Laser Safety SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, setup, operation, fault response, maintenance and clean-down for laser work. It supports work planning and risk management by addressing beam exposure, reflections, UV work, fumes, fire, electrical energy and controlled access.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan laser work and establish a controlled area
• Inspect laser equipment
• Set up the workpiece
• Complete alignment and focusing
• Operate Class 1 and 2 lasers
• Operate Class 3R lasers
• Cut with fibre laser
• Engrave and mark materials
• Control UV laser work
• Manage fumes and residues
• Respond to faults and emergencies
• Maintain, clean down and secure laser equipment

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out laser work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to manage risks, provide safe plant, maintain plant, provide information, training and supervision, and control hazardous chemicals and airborne contaminants.
• Model WHS Regulations guidance: plant must be used as designed with guards, warning devices, operational controls and emergency stops maintained and used; laser plant must prevent accidental irradiation and exposure to direct, reflected, diffuse or secondary radiation.
• Model WHS Regulations guidance: workers operating laser equipment must be trained in its proper operation; Class 3B and Class 4 lasers must not be used for construction work under the model provisions. Confirm the enacted requirements in the jurisdiction where work occurs.
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks, including consultation and application of the hierarchy of controls.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace, including use of current labels, SDS, exposure assessment and ventilation controls.
• AS/NZS IEC 60825.1, Safety of laser products—Equipment classification and requirements.
• AS/NZS IEC 60825.4, Safety of laser products—Laser guards.
• AS/NZS IEC 60825.14, Safety of laser products—User’s guide.
• AS 2397:2015, Safe use of lasers in the building and construction industry, where relevant to construction activities.
• AS/NZS 1337.1, Personal eye-protection—Eye and face protectors for occupational applications.
• AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716, Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment and respiratory protective devices. Model laws and model Codes are guidance unless adopted or otherwise given legal effect in the applicable jurisdiction.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections