Washington Administrative Code
Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of
Chapter 296-78 - Safety standards for sawmills and woodworking operations
Section 296-78-725 - Nonionizing radiation

(1) Only qualified and trained employees must be assigned to install, operate, adjust, and maintain laser equipment. Proof of qualification of the laser equipment operator must be available and in possession of operator at all times.

(2) Employees, when working in areas in which a potentially hazardous exposure (see WAC 296-62-09005(4) ) to direct or reflected laser radiation exists, must be provided with antilaser eye protection devices specified in WAC 296-62-09005, general occupational health standards.

(3) Areas in which lasers are used must be posted with standard laser warning placards.

(4) Beam shutters or caps must 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 must be turned off or shutters or caps must be utilized.

(5) The laser beam must not be directed at employees.

(6) Only mechanical or electronic means must be used as a detector for guiding the internal alignment of the laser.

(7) The laser equipment must bear such labels, logos and data placards to indicate maximum output and class designation as required of the manufacturer at time of sale, by I.A.W. Part 1040, C.F.R. Title 21. Such labels, logos, data placards, etc., must be maintained in a legible condition.

(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 must be kept out of range of the area of source and target during such weather conditions.

(9) Employees must not be exposed to light intensities in excess of:

(10) The laser equipment must not be modified, except by the manufacturer.

(11) Laser unit in operation must be set up above the heads of the employees, when possible.

(12) Employees must not be exposed to radio frequency/microwave radiation in excess of the permissible exposure limits specified in WAC 296-62-09005.