Introduction

Anyone working in a laboratory must be aware about its potential hazards, including to people, equipment, and the environment. In particular, safety is of paramount importance in a high-power laser laboratory. A safety manual is the foundational document that ensures the well-being of everyone working within the laboratory environment. This document describes the rules, guidelines and protocols that must be followed by the users of the Laboratory for Intense Lasers in order to ensure safe working conditions. Before gaining access to working in the lab, users must be thoroughly familiar with these safety measures and acknowledge their understanding. There are a number of reasons why safety must be strictly implemented:

by following safety rules, users acquire essential skills that are vital in a laboratory context, including the ability to identify and mitigate risks, correctly use personal protective equipment, handle hazardous materials and equipment safely, and respond effectively to emergency situations
users are not only protecting themselves from potential hazards but also ensuring the integrity of their scientific work
familiarity with safety protocols fosters a culture of responsibility and diligence, encouraging conscientious laboratory practices
the knowledge and skills gained from being aware of and implementing safety measures contribute to the creation of a secure, productive, and harmonious work environment.

This manual is provided to all current and new users of L2I, including permanent or visiting members, researchers, students, trainees and technical staff. It describes the specific safety and health risks related to working at this laboratory and complements the information available on the general IST Laboratory Safety Manual [1] and within the laboratory in the form of Standing Orders, first-aid instructions, fire and earthquake safety procedures or other local safety documentation.

New laboratory users or anyone planning to operate with lasers, equipment or machinery at L2I must obtain previous permission from the Laboratory Head. This implies that the user fully understands the inherent risks by completing the following three steps:

reading thoroughly this manual
completing the laser safety training
signing the corresponding form

L2I users are responsible not only for their own safety but also for that of those around them. They must adhere to the active safety measures specific for each situation and ensure that other users also do the same. Any temporary or permanent change to a setup that introduces changes to the current safety protocol must be discussed in advance with the Laboratory Head of Chief Engineer/LSO. This manual complements the general Manual for Laboratory Safety issued by the Safety and Health Office (NSHS), at IST. All the new users working at L2I must be thoroughly aware of the risks and safety measures in practice.

This document is available in MediaWiki format and will be updated periodically.

Emergency instructions

Contacts

European Emergency Number: 112
IST Security Central: Ext. 2000 or tel. 218 418 000
Emergency Assembly Point: in front of the Central Pavilion next to the flagpole

Emergency procedures

The information below is a summary of the IST emergency instructions. All incidents/accidents should be reported to the CE as a mechanism to help preventing their reoccurrence.

In case of	How to proceed
Health or safety emergency	Sound the alarm by pressing the emergency button and call campus security reporting the incident Go to the nearest exit, following the emergency signs Do not use the lifts Go to the designated assembly point
Medical emergency	In case of a severe personal accident (without loss of consciousness), immediately call 112 (if you are using a landline, dial 0112), informing: your phone number and your precise location; the victim’s condition; procedures already performed. Keep calm while answering the questions. Contact campus security and report the accident. If you wish you may ask for a first aider. In case of a severe accident (with loss of consciousness), immediately contact, campus security, reporting the accident and its location. A trained AED operator will be sent to your location. Then call 112, reporting the accident as explained above. Provide first aid to the victim, as long as you feel capable and without taking unnecessary risks
Alarm sound	Intermittent beep: Remain vigilant and take action only if you're properly trained. Await further instructions from the security officer, receptionist, or floor manager. Continuous beep (evacuation alarm): Exit the building immediately using the designated evacuation routes shown on the Emergency Floor Plan. Listen to and follow the guidance of the evacuation team. Walk calmly; do not run and do not use elevators. If it's safe, close doors as you leave to contain fire and smoke, but do not lock them. This ensures the floor manager can verify everyone has evacuated and enhances safety. Do not return for documents or personal items. If you detect smoke in stairwells, notify the security officer or receptionist located near the building exit. If corridors are filled with smoke, stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling toxic fumes and gases. Proceed to the Emergency Assembly Point
Earthquake	Identify the safest places: doorway frames and room corners, under sturdy tables or other solid surfaces Be aware of the most dangerous places: elevators, near windows or tall furniture like bookshelves, the centre of large open rooms, doorways that are not structurally supported During an earthquake If you are inside a building: If it's safe, remain in your current location and seek shelter. Keep away from windows, shelves and objects that may fall or shatter Stay calm and avoid rushing toward the exits; stairs may be congested Never use elevators If you are outside a building: Stay away from tall buildings and objects that may fall Move to an open location After the earthquake Keep calm but remain prepared for aftershocks, which can occur seconds or minutes later Exit the building if it is not safe to remain inside Never use elevators Watch out for hazards such as broken glass and exposed electrical cables. Do not handle metal objects in contact with electrical wiring. Do not use open flames; there could be gas leaks or flammable materials. Assist any injured people if you are trained and it's safe to do so. Do not attempt to remove injured people with fractures unless there are other dangers present. Ask for help.
Fire	If you discover a fire: Remain calm, activate the nearest alarm button and contact the Security Central immediately. Use the appropriate fire extinguishers to attempt to extinguish the fire. Check the labels for the types of fires they are intended to combat and avoid taking unnecessary risks. If you cannot extinguish the fire, or if there is heavy smoke, evacuate the area. Keep low to the ground to minimize smoke inhalation, crawling if necessary. If possible, safely turn off the main electrical panel and gas supply and close all windows and doors to help contain the fire. Do not use elevators during a fire evacuation. Leave the building and head to the Emergency Assembly Point

