ICS OHS Hazard Identification Project
Review of Raman Laser Laboratories E7B 230

Area ID 36;  Inspection Number 38

Review Team 

Mark Ainsworth, Division Manager and OHS Committee Employee Rep
Alex Fuerbach, Lecturer Physics 
Helen Pask, Research Fellow Physics

Date: 25 July 2007

Locations inspected: E7B Rooms 230, Raman Laser Research laboratory

Introduction
The aim of this inspection was to identify hazards in the Raman Laser areas as described above, to assess the risks and to consider whether the hazard can be eliminated or, if not, what appropriate controls can be introduced to reduce the risk of harm to staff, students and others.

Methodology
The team comprised Mark Ainsworth from the OHS Committee, Helen Pask, Supervisor for Room 230 and Alex Fuerbach an experienced Laser Researcher with OH&S experience. The Division’s recommended methodology, the HAZPAK worksheet, was explained to the participants and used as a guide to identifying hazards, and to judging severity and likelihood of an incident caused by each hazard identified. Finally, the team considered how the hierarchy of controls could be applied to each hazard to reduce the risk.  
 
Summary of Findings
The most significant hazard identified in the laboratory is the management of Class 4 laser systems that emit laser output in Infra red and visible regions of the spectrum simultaneously, coupled with the fact that laser safety goggles do not exist that cover this broad spectral region.  This could pose significant risk to all researchers unless:
•	Access to the room is tightly managed when the lasers are operating;
•	All researchers undertaking research in the area have detailed induction relating to working safely with these laser systems (risk assessments);
•	Reasonable steps are taken to manage stray reflections of visible radiation form work areas.
•	All students are closely supervised.

Review Date 
Actions on page 2 to be reviewed on 8/10/07. 

This report prepared by Mark Ainsworth on 27/7/07.
	Ref	The Hazard
	Consequences of Event Happening
	Priority Number	Risk Control Plan (short term & long term solution; who; by when)
	Assessment of Risks with Controls	New Priority No.	
		How Severe	How Likely			How Severe	How Likely		
1.	Laser goggles located in the entry room E6A 261 are not clearly identified, showing wavelength range and or laser type.	3	3	Medium	Helen Pask to clearly mark laser goggles showing wavelength range and application			Hazard Removed	
2.	Work areas do clearly indicate type/class and range of radiation present from the lasers sources located in the work areas.	3	3	Medium	Helen Pask to clearly sign each work area identifying class of laser and wavelength range or outputs.			Hazard Removed	
3.	No exit signage allowing people to safely negotiate to the exit in blackout condition	3	3	Medium	Helen Pask in consultation with Mark Ainsworth to request advice from OFM on exit signage requirements and if required to install.  Also mark corridor to nearest exit using reflective tape (METS)			Hazard Removed	
4.	Incomplete electrical testing of equipment and testing now > 2 years old (room has RCD’s installed)	3	2	Low	Helen Pask in consultation with Mark Ainsworth to coordinate Electrical Testing of all equipment in the room.			Hazard Removed	
5	Out of date MSDS in the register (MSDS have a life of 5 years)	2	1	Very Low	Helen Pask to update MSDS and inventory.			Hazard Removed	
6.	Electrical cable stretched over sharp metal.	3	1	Low	Helen Pask with METS to design and install roof mounted cable trays to facilitate removal of this risk.			Hazard Removed	
7.	Low hanging electrical cables crossing the walkway around the work area. 	3	1	Low	See 6.			Hazard Removed	
8.	No effective door interlock to indicate lasers radiation is active and entry is restricted. 	3	3	Medium	Helen Pask with Mark Ainsworth to rectify as part of the roll out of the Divisional Lasers Policy			Hazard Removed