Nonionizing radiation.
(1) Only qualified and trained employees must be assigned to install, adjust, and operate laser equipment.
(2) Proof of qualification of the laser equipment operator must be available and in possession of operator at all times.
(3) You must provide employees, when working in areas in which a potentially hazardous exposure (see WAC
296-62-09005(4)) to direct or reflected laser radiation exists, with antilaser eye protection devices specified in Part C of this chapter.
(4) Areas in which Class II and III lasers are used must be posted with standard laser warning placards.
(5) You must utilize beam shutters or caps, 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.
(6) You must use only mechanical or electronic means as a detector for guiding the internal alignment of the laser.
(7) The laser beam must not be directed at employees.
(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, you must keep employees out of range of the area of source and target during such weather conditions.
(9) Laser equipment must bear a conspicuously displayed label to indicate hazard classification. This label must be prepared in accordance with 21 C.F.R. 1040.10.
(10) You must use only Class I, II, or III laser equipment. You must not use Class IV laser equipment.
(11) You must set up laser unit in operation above the heads of the employees, when possible.
(12) You must not expose employees to radiofrequency/microwave radiation in excess of the permissible exposure limits specified in WAC
296-62-09005.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050,
49.17.060. WSR 16-09-085, § 296-155-155, filed 4/19/16, effective 5/20/16. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.040 and
49.17.050. WSR 86-03-074 (Order 86-14), § 296-155-155, filed 1/21/86; WSR 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-155-155, filed 12/11/84; Order 74-26, § 296-155-155, filed 5/7/74, effective 6/6/74.]