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FutureLearn

Laser Safety Awareness

UK Health Security Agency via FutureLearn

Overview

Learn how to safely use laser technology

There are many misconceptions surrounding lasers. This, paired with the ease in which they are available, can easily lead to damage that can become permanent very quickly.

On this three-week course, you’ll explore the risks that need to be considered when working in a laser environment and understand how to safely protect yourself and others.

You’ll discover essential tools and gain critical thinking skills to work within a safe environment that protects you, your employees, and your premises.

Understand the hazards of laser radiation

You’ll develop basic laser knowledge as you explore the formation of a laser, and the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum and associated wavelengths.

With this knowledge, you’ll understand laser beam hazards and the different types of injury a laser can cause. You’ll be able to explain how a laser damages the eye and skin in different ways and learn to identify where protection is needed.

Understand the characteristics and key vocabulary of laser safety

You’ll learn to define the properties and characteristics of a laser using key vocabulary. This knowledge will help you better communicate laser safety to others.

Learn from the experts at UKHSA

Finally, you’ll explore legislation, guidance, and legal requirements to help protect employees and premises. You’ll also learn how to use engineering controls to keep exposure below the legal limits.

Guided by the experts at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), you’ll finish the course with the ability to control risk and manage laser work safely and efficiently.

This course is designed for anyone involved in using laser technology. You could be a student or professional looking to develop your understanding of laser safety.

Syllabus

  • Laser Characteristics and Properties
    • Laser Basics
    • The characteristics of optical radiation
  • Laser Beam Hazards and Legislation.
    • Laser Beam Hazards
    • Legislation
  • Practical Control Measures
    • Practical Control Measures
    • Laser Safety Awareness Quiz

Taught by

Stephen Jackson

Reviews

5 rating at FutureLearn based on 3 ratings

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