Laser Safety, 2nd Edition

15Room Access Interlocks and Access Controls

John Hansknecht

Introduction

In a perfect world, all persons working with or around laser systems would be aware of, and respect, every hazard. In this perfect world, every laser system would be enclosed for Class 1 operation, and opening the door to a room containing a laser would not jeopardize the safety of personnel in the hallway. In many cases, the laser safety officer (LSO) can work with the researchers to actually create this perfect world. In other cases, the nature of laser research requires a flexibility that enclosed laser systems cannot provide. In either case, the LSO will need to understand the principles of laser interlocks and access controls.

By definition, the LSO is granted the ...