Last edited: 8-Oct-13 by Vincent R. Pagan
System Description
Short-wave infrared (1.4-3µm) Class 3B Laser (5-500mW) as defined by ANSI Z136.1 – 2007
Hazards
- Acute hazard to skin and eye under direct and specular reflection
- Electrical hazard
Approved Users
All users must be approved by the PI, and must have completed the required UMD University Laser Safety Training class.
PI: Prof. Thomas E. Murphy (301-405-0030)
Laser Safety Officer: Steven Hand (301-405-3985)
Visitors are permitted in the lab while a Class 3B laser is in operation as long as no direct or specular reflection hazards exist.
Documentation
Documentation for a specific Class 3B laser can generally be found online. All datasheets for individual lasers are stored in the filing cabinet at the front of KEB 2135, sorted by manufacturer. As an example, the datasheet for a 100 mW, 1550 nm Fabry-Perot laser diode may be found at:
http://www.thorlabs.com/thorcat/19700/FPL1009PXL-SpecSheet.pdf
Controls
Safety eyewear is always required for laser operation within the nominal hazard zone for the operation of open-beam class 3B lasers.
Recommended safety eyewear: > OD 3 over operating wavelength. For telecom-grade, fiber-coupled lasers that are currently in use in KEB 2135, the following protective eyewear is appropriate:
- Laser Safety Industries 205 (clear)
- Sperian 107 (green)
In all cases, the datasheet specifying the laser wavelength and absorption chart for the selected eyewear must be consulted prior to operating the laser.
Recommended Operating Procedure
Ensure that the optics/fiber optics are clean and that all potential optical and electrical hazards have been minimized prior to operating the laser. If direct or specular reflection hazards exist, ensure that proper safety eyewear is worn.
Never look directly at the beam when the laser is on.
Maintenance
Generally, no maintenance is required for Class 3B laser sources. Please refer to the documentation for user serviceable information related to the specific laser in question.
Emergency Procedures
If accidental direct or specular exposure exceeding the Maximum Permissible Exposure(MPE) limit occurs, please contact the Laser Safety Officer (301-405-3985) and Prof. Thomas Murphy (301-405-0030). The following table summarizes the MPE for the class 3B lasers in use in the laboratory:
|
[µm] |
[s] |
[J cm-2] |
[W cm-2] |
|
1.4-1.5 |
10-9-10-3 |
0.1 |
|
|
1.4-1.5 |
10-3-10 |
0.56t0.25 |
|
|
1.4-1.5 |
10-3×104 |
0.1 |
|
|
1.5-1.8 |
10-9-10 |
1.0 |
|
|
1.5-1.8 |
10-3×104 |
0.1 |
|
|
1.8-2.6 |
10-9-10-3 |
0.1 |
|
|
1.8-2.6 |
10-3-10 |
0.56t0.25 |
|
|
1.8-2.6 |
10-3×104 |
0.1 |
*Use lower value of the two MPE columns.
If severe electrical shock and/or 2nd or 3rd degree burns are suffered, please seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of severe electrical shock include cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, respiratory failure, muscle pain and contractions, burns, seizures, numbness and tingling, and unconsciousness.
1st degree burn: only epidermis is burned. Skin may appear red without blisters.
2nd degree burn: dermis is burned. Skin may appear red, yellow, or white and blisters may be present.
3rd degree burn: entire dermis is burned through.
Notice: this document is not intended to replace the manufacturer laser user manual or UMD University Policy VI-16.00(A).