title: Development of a laser safety hazard evaluation procedure for the research university setting.
abstract: 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 the potential for laser-related occupational injuries is much greater than the potential for injury from radioactive materials used in biomedical research. 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 laser hazard evaluation procedure provides all efficient mechanism for identifying potential laser safety hazards and offers a great professional development opportunity in this important area of health physics expertise. This paper outlines a process for developing such a university laser hazard evaluation program.
authors.affiliation: Duke University Radiation Safety, Durham, NC 27710, USA. edwar086@mc.duke.edu
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gibbs
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nguyen
mesh_terms: D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D016272:Occupational Health; D016730:Program Development; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000592:standards; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D014495:Universities