N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 12 § 50.13

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 50, December 11, 2024

Section 50.13 - Special precautions

(a) No individual shall look directly into a primary laser beam or directly at the specular reflections of such a beam when the intensities of such beam or of such reflections are greater than those listed in Table 1 of this Part (rule), unless such individual is wearing approved eye protection in compliance with the provisions of this Part (rule).

(b) Every laser beam shall be terminated whenever necessary by a material that is non-reflecting and fire-retardant. In cases of intentional beam interaction with targets, precautions shall be taken to prevent fires arising from flying particles. In cases of unavoidable reflections, precautions shall be taken to prevent the scatter of laser radiation in excess of the limits listed in this Part (rule) into uncontrolled areas.

(c) Under circumstances where the conditions of laser operation can lead to accidental exposure to laser radiation above the maximum permissible exposure limits as specified in this Part (rule), an area shall be cleared of all individuals for a reasonable distance on all sides of the anticipated path of the laser beam, except for those individuals protected in compliance with the provisions of this Part (rule).

(d) Special care shall be taken to assure that approved safety eyewear is matched to the specific wave length of the laser device with which it is to be used and that such eyewear provides the required attenuation.

(e) Any approved safety eyewear which has been exposed to high-intensity laser radiation shall not be reused until it has been reevaluated for shattering and effectiveness of its attenuation.

(f) Laser beam paths shall be cleared of all material or objects that may cause the scatter of laser radiation at levels in excess of the limits listed in this Part (rule) into uncontrolled areas.

(g) All unshielded lasers which are capable of emitting radiation above the maximum permissible exposure limits as listed in this Part (rule) shall be capped or otherwise effectively terminated when not in operation.

(h) Interlocks used on enclosures for high-intensity lasers shall not be used to actuate such lasers.

(i) Any closed laser installation with one or more access openings large enough for entry by individuals shall have at least one such opening provided with an exit door which can be manually opened with ease from inside the laser installation.

(j) General illumination in laser radiation areas shall be at least 30 lumens per square foot, except where conditions of laser operation require lower ambient illumination.

(k) Electronic firing systems for pulsed lasers shall be so designed that accidental discharges of stored charges are prevented.

(l) "Fail-safe" safety circuitry shall be used with lasers wherever necessary.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 12 § 50.13