Laser Safety, 2nd Edition

13Accident Investigation

Bill Wells

Ken Barat

Introduction

Although many efforts are directed to prevent laser accidents, we need to have a plan to follow in case an accident happens. One must be prepared to investigate an accident or incident as it is reported (see Table 13.1 for a simple checklist for a laser or any type of accident investigation). Most activities that include lasers are well-thought-out and include measures to prevent, or minimize the damage from a laser accident. For laser accidents in particular, one can take the advantage of this forethought to pinpoint what differed from plan and why as the strategy for conducting an accident investigation.

Who Should Lead The Accident Investigation?

The laser safety officer (LSO) ...