Turn your back against the wind Aim the jet toward the bottom of the flames Use several fire extinguishers at once, not one at a time

Tackle fires that are spreading or dripping by directing the extinguisher from top to bottom. Ensure the fire is completely extinguihsed to prevent reignition Notify the Security Central so that used extinguishers can be replaced

Basic first aid guide

In the event if a personal accident, immediately stop any activities to take care of yourself or to assist others. Make sure that there are no active risks (e.g. the laser is left running) that could cause further accidents. The table below details how to react to possible personal accidents at L2I, whether to oneself or to others:

In case of	How to proceed
Light wound	Wash your hands thoroughly or use disposable gloves to avoid infection. Rinse the wound under clean, running water to remove dirt or debris. If necessary, use a mild soap around the area to clean it further. Clean the area dry with a clean cloth. If needed, apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage, cloth, or sterile gauze to stop any minor bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, apply a disinfectant. Cover the wound with a sterile adhesive bandage or gauze pad.
Deep wound	Use a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or bandage to apply direct pressure on the wound to control bleeding. If the bleeding soaks through the material, do not remove it; instead, place additional gauze or cloth on top and continue applying pressure. Have the injured person lie down and elevate the wounded area (if possible) above heart level to reduce blood flow to the wound. Call 112 for medical assistance (or have someone else make the call) and follow the procedures as directed Do not attempt to clean a deep wound, especially if it’s still bleeding heavily. The priority is to stop the bleeding until professional help arrives. If the wound involves a limb (such as an arm or leg), keep it immobilized and avoid unnecessary movement to prevent further injury. If there is a foreign object embedded in the wound, do not attempt to remove it. Removing it may cause further damage and increase bleeding. Wait for medical assistance and continue applying pressure to the wound and monitoring the injured person’s condition.
Thermal or fire burning	Assess the severity of the burn: First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin (e.g., redness, mild pain). Second- and third degree burns: Affect deeper layers of skin and underlying tissues (e.g., blistering, severe pain). For minor burns: Immediately cool the burn by running cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10–20 minutes. After cooling, cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage or clean cloth. Avoid using adhesive bandages directly on the burn, as they can irritate the skin. For severe burns: Immediately call for emergency medical assistance (112) Run cool water over a small area of the burn, but do not cool large areas at once. Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or non-stick dressing (such as a sterile gauze pad). Avoid using any ointments, creams, or greasy substances (like butter) on the burn..
Electric shock	Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the electrical source, as you could also receive a shock. Ensure your own safety before assisting. Turn off the electrical source immediately if it is safe to do so: Switch off the power supply or unplug the equipment causing the shock. If you cannot safely turn off the power, try to move the source away from the person using a non-conductive object such as a wooden broom handle, rubber mat, or plastic item. Call emergency services (112) immediately if the person has been exposed to a high-voltage shock or is unconscious, or if there is any concern about their condition.

