DOE Laser EFCOG: Results from SOP questionnaire

Transcription

1 DOE Laser EFCOG: Results from SOP questionnaire February 5, 2011 The ANSI Z136.1 description of the SOP document defines its role in describing procedures used during normal operation, maintenance and service. See Appendix 1 for some of the sections in ANSI Z that define the SOP and describe its use. In many laser facilities, however, the SOP is implemented as an overarching safety document that has a broader role - for example: i. SOP is a contract between the laser users and the LSO, which describes the laser facility, its hazards and hazard controls (see for example Chapter 4 in Ken Barat s book Laser Safety Management ). The controls described include the engineering controls, administrative procedures and laser eyewear protection. ii. SOP is a technical specification document for the engineered laser safety system, which typically includes an access control system, interlocks, and safety shutters. iii. SOP is a reference document for laser personnel. iv. SOP is used as part of the initial training for laser personnel. This questionnaire addressed the scope of SOPs and the process by which they are developed, approved and used. Nine labs provided responses: Argonne, Brookhaven, JLAB, Kansas City Plant, LANL, LBNL, LLNL, NREL and SLAC. These are summarized below.

2 1. What is scope of SOP? Question Includes laser facility schematic and description? Includes laser description and hazard parameters (wavelength and characteristics needed to determine MPE and OD requirements for laser eyewear) Includes description of engineering controls? How much detail is given? Includes description of normal operation procedures? When are detailed alignment procedures included beyond the general principles stated in Section of ANSI Z136.1? Are specific work conditions called out for user explanation, i.e. open walkways, computer workstations protection or room lighting? Includes description of maintenance and service procedures? Response Yes: 7 No: 1 Schematic optional: 1 Yes: 9 Yes: 9 Provides knowledge needed to understand operation or gives short description: 5 Interlock test procedure included: 1 Check boxes to standard questions are used: 1 No: 1 (LLNL specific alignment procedures are required for all 3B/4 lasers) Required for all 3B/4: 3 Encouraged, not required: 2 Is covered in OJT or not required: 3 For specialized procedures: 1 (ex. Alignment eyewear used, task requires changing operation mode or eyewear) Yes: 2 When appropriate: 4 No: 3 Yes (may be boilerplate): 5 No: 1 Not stated: 1 In separate document: 1 Refers to mfr laser manual: 1

3 Includes laser eyewear protection requirements? Includes laser operator training and approval requirements? Not stated: 1 Not stated: 1 Question Response 2. Who authors the SOP? LCA supervisor (or PI, assigned laser safety coordinator or laser system supervisor): 8 Usually LCA supervisor: 1 LSO can assist: 1 3. Who approves the SOP? (multiple people LCA supervisor/author: 3 may be required to approve the SOP) LSO: 6 Line ESH coordinator or division safety officer: 4 4. Is laser operation approval separate from SOP approval? 5. What level of description is given for nonbeam hazards and their controls? 6. Is the SOP important for configuration control documentation? Dept. head or division leader: 5 No: 1 SOP is a pre-requisite: 2 Sufficient to understand them: 5 Variable, depends on their nature: 2 Yes, but short: 1 Addressed elsewhere in responsible safety program: 1 Yes: 5 No: 2 Unsure what this means: 2 7. Provide any comments on how well the SOP works as a contract between the LSO and the line management laser safety supervisor. 8. Provide any comments on how well the SOP works as a contract between laser operators and either the LSO or the line management laser safety supervisor. Works well; sets oper. envelope; used for config control: 2 Variable: 1 Not such a contract: 1 Compliance required; sets operation envelope: 2 Must be current and functional: 1 Line mgmt has ownership: 1 Compliance required; sets operation envelope: 7 Variable: 1 Often considered too lengthy and covers some topics that aren t sitespecific: 1

4 9. How is the SOP used in site-specific laser operator training? Supervisors review with each user: 4 OJT on elements of SOP: 1 OJT for alignment procedures: 1 Must read and understand SOP: 1 Posted at LCA entrance: 1 Optional: 1 Question Response 10. When an SOP How is it approved? Same as for new: 6 is revised, Annually: line mgmt; every 3 yrs: EHS: 1 Minor revision: line; major revision, requires EHS: 1 How are SOP revisions communicated to laser operators for the laser facility? 11. How useful is the SOP as a reference for laser operators during their laser work? LCA supervisor responsible: 1 LCA supervisor review session: 1 LCA supervisor s operators: 1 Operators sign new SOP: 2 (1 does this electronically) Operators sign SOP revision form: 1 SOP is a critical document: 2 Variable (some useful, some not): 2 Is a safety reference document: 1 More useful for training: 1 Not used much: 1 Area to improve on: Any other input Structured approach important to make sure all bases covered SOP template available: 2 Electronic publishing important for document control, visibility for laser users and efficiency for line mgmt Compliance standard used is Z

5 Appendix 1 The Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document is a key safety document for laser operations. Sections in ANSI Z that define this document and describe its use include: i. 2 Definitions standard operating procedure (SOP). Formal written description of the safety and administrative procedures to be followed in performing a specific task. ii Standard Operating Procedures (Class 3B or Class 4) The LSO should require and approve written standard operating, maintenance and service procedures (SOPs) for Class 3B lasers or laser systems. The LSO shall require and approve written SOPs for Class 4 lasers or laser systems. These written SOPs shall be maintained with the laser equipment for reference by the operator, and maintenance or service personnel (see Section 4.4.5). iii Alignment Procedures (All Classes except Class 1). Written standard operating procedures (SOPs) outlining alignment methods should be approved for Class 3B and shall be approved for Class 4 lasers or laser systems. SOPs shall also be applicable for all classes of lasers or laser systems which contain embedded Class 3B or Class 4 lasers under conditions which would allow access during alignment procedures. iv Alignment Procedures for Class 3B and Class 4 Lasers Alignments should be done only by those who have received laser safety training. In addition, the following actions should be taken: 1. Exclude unnecessary personnel from the laser area during alignment. 2. Whenever possible, use low-power visible lasers for path simulation of higher-power visible or invisible lasers. 3. Wear protective eyewear and clothing to the extent practicable. 4. When aligning invisible (and in some cases visible) laser beams, use beam display devices such as image converter viewers or phosphor cards to locate beams. 5. Perform alignment tasks, that use high-power lasers, at the lowest possible power level. 6. Use a shutter or beam block to block high-power beams at their source except when actually needed during the alignment process. 7. Use a laser-rated beam block to terminate high-power beams down range of the optics being aligned. 8. Use beam blocks and/or laser protective barriers in conditions where alignment beams could stray into areas with uninvolved personnel. 9. Place beam blocks behind optics (e.g., turning mirrors) to terminate beams that might miss mirrors during alignment. 10. Locate and block all stray reflections before proceeding to the next optical component or section. Be sure all beams and reflections are properly terminated before high-power operation. 11. Post appropriate area warning signs during alignment procedures where lasers are normally Class 1 (enclosed). See Section v. 7. Non-Beam Hazards; 7.1 General.

6 It is important to address hazards associated with the use of lasers not related to exposure of the eye and skin to the laser beam all written SOPs shall address non-beam hazards as well as beam hazards. vi. A1.2 LSO Specific Duties and Responsibilities. (5) Procedure Approvals. The LSO shall approve Class 3B and Class 4 standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other procedures that may be part of the requirements for administrative and procedural controls.