Laser Safety

The laser safety manual outlines Kent State University’s laser safety program for safe use of lasers in research and instructional laboratories. The laser safety program applies to all Kent State University faculty, staff, students, visiting scholars and contractors. The elements of this program have been adopted from the American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers, ANSI Z136.1 and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 115: Standard for Laser Fire Protection). All individuals that work with lasers are responsible for understanding and adhering to applicable requirements, as ANSI Z136.1 is the recognized minimum standard for laser safety. Failure to comply with these standards can put staff, faculty, students, the laboratory and the institution at risk.

Specific classes of lasers are capable of causing eye injury from exposure to the direct beam, specular or diffuse reflections which can cause also significant damage to the skin if exposed. Class 4 lasers may also be capable of igniting flammable materials and generating hazardous air contaminants. Therefore, the laser safety program will require that all Class 3B and 4 lasers be registered with the Laser Safety Office.

The laser safety officer will be responsible for managing the laser safety program and is authorized to control and minimize hazards in emergency situations as deemed appropriate and necessary. If there are any questions regarding laser safety, please contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at 330-672-4347.