Safety Office, Commissary Building
University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
Phone 519 888 4567 Ext. 33587
Fax 519 886 8082
Email: safety@uwaterloo.ca
Work with lasers can be hazardous if proper precautions are not taken. The Laser Safety Program outlines the responsibilities of those working with lasers; and the procedures and controls that must be implemented before starting the work. This program ensures that risks to those working with or near lasers is minimized.
Read the University of Waterloo's Laser Safety Program for more information.
Laser Permits
The Laser Safety Program is a permit-based program. Before working with a class 3b or 4 laser, a laser permit is required. Work with lasers outside these classes is not controlled or permitted.
Follow these steps to obtain a permit:
- Apply for a laser permit - Contact one of UW's Laser Safety Officers to obtain a laser permit.
- Doug Dye x35613 ddye@uwaterloo.ca
- Dhananjai Borwankar x36268 dsborwan@uwaterloo.ca
- Add a laser to UW's laser inventory
- Add laser workers to your permit - laser workers must complete online training, a baseline eye exam, and be trained by their supervisor on the SOPs for the laser before they can be added to the permit. Laser workers who are not on a permit are not permitted to work with a laser.
View a list of online laser application forms
Training
You must complete the following online and practical training:
Online training
Laser Safety Training Theory - SO1066
Practical training
Hands on training developed and provided by the laboratory supervisor. This practical training consists of the following components:
- Laser operation as described in the manufacturers laser operation manual
- Specific hazards
- Standard operating procedures (SOP)
Medical Surveillance
Medical surveillance is required for users of Class 3B and 4 lasers and must be completed prior to beginning work with lasers. The Occupational Health Nurse will conduct the initial eye exam. Contact Karen Parkinson in Occupational Health to make an appointment.
Additional Resources and Information
- Download a basic template for creating SOPs.
Supervisor information
You will be asked to sign in your WatIM UserID and password.
- View all workers listed under your laser permit
- View all equipment listed under your laser permit
- View all laser workers at the University (Laser Committee members only)
- View all lasers at the University (Laser Committee members only)
Online laser application forms
| Action to be completed | Link |
|---|---|
| Applying for a new permit | New permit application |
| Adding a new laser to an existing permit | Add laser to permit |
| Update laser location | Update laser location |
| Transfer permit to another person | Transfer permit |
| Transfer laser to another permit | Transfer laser |
| Deactivate a laser | Deactivate a laser |
| Add a person to a permit | Add person to permit |
| Add a secondary permit holder | Add secondary permit holder |
| Remove a person from the permit | Remove person |
| Remove a secondary permit holder | Remove secondary permit holder |
| View all the lasers under your permit | Laser permit |