Radiation Safety
Non-beam Hazards for Lasers
Chemical Hazards
- Compressed gases - care should be taken with tanks of compressed gas. For additional information, see the Compressed Gas Fact Sheet.
- Fumes from lasing of target material - industrial hygiene considerations should be addressed to determine adequate ventilation
- Laser dyes or solvents - may be toxic or carcinogenic and should be handled appropriately
Electrical Hazards
- Power supplies - high voltage precautions should be designed to prevent electrocution
- Voltages greater than 15 kV - may generate x-rays
Non-beam Optical Hazards
- Ultraviolet radiation - can cause burns to skin or corneas of eyes
Explosion Hazards
- Some lamps and capacitor banks - should be enclosed or protected to avoid injury to personnel in the event of explosion
- Personnel should be protected should lasing of the target material create flying fragments
Fire Hazards
- Electrical components, gases, fumes and dyes - can constitute a fire hazard; use of flammables should be avoided, and flame resistant enclosures can be used
Questions?
Contact the Division of Research Safety, Radiation Safety Section (333-2755 or via e-mail) or visit our website: http://www.drs.illinois.edu/rss/.
Other Radiation Safety Fact Sheets are available from the Radiation Safety Section at our website: http://www.drs.illinois.edu/rss/factsheets/.
