Electrical Hazards

As evident from the case study presented earlier, lasers in the workplace can be powered by high-voltage equipment. Many lasers make use of high voltages (>1 kV), and pulsed lasers are especially dangerous because of the stored energy in the capacitor banks. In addition, unless properly shielded, circuit components such as electronic tubes operating at anode voltages greater than 5 kV may emit X-rays.

Therefore, if you must work around high voltage equipment, you should be trained in the appropriate safety measures regarding the grounding, shielding, and de-energizing of equipment. The LSO should be familiar with NFPA Code 70 for electrical safety requirements.

According to ANSI Z136.1, the following electrical problems are frequently identified in laser facility audits:

Uncovered and improperly insulated electrical terminals
Hidden "power-up" warning lights
Lack of personnel trained in CPR or lack of refresher training
"Buddy system" or equivalent safety measure not practiced during maintenance and service
Failure to properly discharge and ground capacitors
Improperly grounded laser equipment
Non-adherence to the OSHA lock-out standard (29 CFR 1910.147)
Excessive wires and cables that may create slip or fall hazards

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