Yes, you must complete an on-line laser registration form for

• all class 3b and higher lasers
• all class 2-3a lasers used in laboratories or patient care

Lasers are classified into the following categories:

Class 1 - Lasers that are not hazardous for continuous viewing or are designed in such a way that prevent human access to laser radiation. These consist of low power lasers or higher power embedded lasers (i.e., laser printers).

Class 2 visible lasers (400 to 700 nm) - Lasers emitting visible light which because of normal human aversion responses, do not normally present a hazard, but would if viewed directly for extended periods of time. (like many conventional light sources).

Class 2a visible lasers (400 to 700 nm) - Lasers emitting visible light not intended for viewing, and under normal operating conditions would not produce a injury to the eye if viewed directly for less than 1,000 seconds (i.e. bar code scanners).

Class 3a lasers - Lasers that normally would not cause injury to the eye if viewed momentarily but would present a hazard if viewed using collecting optics (fibre optics loupe or telescope).

Class 3b lasers - Lasers that present an eye and skin hazard if viewed directly. This includes both intrabeam viewing and specular reflections. Class IIIb lasers do not produce a hazardous diffuse reflection except when viewed at close proximity.

Class 4 lasers - Lasers that present an eye hazard from direct, specular and diffuse reflections. In addition such lasers may be fire hazards and produce skin burns.

Laser safety is managed by the Radiation Safety Program (see page 93 of the WCMC Guide to Rules & Regulations Concerning the Conduct of Research). Contact the Radiation Safety Office at (212) 746-6964 for additional information.