RADIATION SAFETY (GENERAL) REGULATIONS 1983 - SCHEDULE 13

RADIATION SAFETY (GENERAL) REGULATIONS 1983 - SCHEDULE 13

[Regulation 54]

Requirements to be complied with in respect of premises in which regulated class 3B lasers are operated or used

        [Heading amended: Gazette 15 Oct 1996 p. 5451.]

1.                 Such beam stops, beam enlarging systems, shutters or other safety devices as the Council from time to time directs shall be incorporated in the laser or its system.

2.                 The beam of the laser shall be —

            (a)         contained within enclosures; or

            (b)         terminated at the end of the useful beam path by a beam trap or, in the case of a laser which is an infrared laser, by a highly absorbent backstop.

3.                 In the case of a laser which is an ultraviolet laser, such special precautions as the Council from time to time directs for reducing radiation or preventing undesirable chemical reactions shall be taken.

4.                 Any optical system used for viewing in connection with the laser shall be provided with an interlock or filter to reduce ocular irradiation to a safe level.

5.                 The laser or its laser system shall be provided with a master switch which, when a key, magnetic card, cipher combination or other similar device is removed therefrom, makes it impossible to operate or use the laser or its laser system.

6.                 Labels shall be affixed to the laser or to the protective housing of its laser system in accordance with the requirements of the laser safety standard.

7.                 Approved instructions shall be issued to all persons operating or using the laser.

8.                 Persons, other than persons authorised by the person in whose name the premises concerned are registered to operate or use the laser or its laser system, shall not operate or use the laser or its laser system.

9.                 Whenever persons operating or using the laser or its laser system are exposed to potentially hazardous laser radiation, those persons shall be provided with protective eye‑wear in accordance with Section 10.8 of the laser safety standard.

10.                 The laser or its laser system shall be operated or used only in a controlled area.

11.                 Bench and wall surfaces in the controlled area referred to in item 10 shall be painted with matt paints of approved colours so that those surfaces are not highly reflective to the radiation of the laser.

12.                 Areas which are exposed to reflections from an infrared laser or its laser system shall be protected by screening the beam or target area concerned with infrared absorbent material.

13.                 The illuminance level in the controlled area referred to in item 10 shall, unless the Council otherwise directs, be not less than 350 lux.

14.                 Persons other than those operating or using the laser or its laser system shall not enter the controlled area referred to in item 10 unless they have the permission of the person in whose name the premises concerned are registered to do so and take such protective measures as he directs.

15.                 There shall be displayed —

            (a)         in conspicuous locations inside and outside the controlled area referred to in item 10; and

            (b)         at all entrances giving access to the controlled area; and

            (c)         in a prominent position near the laser,

                area warning signs in accordance with Section 10.5 of the laser safety standard.

16.                 Persons operating or using the laser system are to undergo eye examinations in accordance with section 10.11 of the laser safety standard.

        [Schedule XIII amended: Gazette 10 Oct 1986 p. 3846; 15 Oct 1996 p. 5451; 17 Aug 2010 p. 4048.]