Laser technology has dramatically evolved since its conception in 1917, to the development of the first laser in 1960; and now to its expanding applications. Currently, lasers are used in such diverse areas as: research, telecommunication, industry, medicine, entertainment and commercial products. The risk associated with laser use varies from minimal to potentially significant depending upon the characteristics of the laser and the design of the laser system.
The University of Ottawa has mandated the Radiation Safety Committee and the Office of Risk Management to ensure the appropriate measures are in place to address any potential risk. The Laser Safety Program is managed by the Assistant Director, Radiation and Biosafety (Lois Sowden-Plunkett), and the Laser and Non-ionizing Radiation Compliance Specialist. It is designed to assist in minimizing the associated risk of laser use.
This web page has been designed as an educational tool and to provided direction to users as to the University's standards and those found in industry.
Researcher's Corner
Laser Safety Eyewear
Specific Topics
- Biological Effects
- Control Measures
- Classification of Lasers
- Femtosecond Laser Technology Safety Aspects
- Hazard Evaluation
- Laser Pointers
- Laser SOP Template
- Laser signs and Labelling
- Laser Plumes
- LEDs vs Laser Diodes
- Manual (available in your lab)
uOttawa Links
Standards
External Links
- Quebec Photonic Network
- Agile All-Photonic Networks
- Canadian Photonics Industry Consortium (PhotonsCanada)
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Regulatory
- Ontario Ministry of Labour
- Radiation Emitting Devices Act
(R.S.C. 1985, c. R-1)
Free Software
- EasyHAZ (Kentek)
Associations
- IEEE Photonics Society
- International Laser Display Association
- Laser Institute of America
- Canadian Radiation Protection Association (CRPA)
- International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA)
- International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)