A comprehensive laser safety program for the research university setting

Laser safety often receives less attention and fewer resources than other institutional safety and health program elements. This diminished support occurs despite the fact that laser-related occupational injuries and deaths greatly exceed those caused by biomedical research use of radioactive material. Therefore, a small emphasis on laser safety can potentially produce a much greater return on investment than more conventional health physics programs. Developing and implementing a formal comprehensive laser safety program enhances safe laser use and offers a great professional development opportunity in this important area of health physics expertise. This paper outlines such a university laser safety program.