L2I evacuation procedure

In the general event of a severe emergency requiring users to evacuate the laboratory, follow these actions:

Dial 2000 and provide information about the problem.
Abort all the experiments, shut down the electrical panel, and turn of any active machinery.
Have everyone leave the room through the emergency exit.
In the case of a small fire, and only if this procedure doesn’t increase the risks, use the appropriate portable extinguisher.
Close (but don’t lock) the doors and leave the building, following the evacuation route.

Laboratory management structure

Management levels

The Laboratory for Intense Lasers (L2I) is dedicated to the study of laser-matter interaction at very high optical powers and is operated by the Group for Lasers and Plasmas of IPFN. The main research areas are laser science and technology, nonlinear optics, plasma physics, high harmonic generation, diode-pumped lasers and optical parametric amplification. L2I is a fundamental stepping-stone in the preparation of high-intensity experiments to be carried out at large-scale facilities, while also playing an important role in the advanced training of young researchers and technological development. Since 2013, L2I is a member of the National Roadmap of Strategic Research Infrastructures.

The Group for Lasers and Plasmas (GoLP), is part of the Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear at IST. Their activity is focused on the study, both theoretical and experimental, of laser-plasma interactions and other phenomena associated with the interaction of high intensities with plasmas. The group is composed by two teams: the Extreme Plasma Physics team dedicated to theory and simulations of the highly nonlinear and complex phenomena associated with plasmas in extreme conditions and X-GoLP which is focused on the experimental and technological exploration of the generation of intense radiation sources and their interaction with matter.

Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear (IPFN, Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion) is a research unit of Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) with the status of Associated Laboratory granted by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. IPFN ensures the Portuguese participation in EUROFusion, the European Consortium for the Development of Fusion Energy. Research at IPFN is organized into two thematic areas: controlled nuclear fusion and intense lasers and plasma technologies.

Management roles

The management roles at L2I meets the requirements necessary for a laboratory of its magnitude and consists of the following levels:

Role	Management responsibilities related to safety
Laboratory Head (LH)	Proposing and managing all the laboratory activities at the levels of research plan, equipment, acquisitions, activities and human resources. Representing the laboratory within IST Developing and approving safety policies and operating procedures Ensure lab safety protocols are followed and conduct regular safety audits
Chief Engineer / Laser Security Officer (CE/LSO)	Oversee safety compliance and training for all personnel Ensuring that all requirements are met prior to conducting experiments. Evaluating laser hazards according to the laser classification and determining adequate control measures Elaborating documentation relative to laser safety and protective equipment (e.g. eyewear, clothing, gloves, screens, etc.) Ensuring that protective equipment is operational Developing and overseeing laser safety training Reviewing applications for new laboratory users Assist in developing safety policies and operating procedures Reviewing results of inspections and reports related to safety, incidents or accidents and ensuring their follow-up
Laser Users (LU)	Complete the laser safety training before working in the laboratory Complying with all the safety measures in place Conducting all laser activities in accordance with accepted laboratory safety practices Wearing appropriate laser eye protection Reporting any unsafe practices or usage of lasers to the LH or CE/LSO.

As of 09.2024 the management roles are as follows:

Laboratory Head Gonçalo Figueira
Chief Engineer Gonçalo Figueira (deputy)

User levels

At L2I system of controlled access through an ID card system (the same as for restricted access within IST) is in place. Entrance authorizations for L2I are issued by the CE upon request and depend on the context of the visit. The following categories of access are in place:

Independent access	Permanent faculty and staff, PhD students, post-doc researchers doing laser-related work Requires completion of laser training
Accompanied access	Undergraduate students doing laser-related work, except under limited circumstances Visiting researchers and collaborators performing short-term experiments Requires completion of laser training
Short term visitors	External individuals or groups e.g. schools Suppliers and contractors Visitors must be accompanied at all times by a member with Independent Access category

Safety risks in the laboratory

General risk assessment

The list below describes the main hazards present in L2I. In this manual, particular attention is dedicated to laser risks (see next chapter), due to their specific characteristics.

