Environmental Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedure Format for Class 3B and 4 Lasers

Sep 13, 2026

This document provides a required template for writing and approving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers or laser systems under ANSI safe-use expectations. It outlines required content sections covering system description, hazard identification (beam and non-beam, including LGACs where applicable), and control measures such as eyewear, controlled-area entry controls, manufacturer manual references, and safe alignment practices. It also specifies training, emergency response actions with named contacts, approved operator lists, and a structured revision history for ongoing updates.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

System Description

Hazards

Control Measures

Training Requirements

Emergency Procedures

Approved Personnel

Revisions

| | Environmental Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedure Format for Class 3B and 4 Lasers | | --- | --- | | Date of Issuance: | Revision Date: 3/11/2024 | | Revision Number: 2 | Prepared by: EHS | 1. Introduction The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard for Safe Use of Lasers requires that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) shall be written and approved for Class 3B and 4 lasers or laser systems. The SOP for Class 3B and 4 lasers or laser systems is usually a concise document that provides general safety guidelines for use and operation of the laser or laser system and is not intended to be a step-by-step instruction on using the laser of laser system. The following information should be provided in SOPs and the format used to may be adapted to meet individual needs. 2. System Description This section should include information regarding the type of laser, intended application, wavelength, power, energy per pulse, pulse duration and repetition rate of pulsed lasers, output beam diameter and beam divergence (if known) . 3. Hazards This section should list all hazards (both beam and non-beam hazards) associated with the laser. This includes eye and skin hazards from direct or scattered radiation, electrical hazards, laser generated air contaminants (LGACs), and any other recognized hazards. Note: If the beam irradiance of the laser or laser system used exceeds 107 W/cm2, LGACs such as metallic oxide fumes, gases and vapors and viable biological materials, may be generated by certain target materials. 4. Control Measures This section should list and describe the control measures for the hazards listed in Section 2. This information should include: a. Laser protective eyewear type(s) and requirements for use b. A brief description of the laser controlled area and entryway controls. c. A reference to the manufacturer’s equipment manual and its location in the lab. d. Procedures for Safe Alignment 5. Training Requirements This section should list the specific training requirements for using Class 4 laser of laser systems. The training requirements include MANDATORY Laser Safety Training given by EHS as well as sitespecific or laser-specific training provided by the Principal Investigator (PI) . 6. Emergency Procedures This section should list actions to be taken in the event of an emergency and should list the name AND telephone number for personnel to be contacted. 7. Approved Personnel This section should list by name all individuals who are approved to operate Class 4 Lasers. It is recognized that this will be a dynamic list and as result this list should be updated whenever personnel leave or new personnel begin. 8. Revisions | Date | Documented Changes | Initials | | --- | --- | --- | | 6/4/2021 | Updated Format and Accessibility Update | MAS | | 3/11/2024 | Reviewed and no updates necessary | AJL |

FAQs

What purpose does this SOP format serve for Class 3B and 4 lasers?

It ensures required Standard Operating Procedures are written and approved, providing general safety guidelines for use and operation without functioning as step-by-step operating instructions.

What hazards must be covered in the Hazards section?

The template requires listing both beam and non-beam hazards, including eye and skin hazards from direct or scattered radiation, electrical hazards, laser generated air contaminants (LGACs), and other recognized hazards.

What control measures and training requirements are included?

Control measures include specified laser protective eyewear, controlled-area and entryway controls, references to the manufacturer’s manual, and procedures for safe alignment; training must include mandatory Laser Safety Training from EHS plus site- or laser-specific training from the Principal Investigator.

Sep 13, 2026

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