External laser protection officers
Whoever operates class 3B or 4 lasers must appoint laser protection officers. The operation of the laser systems must be regulated in a laser protection concept. The laser systems must be operated in accordance with their operating instructions. Those who do not have this required expertise internally can have it covered externally by SBIS.
External laser safety officers: the most important facts in brief
- Promoters of laser equipment are required by law to draw attention to all hazards inherent in their product.
- The operator has the duty to study the supplied operating instructions with the safety instructions thoroughly before he puts a laser device into operation.
- While for lasers of class 1 the distributor has already ensured safe operation, the operator himself must be concerned for safety when acquiring lasers of classes 3B and 4.
Why is there a need for external laser safety officers?
Reasons why companies need external laser safety officers are:
- Operating class 3B or 4 laser systems without having the in-house expertise (no in-house laser safety officer)
- Sourcing out the expertise when focusing on the core business
Laser protection
The legal basis is formed by the Federal Law on Accident Insurance (UVG) and the Ordinance on the Prevention of Accidents and Occupational Diseases (VUV).
The use of a laser protection officer recommended by the laser standard EN 60825 is an obligation based on the general occupational safety regulations (proof of a safety organization in the case of special hazards, EKAS Directive No. 6508). The laser safety officer and his duties must be specified in writing by the plant management.
Who needs to deal with it?
Compliance with legal obligations is the responsibility of the employer (line organization). Safety officers support the employer in accordance with the company safety system as per EKAS guideline 6508 "ASA guideline" and EKAS publication 6238 "ASA - the recipe for safe and healthy workplaces".
All companies or organizations that use class 3B or 4 laser systems must deal with laser protection. According to SUVA, the following applies: all operators of laser equipment or all employers are obligated to take all necessary measures for safety and health protection in the workplace, to document these measures and to periodically monitor compliance with them. The protection goals are derived from the laser standard
How does SBIS support?
We help you to meet the set requirements in a legally compliant, practical and high quality manner:
- Safety assessment of work equipment
- Determination of exposure and risk assessment
- Measures to avoid or reduce risks
- Preparation / supplementation of work and operating instructions
- Instructing employees about the hazards and correct behavior
- Implementation monitoring
- Establishing a laser protection concept
You benefit from this
The external, certified laser safety officer from SBIS is your independent point of contact for laser safety issues. He carries out a consultation adapted to the operational conditions and geared to the particular hazard. This forms an important proof for the operator with regard to the fulfillment of the legal requirements.