Chemical	Compressed gases, including helium and hydrogen and high gas pressures Flammable liquids, including solvents and alcohol Oil exhaustion from vacuum pumps Vapours and fumes from laser ablation
Ergonomic	Standing up for prolonged periods Back risk due to bending over large optical tables Moving or transporting heavy objects
Physical	Fire Laser exposure (high power / high energy / visible and infrared) with potentially serious eye or skin injury High level noises Cold temperature and low humidity Compressed air Falling from heights, including ladders and elevated work areas
Safety	Hard surfaces Electrical hazards, including high voltage Confined or blocked spaces Lifting heavy objects using the crane Tripping and slipping (objects or cords across the floor) Moving machinery parts Water leaks and floods

Chemical risks

Compressed gases and high gas pressures Several compressed gases are commonly used in the laboratory. They present a number of hazards for the laboratory user:

Gas cylinders may contain gases that are flammable, toxic, corrosive, asphyxiants, or oxidizers.
Unsecured cylinders can be easily knocked over, causing serious injury and damage.
Impact can shear the valve from an uncapped cylinder, causing a catastrophic release of pressure leading to personal injury and extensive damage.
Mechanical failure of the cylinder, cylinder valve, or regulator can result in rapid diffusion of the pressurized contents of the cylinder into the atmosphere.

It is fundamental that compressed gases are properly handled:

Gas bottles must be clearly identified in a visible location.
The laboratory location is incompatible with gases that can become dangerous through accumulation. These must be installed in a properly ventilated area outside.
In the event that a dangerous gas must be temporarily present in the laboratory, adequate gas detectors must be installed to monitor for leaks.
Ensure gas cylinders are stored upright and secured to prevent tipping over. See the section on ergonomic risks for the procedures related to gas bottle transportation.

When transporting gas cylinders:

Always use a heavy duty hand truck equipped with a chain or belt for securing the cylinder.
Make sure the protective cap is covering the cylinder valve.
Never transport a cylinder while a regulator is attached.
Always use caution when transporting cylinders – they are heavy and can easily tip over.
Do not move compressed gas cylinders by carrying, rolling, sliding, or dragging them across the floor.
Do not transport oxygen and combustible gases at the same time.
Do not drop cylinders or permit them to strike anything violently.

Safe storage of compressed gas cylinders:

Only the minimum essential number of cylinders must be inside the laboratory at any time
Cylinders must be secured to the wall to prevent them from falling over.
Cylinders should be stored away from heat, from areas where they might be subjected to mechanical damage or an electrical discharge.
The protective cap should always be left on the cylinder when it is not in use. The cap keeps the main cylinder valve from being damaged or broken.

Safe operation of compressed gas cylinders:

Make sure that the cylinder is secured.
Attach the proper regulator to the cylinder. If the regulator does not fit, it may not be suitable for the gas you are using.
Attach the appropriate hose connections to the flow control valve. Secure any tubing with clamps so that it will not whip around when pressure is turned on.
To prevent a surge of pressure, turn the delivery pressure adjusting screw counterclockwise until it turns freely and then close the flow control valve.
Slowly open the cylinder valve hand wheel until the cylinder pressure gauge reads the cylinder pressure.
With the flow control valve closed, turn the delivery pressure screw clockwise until the delivery pressure gauge reads the desired pressure.
Adjust the gas flow to the system by using the flow control valve or another flow control device between the regulator and the experiment.
After an experiment is completed, turn the cylinder valve off first, and then allow gas to flow from the regulator. When both gauges read “zero”, remove the regulator and replace the protective cap on the cylinder head.
When a cylinder is close to empty, notify your supervisor that a new cylinder should be ordered.
When the cylinder is empty, mark it as “Empty”, and store it separate from full cylinders.

