Lasers

RADIATION SAFETY is the responsibility of all faculty, staff, and students who are directly or indirectly involved in the use of laser devices.

The Texas State University at San Marcos is licensed by the State of Texas to use lasers in research, development, and instruction. While this means a minimum of controls by the state, it entails the responsibility that we establish and pursue an effective Laser Safety Program. It is the purpose of this manual to set out the guidelines of that program.

The use of lasers in a university, where a large number of people may be unaware of their exposure to laser hazards, makes strict adherence to procedures established by federal and state authorities of paramount importance. Special efforts to ensure the safety of faculty, staff, students and the general public are essential. The Environmental health, Safety, Risk & Emergency Management office has the responsibility for establishing and pursuing an effective Laser Safety Program for this University.

It is the responsibility of all faculty, staff, and students involved in laser work to familiarize themselves with the program outlined in this manual, and to comply with its requirements. Laser safety depends on a continuous awareness of potential hazards.

Questions or concerns regarding Class 3b or Class 4 laser safety requirements or regulations should be directed to the university's Laser Safety Officer. The LSO can be contacted either by phone at 245-3616 or email at ehs@txstate.edu.