Laser Hazard Signs & Labels

Laser Safety Officer

Alannah GregoryÌý

Call 303-492-4734

Email alannah.gregory@colorado.edu

All entry points to laser facilities must be clearly marked with ANSI-compliant laser hazard warning signs. These signs are essential for communicating the presence of laser radiation and ensuring a safe working environment. In addition to facility entrances, laser enclosures must also be labeled to alert users of potential hazards. Each sign must specify the type and wavelength of the laser in use, its output power, and its classification. Proper signage is a critical part of maintaining compliance and protecting personnel from laser-related risks.

See the information below for more information on what each laser hazard sign represents.Ìý

Templates

Notice Caution Warning Danger Labels
Notice

Notice signs are posted outside of temporary laser controlled areas. The reason for the temporary controls and precautionary instructions must be included. Notices are used during maintenance, repair, unattended laser operations and alignment. These should be accompanied by a CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER sign depending on the class of laser being serviced.Ìý

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Caution signs indicate potentially hazardous situations that may result in minor or moderate injury. This signage is required for all Class 2 and Class 3R lasers and laser systems that do not exceed the MPE for irradiance. Signage should include precautionary statements, PPE requirements, laser classes, wavelengths attenuated and ODs of eyewear (if required when entering the area).

Warning signs indicate potentially hazardous situations that may result in serious injury or death. This signage is required for all laser classes and systems that exceed the MPE for irradiance, including Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Signage should include precautionary statements, PPE requirements, laser classes, pulse durations (if applicable), power output, wavelengths attenuated and ODs of eyewear (if required when entering the area).

Danger signs indicate imminently hazardous situations that will result in serious injury or death. This signage is restricted to Class 4 lasers with multi-kilowatt output power or pulse energies with exposed beams. The use of this signage requires LSO authorization. Signage should include precautionary statements, PPE requirements, laser class, laser type, pulse duration (if applicable), power output, attenuated wavelengths and ODs of required eyewear.

All lasers and laser systems should have a label conspicuously affixed to the housing in accordance with ANSI standards. The label indicates the precautionary instructions or protective actions required, the type of laser or the wavelength, the pulse duration (if applicable), maximum output, and the class of the laser or laser system. The label
incorporates the sunburst symbol.Ìý

All removable protective housings must have a label affixed in a conspicuous location every 3 meters. The label indicates the hazard of the enclosed laser. This label does not
need to contain the sunburst symbol.

Manufacturers are required to label lasers in accordance with the Federal Laser Product Performance Standard (21 CFR1040.10) and these labels satisfy the ANSI requirement. Contact the LSO for label specifications if the laser was not labeled by the manufacturer, or if it was modified or built in the laboratory.