Hazards of specific gases: Inert gases (e.g. Helium, Argon, Nitrogen) – These gases can cause asphyxiation by displacing the air necessary to support life. Flammable Gases (e.g. Methane, Propane, Hydrogen, Acetylene) – These gases present serious fire and explosion hazards. Do not store near open flames or other sources of ignition. Flammable gases are easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames, and may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas often are heavier than air and may spread along ground and travel to a source of ignition and result in a flashback fire. Gas Cylinder color Argon (Ar) Dark green Nitrogen (N2) Black Hydrogen (H2) Red Helium (He) Brown

Flammable liquids, including solvents and alcohol At the laboratory there are small amounts of liquid chemicals, mainly used for cleaning (e.g. optical or mechanical surfaces). The following instructions must be followed when storing and handling these liquids.

All flammable liquids must be stored in approved containers with appropriate labels and stored in cabinets away from heat sources.
When not in use, containers must remain tightly sealed to prevent the release of flammable vapours.
When handling these liquids, always use gloves and work in areas with proper ventilation to disperse flammable vapours.
Work away from all sources of ignition, such as laser beams, electrical equipment, and hot surfaces.
Clean any spills immediately using appropriate cleaning materials.
If working with large quantities, consider using a face shield and a respiratory mask to avoid inhaling harmful vapours.

Oil exhaustion from vacuum pumps Oil-based vacuum pumps, such as rotary pumps, rely on the oil to lubricate, seal, and cool the internal components. As the pump is used, this oil is slowly exhausted to the atmosphere. To avoid contamination, ensure adherence to the following rules.

Install oil mist filters or exhaust filters on vacuum pumps to capture oil vapours and prevent them from being released into the atmosphere. Regularly check and replace these filters as part of the pump maintenance schedule, as saturated filters can lose efficiency and allow oil to escape.
Connect the pump exhaust to the ventilation tubing that directs the exhaust outside the work area.
Always use the manufacturer-recommended oil. Different pumps require specific oil formulations to ensure optimal performance and minimal exhaust.
Regularly check the oil level in the pump and ensure that it stays within the recommended range. Low oil levels can cause increased vaporization and inefficient operation, while overfilling can lead to excessive oil mist generation.
Pump oil must be replaced regularly as per the pump manufacturer's guidelines. Old or contaminated oil can degrade, leading to increased exhaust emissions and poor pump performance.

Vapours and fumes from laser ablation Laser ablation is a process where material is removed from a solid surface by irradiating it with a laser. This process can produce potentially hazardous vapours, fumes, and particulates, especially when working with metals, polymers, or other chemicals. For instance, metals can release toxic metallic fumes, polymers and plastics can release harmful organic compounds and coated surfaces or paints may release hazardous by-products, including volatile organic compounds and metal oxides. L2I is not designed to handle large amounts of vapours and fumes, and any such experiment must be preceded by a detailed study and risk assessment. Below are some directions to consider.

Local exhaust ventilation or fume hoods should be in place to prevent the accumulation of hazardous vapours.
Ensure that the extraction system is equipped with appropriate filters to capture particulate matter and chemical fumes.
Maintain a well-ventilated work environment, with air circulation systems to prevent the build-up of toxic fumes in confined spaces.
Wear appropriate respiratory protection in situations where there is a risk of inhaling toxic particles or vapours.

Ergonomic risks

Standing up for prolonged periods Standing up for prolonged periods can pose significant risks to both physical health and overall comfort. Below are some recommended guidelines and practices to address this issue.

Shift weight and change posture frequently; for instance, alternate between sitting and standing periods, if possible, to avoid constant strain on specific muscle groups.
Take periodic rest breaks: for every hour of standing, aim for a 5-10 minute break
Adjust the height of your workstation to prevent bending forward or raising arms unnecessarily.
If possible, rotate tasks among users to ensure they aren't required to stand for extended periods without relief.

