Student Material 001: Laser Lab Safety Quick Reference Card

Material ID: U3M4-MAT-001 Purpose: Pocket-sized quick reference for laser lab emergency procedures and safety systems Format: Emergency response guide, safety checklists, and reference tables Updated: 2026-03-19

EMERGENCY RESPONSE — Post This at Every Machine

FIRE RESPONSE

Step	Action	Time Target
1	Press EMERGENCY STOP	< 2 seconds
2	Open lid	< 3 seconds
3	Spray water on flame	< 5 seconds
4	If not out: use fire extinguisher (PASS)	< 15 seconds
5	If not controlled: EVACUATE, call 911	Immediately

PASS Technique (Fire Extinguisher)

• P — Pull the pin
• A — Aim at the BASE of the fire
• S — Squeeze the handle
• S — Sweep side to side

FUME EMERGENCY

1. STOP the laser
2. Turn on exhaust (if not running)
3. Open windows/doors
4. If symptoms: move to fresh air
5. If breathing difficulty: call 911

EYE EXPOSURE (Laser)

1. Do NOT look at the source
2. EMERGENCY STOP
3. Alert others
4. If eye symptoms (even hours later): seek medical attention

BURNS

1. Cool water for 10-20 minutes
2. No ice, no butter
3. Burns > 25mm: seek medical attention

Safety System Locations — Fill In for Your Lab

Equipment	Location
Emergency Stop Button	_____
Spray Bottle	_____
Fire Extinguisher	_____
Exhaust On/Off	_____
Chiller On/Off	_____
First Aid Kit	_____
Eyewash Station	_____
Nearest Exit	_____
Emergency Phone	_____
SDS Binder	_____

Daily Safety Verification Checklist

Check	How to Verify	Pass?
Lid interlock	Open lid → laser won't fire	[ ]
Emergency stop	Press → all motion/laser stops	[ ]
Water chiller	On, 18-22°C, flow visible	[ ]
Exhaust system	Tissue flutters at intake	[ ]
Air assist	Air flows from nozzle	[ ]
Spray bottle	Full, within reach	[ ]
Fire extinguisher	Correct type, gauge green	[ ]
Bed clean	No debris from previous jobs	[ ]
Banned material list	Posted and visible	[ ]

If ANY check fails: DO NOT operate the machine. Report to supervisor.

Fire Risk Quick Reference

Material	Fire Risk	Air Assist
Paper	HIGH	ON (low)
Cardboard	HIGH	ON
Thin fabric	HIGH	ON (low)
Wood < 3mm	MODERATE-HIGH	ON
Wood 3-6mm	MODERATE	ON
Acrylic	LOW-MODERATE	ON
Leather	LOW-MODERATE	ON
MDF	MODERATE	ON

Banned Materials — NEVER CUT

Material	Why	How to Identify
PVC / Vinyl	HCl toxic gas	Recycling #3
Polycarbonate	Self-ignites, toxic	Looks like acrylic — check labels!
ABS	HCN toxic gas	Recycling #7
HDPE/PP	Fire, toxic	Recycling #2, #5
Fiberglass	Toxic particulate	Visible fibers
Carbon Fiber	Toxic particulate	Black, stiff
Neoprene	HCl toxic gas	Check if chloroprene
Chrome-tanned Leather	Chromium fumes	Most commercial leather
Unknown Material	???	If you can't ID it, DON'T CUT IT

Laser Safety Classification Reminder

ENCLOSED (lid closed, interlocks working) = CLASS 1 = SAFE
OPEN (lid open, interlock bypassed)       = CLASS 4 = MOST DANGEROUS

The enclosure is what makes it safe. Never bypass interlocks.

Exhaust System Maintenance

Task	Frequency	Who
Verify airflow (tissue test)	Every startup	Operator
Check filter indicator	Weekly	Operator
Replace pre-filter	Monthly or when dirty	Supervisor
Replace HEPA filter	Every 3-6 months	Supervisor
Replace carbon filter	Every 50-200 cutting hours	Supervisor
Inspect duct connections	Monthly	Supervisor
Clean intake screen	Weekly	Operator

Key Phone Numbers

Contact	Number
Emergency Services	911
Poison Control	1-800-222-1222
Lab Supervisor	_____
Facilities/Maintenance	_____
Laser Safety Officer	_____

The 5 Rules of Laser Safety

1. NEVER leave a running laser unattended — not even for 30 seconds
2. NEVER cut unidentified materials — if you can't ID it, don't cut it
3. NEVER bypass safety interlocks — the enclosure is what makes it safe
4. ALWAYS verify exhaust, cooling, and air assist before every job
5. ALWAYS know where the E-stop, spray bottle, and extinguisher are

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Last Updated: 2026-03-19