WAC 296-155-155 Nonionizing radiation.
(1) Only qualified and trained employees shall be assigned to install, adjust, and operate laser equipment.
(2) Proof of qualification of the laser equipment operator shall be available and in possession of operator at all times.
(3) Employees, when working in areas in which a potentially hazardous exposure (see
WAC 296-62-09005(4)) to direct or reflected laser radiation exists, shall be provided with antilaser eye protection devices specified in Part C of this chapter.
(4) Areas in which Class II and III lasers are used shall be posted with standard laser warning placards.
(5) Beam shutters or caps shall be utilized, or the laser turned off, when laser transmission is not actually required. When the laser is left unattended for a substantial period of time, such as during lunch hour, overnight, or at change of shifts, the laser shall be turned off.
(6) Only mechanical or electronic means shall be used as a detector for guiding the internal alignment of the laser.
(7) The laser beam shall not be directed at employees.
(8) When it is raining or snowing, or when there is dust or fog in the air, and it is impracticable to cease laser system operation, employees shall be kept out of range of the area of source and target during such weather conditions.
(9) Laser equipment shall bear a conspicuously displayed label to indicate hazard classification. This label shall be prepared in accordance with 21 CFR 1040.10.
(10) Only Class I, II, or III laser equipment shall be used. Class IV laser equipment shall not be used.
(11) Laser unit in operation shall be set up above the heads of the employees, when possible.
(12) Employees shall not be exposed to radio frequency/microwave radiation in excess of the permissible exposure limits specified in
WAC 296-62-09005.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-074 (Order 86-14), § 296-155-155, filed 1/21/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-155-155, filed 12/11/84; Order 74-26, § 296-155-155, filed 5/7/74, effective 6/6/74.]