Back risk due to bending over large optical tables Bending over large optical tables or other experimental setups can pose significant risks to the back, particularly over time, due to the awkward posture required to reach equipment or perform precision tasks. Prolonged or repetitive bending can strain muscles and joints, leading to discomfort, injury, and chronic pain. To mitigate these risks, here are some recommended guidelines and practices:

Use elevated platforms or steps to bring you to the appropriate height, so that you do not have to bend over the table.
Break up tasks that require bending by alternating with tasks that allow you to stand upright or sit.
If objects or equipment on the optical table are heavy or awkward to handle, ask for help to avoid straining the back.
Arrange the equipment and tools on the optical table so that frequently used items are within easy reach, reducing the need for excessive reaching and bending.
Keep the workspace organized and free of clutter to minimize unnecessary movements that could lead to strain.

Moving or transporting heavy objects Occasionally there may be a need to move, lift and/or transport heavy objects, such as laser system components, within the lab or to/from the exterior. The most important rule when handling heavy objects is to have someone helping you. The following safety guidelines will help you to avoid injuries, particularly to the back, shoulders, and legs.

Evaluate the weight and size of the object before lifting. If the object is too heavy to lift comfortably, use mechanical aids or seek assistance from a co-worker.
Ensure the path is clear of obstacles and plan the route before moving the object to avoid sudden movements or slips.
If raising the load using your arms, bend at your knees (not your waist) and keep your back straight. Squat down and use your legs to lift the load, keeping the object close to your body.
Avoid twisting your torso while lifting. Instead, turn your entire body by pivoting your feet to prevent back strain.
Keep the load close to your centre of gravity (near your waist), which minimizes the strain on your back and upper body.
Use dollies, carts, forklifts, or hand trucks whenever possible to move heavy objects. This reduces the physical strain on your body and minimizes the risk of injury.
Ensure that any equipment used is appropriate for the load size and weight and that you know how to operate it safely.
If the object is too heavy or awkward to lift alone, enlist help from one or more co-workers. Coordinate the lift by counting down and lifting at the same time.
Ensure that all team members use proper lifting techniques and are on the same page regarding the movement plan.
Wear proper gloves when handling rough equipment (e.g. wooden crates) to avoid skin abrasion.

Physical risks

Fire See Chapter 1 – Fire safety.

Laser exposure with potentially serious eye or skin injury See Chapter 5 – Laser safety.

High level noises When working at L2I there are several sources producing continuous noise that can be bothersome after long hours of exposure. These include the Air Treatment Unit (ATU), chillers (air-cooled and water-cooled), fans and other noisy equipment. Continuous exposure to noise can lead to stress, fatigue, and other physical effects. Here are safety measures and practices for dealing with noisy environments:

If you feel bothered by the noise level, consider wearing earplugs or earmuffs. Balance their use with the need of remaining aware to other risks in the laboratory, e.g. alarm sounds.
Ensure that all noisy machinery is properly closed (e.g. the ATU doors)
Take frequent rests and go outside the laboratory for a few minutes.

Cold temperature and low humidity L2I is a Class 10,000 clean room with a temperature setting of around 20.0 degrees and humidity setting of around 40%. Working in this type of environment presents specific challenges that can affect both comfort and performance.

When planning to work in the lab, choose clothing that provides good thermal insulation to prevent body heat loss.
Schedule regular breaks in warmer environments to regulate your body temperature and avoid discomfort.
Low humidity environments can lead to dehydration and dry skin. Drink water regularly to maintain hydration.

Compressed air Compressed air is available in the laboratory for different uses. While it is a versatile tool, it poses several safety risks if not handled properly.

Do not use compressed air to clean skin, clothes, or surfaces where people may come into contact with the air. The high-pressure air can penetrate the skin, causing serious injuries, and dislodge particles that can damage eyes or be inhaled.
Never point a compressed air nozzle at yourself or others, as this can result in serious injuries. Even low-pressure air can be dangerous when directed at a person's body.
Always wear safety goggles or a face shield when using compressed air to prevent debris from being blown into your eyes.
Keep compressed air at a safe working pressure for the task at hand.
When using air tools, make sure they are properly secured to avoid them becoming projectiles due to the force of compressed air.
The compressed air cylinders should be stored properly and kept them away from heat sources or sparks.

