Laser Risk Management
Hierarchy of controls
Workplace health and safety risk management is underpinned by the hierarchy of controls (Bradbury, 2025). The hierarchy of controls is a system that prioritises the most effective ways to reduce harm (Bradbury, 2025). Workers often do not perform formal risk assessments but usually apply the controls determined by their workplace, supervisors or laser safety officer. However, workers can still play a role by recognising hazards, checking that the controls are in place, stopping work if something is unsafe, and reporting hazards and near-misses. When approaching laser safety it is important that risk is managed using the hierarchy of controls which include the following in order of priority. 1. Elimination 2. Substitution 3. Isolation 4. Engineering controls 5. Administrative controls 6. PPE We will now go over some of the roles workers play in each part of the hierarchy of controls as suggested by Standards Australia (2022).
Elimination
Elimination is the most effective way to control risk. Workers can eliminate hazards by:
Turning the laser off when not in use
Removing reflective jewellery and watches
Keeping clutter away from a controlled area
Substitution
Where a task allows it, a hazard should be substituted with one that carries lower risk. This may involve using a lower power laser, or replacing an invisible beam with a visible one where the application permits. A visible beam can be seen, traced and avoided, and at Class 2 the blink reflex offers some protection. Although substitution is primarily controlled by the PCBU, it is important that workers speak up if they identify a safer approach to a task.
Isolation controls
Isolation involves establishing a barrier between a hazard and people. Isolation controls may include measures such as door interlocks and physical barriers such as walls and purpose-built curtains (Barat,2022; Parker & Parker, 2023). Workers can contribute to isolation by:
Ensuring controlled zones are secured and clearly marked
Preventing unauthorised people from entering the controlled zone
Checking that covers and interlocks are in place and functioning
Never bypassing isolation controls Ensuring doors are closed whilst lasers are in operation
Engineering controls
Engineering controls are physical modifications that reduce risk in a workplace.
Workers must:
- If trained to do so, check that interlocks, shutters, key switches, warning lights, and ventilation systems are functioning
- stop work immediately if any engineering control is bypassed or malfunctioning
- report faults to the supervisor or Laser Safety Officer
- Operators must never attempt to repair or modify engineering controls unless trained to do so
Administrative controls
Administrative controls such as policy and procedures are an essential part of laser safety as they guide safe workflow (Western Australia Government, 2026). Employers that use Class 3B and Class 4 lasers, must have clear laser safety policy and procedures in place whilst workers must comply with these procedures (Western Australia Government, 2026).
Operators must:
- follow all workplace laser policies and procedures
- complete required training
- follow signage and restricted‑area rules
- report hazards, incidents, and near‑misses
- Administrative controls also include maintenance schedules, eyewear care, and housekeeping practices. It is important to ask questions when unsure on procedures (Barat, 2022).
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE including safety eyewear are the last line of defence in a safe laser system; they are not a substitute for a safe work environment. Workers must ensure
- Laser safety glasses sit snug against the face, and have suitable side-panels to prevent laser beam entry from the sides (Parker & Parker, 2023)
- Laser safety glasses have appropriate markings indicating laser wavelength, scale or optical density, and standards; it is not a one size fits all approach (Parker & Parker, 2023).
- PPE that has been dropped or exposed to a laser beam that could have reasonably caused damage is not worn and is reported to a supervisor (Standards Australia, 2022)
References
Bradbury, W. (2025). "RETHINKING THE HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS." Professional safety 70(8): 26–27.
Parker, P. J. and S. P. A. Parker (2023). Laser Safety in Dentistry. Lasers in Dentistry—Current Concepts. D. J. Coluzzi and S. P. A. Parker. Cham, Springer International Publishing: 97–125.
Safework Australia (2025). Model WHS Regulations.
Standards Australia (2022). Safety of laser products, Part 14: A user’s guide, Standards Australia.