 as the foundation of their policies, and failure to follow its recommendations significantly increases liability exposure.
ANSI Z136.1 requires training for all personnel who work with or may be exposed to Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Training must cover the nature of laser hazards, control measures, and applicable procedures. Class 1, 2, and 3R lasers present lower risk and typically require only awareness-level instruction, though institutional policies may impose broader training requirements.
The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) is the individual designated by the institution to administer the laser safety program. Per ANSI Z136.1, the LSO is responsible for hazard evaluations, laser classification verification, establishment of control measures, approval of standard operating procedures, training oversight, and incident investigation. The LSO typically operates within the university's Environmental Health and Safety department.
No. This course provides the formal instruction component of a laser safety training program. ANSI Z136.1 also requires that personnel receive practical training specific to the lasers and procedures in their laboratory. Principal investigators are responsible for ensuring that lab members receive both general laser safety education and hands-on training on the specific systems they will operate.
At minimum, laser protective eyewear rated for the specific wavelength(s) and optical density requirements of the laser system must be worn within the Nominal Hazard Zone. Skin protection may also be necessary depending on the laser power and wavelength. The Laser Safety Officer determines specific PPE requirements through hazard evaluation. All eyewear must be labeled with the wavelength and OD rating.

Related Courses

Universities with comprehensive lab safety programs often pair this course with Radiation Safety Training for institutions where laser labs operate alongside radioactive materials, and with Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Training to address the chemical and electrical non-beam hazards present in many laser research environments.

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$24.95
per person
Volume Pricing
Team Size Price per Person
1 - 9$24.95
10 - 24$19.95
25 - 49$17.95
50 - 99$17.50
Subtotal $24.95

Certificate of completion included. Downloadable upon passing the final assessment.

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$24.95
per person