Falling from heights, including ladders and elevated work areas Falling from heights, ladders, or elevated work areas, is a serious safety hazard that must not be dismissed. At L2I the need to work at a height may arise e.g. from climbing onto tables or others heavy furniture to assemble setups, cabling, curtains, etc. Electrical maintenance should be performed by specialised technicians only.

Ensure that ladders are in good condition, appropriately rated for the weight load, and placed on stable ground.
Maintain 3 points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when climbing.
Always face the ladder when climbing up or down and use both hands for stability.
Do not stand on the top rungs or overreach; reposition the ladder if needed.
Plan the task to minimize time spent working at heights. Where possible, perform tasks on the ground or use equipment to bring the work area to a safer level.
Keep tools and materials secured to prevent them from falling and causing injury to others below.

Safety risks

Hard surfaces Virtually all the work surfaces at L2I are hard, which can lead to head or facial injuries from accidental contact or impact.

Mark overhead obstacles and protruding objects at head height with bright (e.g. yellow or black/yellow tape) or warning signs to ensure they are easily noticeable.
Use padding or cushioning materials to cover hard surfaces that could pose a risk of head impact to soften any accidental contact. For instance, bubble wrap can be used for this.
In a situation of potential head injury, e.g. working under an optical table, wear a hard hat.
Where possible, relocate or modify hard surfaces at head level to reduce the risk of injury. For example, adjust shelving, overhead storage, or equipment to minimize contact with head-level surfaces.
Ensure that walkways and workstations are designed to avoid head-level hazards. Clear paths of low-hanging obstacles and ensure enough clearance for users to move safely.
Always use adequate lighting to ensure that you can see obstacles clearly.

Electrical hazards, including high voltage At L2I there is a large amount of electrical equipment, including high voltage equipment. Although electrical circuits are mostly confined to these devices, on some occasions users may have to install electrical circuits in the setups. The use of high voltage outside professional equipment should only be done under the assistance of an electrical technician. To address electrical hazards, it's crucial to follow comprehensive safety guidelines.

Identify high voltage areas: clearly mark and label areas where high-voltage (>600 V) equipment is present. Use warning signs such as "Danger – High Voltage."
Insulation and barriers: High-voltage cables and equipment should be properly insulated and enclosed to prevent accidental contact. Ensure barriers or physical guards are in place where necessary.
Avoid placing electrical cables in high-traffic areas to reduce the risk of tripping and damage. If unavoidable, use rubber cable covers to protect both cables and people.
Neither cables nor electrical equipment should not be laid in areas prone to water accumulation (e.g. near the ATU or the water basin) to avoid electrical shock hazards.
Whenever possible, run cables along walls or optical tables using cable trays or conduits.
Keep cables away from sharp objects or edges that could cause damage or fraying of the insulation.
Check cords for damage or wear, especially at the plugs and along the insulation before each use. Any cables compromised with cuts or damage should be disconnected and replaced immediately.
Avoid plugging too many high-wattage devices into a single outlet. Use power strips with surge protectors to distribute electrical load evenly, but even those should not be overloaded. Never use multi-plug adapters instead of power strips.
Do not overload extension cords or daisy-chain them together. Overloaded cords can lead to overheating and fire hazards.
All electrical equipment and systems should be properly grounded to prevent the risk of electric shock.
Label all electric cords with a description of the device they are connected to. This saves time when solving problems.
Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands.

Confined or blocked spaces Confined or blocked spaces, such as when working in a tight space between a large optical table and a wall or under an optical table, pose significant risks. A confined space is typically an area not designed for continuous occupancy and with limited access. Working in such a space should be considered only as an exceptional circumstance. Experimental setups that require a user to stay in a confined space must be absolutely avoided. A blocked space can also result from an improperly placed large object obstructing the passage, namely preventing a user from reaching the emergency exit in a swift manner. This type of action is only acceptable during exceptional maintenance and for periods as short as possible.

Remove obstacles that could block the passage or access to any point in the laboratory. Ensure a clear path for entry and exit to prevent users from being trapped or hindered in emergencies.
Plan tasks efficiently to minimize the time spent in tight or blocked spaces.
If blockages are unavoidable due to equipment or maintenance, schedule tasks to remove or rearrange objects regularly to keep the space safe and accessible.
Avoid working in confined or blocked spaces when alone in the laboratory.

