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Environmental Health and Safety
The University of Mississippi

Training Requirements and Medical Surveillance Program

Class 3B and Class 4 Laser Operators

Training Requirements
The PI/ Lab Supervisor is responsible for the training of every Laser Operator,

Form DHS-121 Laser Operator Record is used to document the training and medical testing needs of every individual assigned to be a Laser Operator working with a Class 3B or Class 4 Laser.

  • Laser Safety Training
    1. The University has developed an initial training module available in:
    2. Basic Laser Information
      • Every operator must be instructed in introductory, and lab specific, laser policies and laser procedures.
    3. Laser Operation Training
      • Every operator must be instructed in the operations of each laser they will use.

Medical Surveillance Program

A baseline Laser Eye Exam must be completed for every individual assigned to be a Laser Operator prior to any laser activity that involves Class 3B or 4 lasers.

  • A Laser Eye Exam must be completed by an ophthalmologist (an osteopathic doctor / Eye M.D.)
  • A routine eye exams performed by an Optometrist is not an acceptable substitute for any baseline Laser Eye examinations required by this policy.

This examination should include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • A comprehensive review of occupational history with lasers and past exposure incidents.
  • An analysis of the general eye history (and family eye history).
  • An inventory of current and past medications, which might cause photosensitization.
  • A review of general health, with special emphasis upon diseases, which can lead to ocular skin problems.
  • An examination of visual acuity.
  • An external ocular examination, including cornea and iris.
  • An examination of the ocular fundus (including photograph, if necessary).

Upon termination of employment for permanent reassignment to non-laser related duties, the laser operator should undergo an exit medical examination.

This examination should include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • An external optical examination, including cornea and iris.
  • An examination of ocular fundus (including photograph, if necessary).

An eye examination must also be performed immediately after any accident or suspicion of an accident involving laser injury to the eye.

Records of medical examinations and exposure incidents must be filed with Laboratory Services.

The PI’s Department should:

  • Make the Laser Eye examination appointment, and,
  • Have the Department invoiced for the cost of the examination, and,
  • Request the payment of the invoice using a Request for Payment Form, submitted to Procurement Services, using G/L # 55740 Medical Fees.
    • * These examinations must NEVER be charged on a university procurement card.
  • To facilitate the processing of the payment, attach a completed Form DHS-127 (Medical Testing Certification for Laboratory Workers) with the Request for Payment and associated paperwork.
  • Submit a copy of the DHS-121 Laser Operator Record and any associated paperwork to Laboratory Services for inclusion in each individual’s training records.