What training should workers have on lasers?

Laser installation, adjustment, and operation training

OSHA does not offer a comprehensive laser-specific regulation for general industry, maritime, or agriculture.

However, according to the 29 CFR 1926.54, for construction activities, only qualified and trained employees shall be assigned to install, adjust, and operate laser equipment. Proof of qualification of the laser equipment operator must be available and in possession of the operator at all times.

Turning to 29 CFR 1926.21, for construction activities, the employer must also:

• Instruct tach employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions;
• Instruct each employee in the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury; and
• Instruct employees regarding the safe handling and use, and make them aware of the potential hazards, personal hygiene, and personal protective measures required, if those employees are required to handle or use poisons, caustics, and other harmful substances.

Eye protection training

The OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 and 1915.152 call for general industry and shipyard employers, respectively, to provide training to each employee who is required by the respective regulation to use certain PPE, including eye and face protection. Each such employee shall be trained to know at least the following:

• When PPE is necessary;
• What PPE is necessary;
• How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE;
• The limitations of the PPE; and
• The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE.

Currently, OSHA's marine terminals, longshoring, and construction standards for eye protection do not specify any training requirements.

In addition, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards referenced in 1910.133, 1915.153, 1917.91, 1918.101, and 1926.102, for general industry, shipyards, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction, respectively, call for eye protection users to be trained in the proper use and application of the equipment, its limitations, and inspection and maintenance, along with proper storage.

ANSI Z136 training

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136 series of laser safety standards are voluntary consensus standards. Employers may wish to refer to these standards for further training guidance. Chapter 5 of ANSI Z136.1, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers, offers a three-page chapter on education and training. Appendix A of ANSI Z136.1 also offers more pages on implementing a training program for laser safety, including suggested training elements. Other standards in the Z136 series may also have training provisions.