Lifting heavy objects using the crane L2I is equipped with a crane capable of lifting heavy objects up to 2000 kg. If you don’t know how to operate the crane, ask for assistance. Do not try to operate it yourself as this can pose significant risks, both personal (e.g. being trapped under a heavy load) and to the equipment.

You should preferably use the crane when someone else is in the laboratory.
Assess the load: Determine the weight and dimensions of the object to be lifted. Ensure that the crane’s lifting capacity, as well as the rigging equipment (cables, shackles, etc), are suitable for the load, and that all rigging equipment (slings, shackles, etc.)
Review the lift plan with everyone involved. This includes determining the safest path of travel and identifying potential obstacles.
Ensure the load is properly balanced and secured before lifting. Use appropriate rigging to avoid slippage, tilting, or shifting during the lift.
Wear a hard helmet and safety gloves. Never stand under the load, in any circumstances.
The L2I crane has two speeds. Always lift and lower the load using low speed and steadily to avoid sudden movements that could cause the load to swing or shift. The fast speed should only be used when the lead is clear from surrounding objects and persons.
Displace the load slowly and using the auxiliary chain. Do not pull the load directly.
The crane has a specific maintenance plan. Warn the CE in case anything seems out of order.

Tripping and slipping This risk is related to confined or blocked spaces, but also includes smaller obstacles that, while not preventing the passage, may lead to the user tripping and falling. For obvious reasons, this may lead to significant physical injury. Leaving objects lying on pathways is a severe violation of workplace safety that must be avoided. This includes e.g. backpacks, bags, tools, steps, boxes, computers and other equipment, cables and anything that prevents the user from walking safely.

Ensure that all paths are free of clutter such as personal items, equipment, boxes, or other objects that could cause tripping.
Avoid leaving loose objects on the floor, such as tools, materials, or waste.
Use cable management systems, such as cable covers to keep cords organized and off the floor.
In pathways, ensure that any cords crossing the floor are properly secured with cable covers to prevent tripping hazards. Cables should never be left loose or stretched across high-traffic areas without proper protection.
If cords cannot be removed from a walkway, they should be raised above floor level or rerouted along walls or ceilings to eliminate the tripping risk.
Any spills should be cleaned up immediately.
The floor at L2I is marked with a fluorescent tape on the floor to guide you to the exit in the event of a power failure.

Water leaks and floods Although L2I is equipped with a water drain, next to the basin, unexpected floods can happen as a result of water leaks, defective tubing or machinery malfunction (e.g. the ATU). A flood in a laboratory can quickly become a major source of damage to equipment unless a set of rules is strictly adhered to.

- Water leaks and floods** in workplaces, homes, or industrial settings can lead to significant damage and safety hazards, including electrical risks, structural damage, mold growth, and slip-and-fall injuries. Addressing these risks requires a combination of preventive measures and emergency response procedures. Below are essential guidelines to handle and prevent water leaks and floods:
In case you identify any water-related issue, e.g. a dripping tube, pools of water o the floor, accumulation of droplets, signs of corrosion etc that could lead to larger water leaks, immediately notify the CE.
Keep the water drain unobstructed and periodically check its cleanliness.
Avoid placing electrical objects on the floor, instead placing them on the tables, overhead shelves or elevated on solid blocks.

In the event of a significant water leak or flood:

Immediately notify the Security Central and ask them to turn off the water supply (located outside the laboratory).
Turn off electrical power to the affected areas to prevent electrocution or fire hazards, especially if water comes into contact with electrical outlets or appliances.
Avoid entering flooded areas where electrical outlets, devices, or wires are submerged until the power has been safely disconnected.
Open the laboratory doors to avoid rising water levels.
Evaluate the extent of the possible damage: unless you think that you can manage the flood until help arrives, do not stay in the laboratory.
After the water is removed, ensure that affected areas are thoroughly dried out.

Laser Safety Manual

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