DEFOH009B
Work safely with lasers

This unit covers the competency required to work safely in an environment where lasers may be employed.This unit does not include the operation of laser equipment. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

Application

This unit was developed for Defence workers involved in working with lasers as a workplace responsibility, but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field.

Typically, these individuals must demonstrate the ability to work independently or as part of a team under indirect supervision. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

All activities must be carried out in accordance with relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify laser safety issues

1.1 Potential laser source, is identified in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures.

1.2 Type and Australian Standard class is identified in accordance with the relevant organisational policy and procedures.

1.3 Dangers/risks associated with lasers are identified.

1.4 laser safety controls are applied.

1.5 Laser warning signage is identified and correctly interpreted.

2. Apply safe work practices

2.1 Lasers deployed in the workplace are identified.

2.2 Laser exposure situations are identified and interpreted.

2.3 Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is identified and applied.

2.4 Other control measures are identified and adhered to.

3. Report on workplace laser incidents

3.1 Incident reporting procedures are applied.

3.2 Health surveillance requirements, including eye testing, are complied with..

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

access, read, interpret and apply information on laser operations

identify laser sources

Required Knowledge

work health and safety (WHS) requirements relevant to laser emissions in the workplace

organisational policy and standards relevant to laser operations emissions

Evidence Required

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability:

identify laser safety issues, apply safe work practices and monitor and report on workplace incidents.

demonstrate knowledge of relevant work health and safety legislative frameworks

identify inspection tools and methods appropriate to the workplace

demonstrate the application of the principles and practices of work health and safety when working with lasers

identify intervention points for advice to assist in work and to guide problem solving

Consistency in performance

Evidence for competency in this unit must be gathered over time and across a range of workplace or simulated situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisation requirements.

Evidence should be gathered while observing the individual working with lasers in an actual or simulated workplace. A record of all relevant reports, interviews and tests should also be submitted as evidence for assessment.

Specific resources for assessment

There are no special resource implications for this unit.

Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Potential laser source may include:

Barcode scanners

Medical/dental instruments

Range finders (as found on military weapons and survey equipment)

Laser type may include:

Liquid

Gas

Semiconductor

Solid

Dangers/risks associated with lasers may include:

Awareness of the effect of weather and/or reflecting surfaces on differing types of laser transmission

Extended source viewing

Irradiance and radiant exposure

Point source and intrabeam viewing

Specular reflections

Use of magnifying optics

Laser safety controls may include:

Establishment of nominal ocular hazard areas (NOHA)

Exclusion zone/specification of laser hazard areas

Maintenance of a laser register

Protective eye wear specified in accordance with perceived laser threat

Use of interlocks to prevent inadvertent discharge of laser when safety features are not in place

Use of keys to activate laser

Warnings to avoid observation of source

Laser warning signage may include:

Labelling/signage on equipment

Notification of responsibilities and provision of safety information

Warning signage/notices surrounding exclusion zone or work areas where lasers may be operating

Laser exposure situations may include:

Laboratories, medical and dental clinics where laser equipment is in use

Maintenance workshops

Military training and field operations where laser devices are in use

Personal protective equipment may include:

Protective clothing

Specific eye protection goggles

Incident reporting may include:

Affected person reporting

Laser operator reports

Organisational reporting procedures

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.