Laser Safety Compliance in Australia: What Employers Need to Know

How lasers are regulated in Australia

Lasers in Australian workplaces are regulated primarily through workplace health and safety (WHS) law. States and Territories other than Victoria are governed by harmonised WHS legislation, including regulation 223 which specifically deals with the regulation of lasers (Safe Work Australia, 2025).

Regulation 223 applies to the person with management or control of laser equipment at a workplace. It requires that

·         Laser equipment is designed, installed and protected so that people are not exposed to accidental laser radiation, and that observation and adjustment equipment does not create a risk.

·         Workers operating laser equipment are trained in its proper operation

·         Class 3B and Class 4 lasers are not used in construction work.

Licensing in Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania

In these states, Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems are also regulated under dedicated radiation safety legislation, which includes licensing and registration requirements for operators and premises (Queensland Government, 2025; Tasmanian Government, 2026; Western Australia Government, 2026).

Victoria's approach

Victoria operates under its own Occupational Health and Safety framework rather than the harmonised WHS model that the other jurisdictions have adopted. Although Victoria has a lack of laser specific legislation, employers in Victoria are expected to meet the general duty of care under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004), which involves providing a safe place to work and reducing risk so far as reasonably practicable (Victorian Government, 2025). Employers in Victoria may consider following AS/NZS IEC 60825.14 which is considered best practice for employers who use lasers.

The underlying obligation, across every jurisdiction

Regardless of jurisdiction, employers must take reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise laser risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Because most workplace lasers, have the potential to cause harm, every PCBU/employer using lasers carries a compliance obligation to manage that risk.

How compliance can be demonstrated

  • Following a risk management framework. PCBUs and employers may consider following the requirements of AS/NZS IEC 60825.14

  • Having clearly defined procedures

  • Purchasing laser and laser safety equipment from reputable suppliers and obtaining relevant documents that prove certification to recognised standards

  • Training workers on both general laser safety and the specific laser systems they use

  • Documenting and recording any risk management and training undertakings.

  • Engaging in third party risk assessments and audits

 

 

 

Barat, K. (2022). Laser safety : practical knowledge and solutions (Second edition. ed.). IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/978-0-7503-5504-9

Queensland Government. (2025). Radiation Safety Regulation 2021.

Safework Australia. (2025). Model WHS Regulations.  Retrieved from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-whs-regulations

Tasmanian Government. (2026). Radiation Protection Regulations 2026.

Victorian Government. (2025). Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

Western Australia Government. (2026). Radiation Safety (General) Regulations 1983.  Retrieved from www.legislation.wa.gov.au