Lasers are important tools and used in both teaching and research activities at NMSU. If improperly used or not controlled, Class 3B and Class 4 lasers can pose a fire hazard and/or cause severe eye and skin injuries to operators and other people working near these lasers. The NMSU Laser Safety Program provides guidance to faculty, staff, and students for the safe use of lasers and laser systems. The program is designed to maintain compliance with applicable government regulations and the latest version of the American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z 136.1).
Registration of Class 3B and Class 4 Laser Systems
All Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and laser systems should be registered with the NMSU Laser Safety Officer in EHS&RM. The objective of the registration program is to help identify high-power lasers with the potential to pose a risk of injury or property damage. A formal hazard assessment will be conducted jointly with the laser owner and the Laser Safety Officer. The assessment will verify that appropriate engineering and administrative controls are in place to ensure all hazards are appropriately controlled.
Please complete a Class 3B / Class 4 Laser Registration Form for each laser and forward it to the NMSU Laser Safety Officer at EHS&RM (ehs@nmsu.edu) for review prior to beginning operations. The Laser Safety Officer will contact the owner to schedule a joint Hazard Assessment.
Laser User Safety Training
All operators of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers must complete Fundamentals of Laser Safety – Online training or an LSO approved equivalent training, prior to operating the laser.
