Laser Safety

The laser safety team ensures the safety use of lasers, laser systems, and other non-ionizing radiation sources such as ultraviolet (UV) light. We provide guidance on standard operating procedures and personal protective equipment, consultation on laser lab design, analyze hazards of laser systems, provide laser safety and laser alignment training for laser operators as well as awareness training for non-users present in the lab when lasers are being used.  The VU Laser Safety group utilizes an online database, EHS Assist (EHSA), to manage laser lab operator information, laser lab inspections, and a university-wide laser system inventory.  Our program fosters a progressive safety culture by continuously improving through collaboration with the research community, incorporating feedback, and staying abreast of current standards, practices, and lessons learned.  Please contact us at lasersafety@vanderbilt.edu for any questions, comments, or concerns.

Please email us to schedule an optional laser alignment training session.

Vanderbilt University has a policy (Laser Safety Program Manual, page 48, Appendix G) on the safe use of ultraviolet (UV) light sources.  Please contact us with any questions on non-ionizing radiation generating devices such as noncoherent light (e.g., solar simulators), UV LEDs (e.g., transilluminators), electromagnetic forces (nuclear magnetic resonance), radiofrequency generators, etc.

To make changes to your laser safety information (add/dispose of laser, add/remove users, etc.), please follow this link to EHSA – http://ehsa.vanderbilt.edu