Laser Safety

The Vanderbilt Laser Safety group ensures the safe use of lasers, laser systems, and other non-ionizing radiation sources.  We provide guidance on standard operating procedures and personal protective equipment, consultation on laser lab design, analyze hazards of laser systems, deliver training for laser operators, laser alignment, and general laser awareness for non-users.  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