Laser radiation toolbox talk

What it is

Laser beams from levels, scanners and guidance equipment that can damage the eyes of anyone looking into the beam.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Use the lowest-class laser that will do the job, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for its class.
2. Set the beam above or below eye level where possible, and avoid directing it across walkways or traffic.
3. Display laser warning signs, and keep people who are not needed out of the beam path.
4. Never look into the beam or point it at people, and remove reflective surfaces from the beam path where possible.
5. Train operators, and provide laser safety eyewear matched to the laser's wavelength where its class requires it.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with laser radiation:

• Operating lasers near roadsSet up roadside work to local laws and permits, with barriers, advance warning signs and high-vis clothing.From Lasers
• Operating lasers on construction sitesWork to the traffic management plan around mobile plant, and stay in clear sight of plant operators.From Lasers
• Fibre splicing & terminationSplice and terminate fibre, controlling lasers, fibre offcuts and the butane torchFrom Fibre Optic Splicing - Termination
• Laser operationOperate Class 1, 2 or 3R lasers to the manufacturer's instructions and never look into the beam.From Lasers
• Working outside the cabin near powered mobile plantStay clear of mobile plant, lasers and noise outside the cabin.From Telehandler

Questions for the crew

1. Where could laser radiation come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Operating lasers near roads; Operating lasers on construction sites?
3. The most effective control is: “Use the lowest-class laser that will do the job, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for its class”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for laser radiation are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of laser radiation, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?