LSO 15: Laser Accidents: History and Analysis Flashcards
What is a laser accident?
An unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance. There is lack of intention or necessity
Why study laser accidents?
Analyzing accident, the root cause of it and contribution factor. That will help to prevent similar accidents from occurring.
Where to look for laser injury data?
Track the laser data: FDA, DOE and Rockwell laser industries
Between 1960 and 2002, how many laser accidents?
1500 laser accidents
what are different types of laser accidents?
71% accident: eye, 11.9% : skin
Who is involved in laser accidents? Majority of people
Technicians, scientists, and students. Patients with medical lasers where number 1 death
What is the cost of laser accidents?
Direct costs and indirect costs,
What is the cause of laser accidents?
lack of wearing eyewear, wearing damaged or inadequate eyewear
What are laser skin accidents?
Co2 lasers, skin injuries are relatively minor
What are non-beam accidents?
Fire, electric shock
Which type of individual accounts for the largest number of laser associated deaths?
patients
What are common contributing factors for laser accident?
unanticipated eye exposure during alignment
available laser eye protection not being used
equipment malfunction, improper high voltage handling methods, no protection provided for ancillary hazards, incorrect eyewear selection, inhalation of LGAC, viewing of laser-generated plasma, improper use of equipment
What are laser alignment accident?
THe process of manipulating and adjusting laser optics in the beam path is referred to as laser alignment. Many laser incidents occur during alignment
What are hazards of laser alignment?
Reflections off of tools, optical mounts, lenses, mirrors, body parts or clothing entering path, locating beams that leave the beam path
wearing high OD eyewear during alignment operations, directing beam upwards, unidentified stary beams ( especially with invisible wavelength lasers)
How do we prevent alignment accident from occurring?
Before Alignment: remove reflective jewelry, non-reflecting tools, limit the room access. Make sure that room is posted appropriately. There is an alignment SOP available
How do we prevent alignment accident from occurring?
During Alignment: identify the stray beams, prohibit intentional Intra-beam viewing, lower power, laser eyewear, keep beam paths below eye level, keep beam enclosed.
How to prevent accidents during alignment?
secure optics, optical mounts, beam blocks to the table. Use tools to identify stray and invisible beams. Restore normal laser controls when done.
Why do people don’t want to wear eyewear?
they don’t fit well, they fog up, I can’t see the beam when they are on, they are too expensive, I have been working with this laser for 15 years and know where the beam is on
What to do to make them eyewear and spread message that its very important?
Lenses have correct filter, OD as well as acceptable VLT.
Work on peer pressure,
What are the things to consider for proper laser eyewear?
Appropriate wavelength and OD, in good condition, fits user’s face well
Note to prevent laser accident?
Always use laser safe indo tracheal tube. When using the airways,
What to do in case of laser accident?
Keep the person calm and avoid panic or shock
Call to report injury to medical and arrange transport if needed
Notify the LSO
Notify supervisor
Shut down laser system and suspend use until accident investigation complete
Ensure the victim is evaluated by a laser
Where to send the employee after laser eye injury?
Determine how they are going to be evaluated?make appropriate arrangements
Which of the following is/are not an appropriate response to a suspected laser accident?
Resume use of the laser, advise the employee to go to the doctor ( need to take him/her to doctor)
When to do the accident investigation?
The investigation should occur as soon as is practical after the reporting of the accident
What are the steps for an accident investigation?
Visit the site - take photos and detailed notes ( get an idea of the environment ) Documents laser settings PPE available? Appropriate? Required controls in place Evaluate the work procedures Identify any potential equipment issues
Interviews
Interview witnesses ASAP
Make every possible effort to personally interview witnesses, do it in alone
Consider interviewing at the scene of the accident
Get statements from all who were there when the accident
Explanation of work done . Look at the work procedures being followed and compare to SOPs
Determine the root cause
Recommend corrective action
written report
Provide the report to management and laser safety committee
What is the root cause?
The most obvious cause is not the root cause
What do include in the laser incident written report?
Remain objective, state the facts, never write the report as if you saw the accident take place, assign the cause, not blame, never claim an employee lied, if referring to an individuals actions, do not use their name in the recommendations
who should investigate the laser accident?
The LSO should be the lead contact for any laser related accident
Immediate supervisor would be the good one
What is a “ near miss”
” An unplanned event that didn’t result in injury, illness or damage but had the potential to do so”
A near miss provides you with an opportunity correct a safety issue before an incident actually occurs
Vigorously investigate near misses
