Editor's Note: The Lab is conducting a briefing on the laser incident on Wednesday (Nov. 17). See the Daily Newsbulletin for more information.

Nov. 12, 2004

Practical laser safety

In order to improve the quality of laser safety at the Laboratory, I recommend that we return to the old style of class room training that has a real person instructing. The current online training is fine for information distribution, but it does not convey the importance of instilling a healthy respect for a high-power laser. Many older, experienced staff have a cavalier attitude towards laser safety. This attitude can be transferred to younger employees. We must return to the good old days of laser safety training like I took in 1991. The Hank Winburn school of laser safety was in many ways the best. Hank wrote a book, "Practical Laser Safety," and taught classes at the Lab. Hank was interesting, funny and had a way of getting the class to respect high-power lasers. Many old timers remember Hank as an unconventional man who was different from the rest of us. However, he taught laser safety well. When I took the class I clearly remember several staff members making jokes about safety and Hank as well. After the class, everyone had a new attitude and respected what damage a laser can do. My team leader then in 1991 returned to work with a new drive for laser safety. We worked with a very high-power laser that had three wavelengths and was beamed all over a very large high bay lab. Everyone did the right thing all the time. We wore goggles and no one tried to take short cuts. We also did great work and the team was awarded a Distinguished Performance Award. There were no accidents. I always wonder if old Hank saved a few eyes at the Lab over the years.

--Lawrence Earley