Alignment Procedures for Class 3b and Class 4 Lasers
- Exclude unnecessary personnel from the laser area during alignment.
- Whenever possible, use low-power visible lasers for path simulation of higher-power visible or invisible laser.
- Wear laser protective eyewear during alignment. Use special alignment eyewear when circumstances (e.g. wavelength, power, etc.) permit their use.
- When aligning invisible (e.g. UV, IR) beams, use beam display devices such as image converter viewers or phospor cards to locate beams.
- Perform alignment tasks using high-power lasers at the lowest power level.
- Use a shutter or beam block to block high-power beams at their source except when actually needed during the alignment process.
- Use a laser-rated beam block to terminate high-power beams downstream of the optics being aligned.
- Use beam blocks or laser protective barriers in conditions where alignment beams could stray into areas with uninvolved personnel.
- Place beam blocks behind optics (e.g.: turning mirrors) to terminate beams that might miss mirrors during alignment.
- Locate and block all stray reflections before proceeding to the next optical component or section.
- Be sure all beams and reflections are properly terminated before high-power operation.
- Post appropriate area warning signs during alignment procedures where laser are normally Class 1 (enclosed).
- Alignments should be done only by those individuals who have received laser safety training.
Updated May 6, 2008 by SAK