This page lists the safety precautions that students and staff working around the lidar are required to take to maintain a safe working and learning environment.

Laser safety

No laser wavelength is inherently "eye-safe". But, for a unit of energy density, some wavelengths are much safer than others. Laser safety glasses or goggles are required when working inside the REAL container when the transmitter is on. This is because the generation of transmit pulses begins with laser radiation at 1.064 microns wavelength before being converted to the considerably safer wavelength of 1.54 microns. Both wavelengths are invisible.

Steps for eye-safety

• Always check the type of safety glasses to make sure they are appropriate for the type of laser radiation you are working around.
• Always wear laser safety glasses in the lab when power is supplied to the laser.
• Laser safety glasses must be worn by everyone in the lab when the laser is operating.
• Persons working on the lidar hardware must remove watches, rings, and other jewelry that may cause stray reflections should they accidentally intercept a beam.
• Never put your eye at or near the level of the laser beam on the table.
• Never stare into any laser.
• Lab doors must be shut and any windows covered.
• Signs should indicate presence of laser radiation.
• Check for stray beams and always terminate them.
• Use protective barriers or shrouding whenever possible.

Fall safety

Sometimes we must work on the roof of the container to clean the window and mirrors in the lidar system's beam-steering unit. This requires setting up a ladder and working on top of the container. Fall protection harnesses must be worn and staff must be clipped in when working on the top of the container.

Steps to prevent falls

• Wear shoes or boots with rubber cleats to prevent slipping. 6" tall boots can provide improved ankle support.
• Always extend the ladder until the top of it is at least 3-ft above the top of the container.
• Secure the ladder with a rope or strap so that it cannot slip away.
• The base of the ladder should be away from the side of the container 25% of the total height.
• Keep both hands on the ladder while climbing.
• Do not attempt to hold tools or other equipment while climbing on the ladder.
• Raise and lower tools and other objects with a rope and basket.
• Wear a harness and connect a lanyard to the rooftop cable to arrest your fall.

Using power tools (electric drills, saws, etc.)

• Always wear safety glasses or googles to protect your eyes from flying chips and debris. These are a different type from the laser safety glasses.
• Tie long hair back.
• Spend extra time to secure your work, plan your actions, and work from a comfortable stance.

Using manual tools

• Wear safety glasses whenever there is a risk of flying debris (cutting wires, using a hammer, etc.)
• Wear boots that protect your toes and support to your ankles if working with outdoor tools like shovels, sickles, rakes.
• Wear work gloves to protect your hands from blisters when cutting weeds.
• Wear long pants to protect your legs from thistles and insects.
• Wear a dust mask so that you do not inhale pollen and dust.

Sun and heat

• Wear a wide brimmed hat when working outdoors to protect your face, ears, and neck from direct sun.
• Apply sunblock to prevent sun burn.
• Drink water often to prevent dehydration.
• Take occasional breaks.

Electrical

• Do not overload outlets with too many devices.
• Keep the area with electricity or electrical devices dry.
• Always unplug electrical and electronic components before servicing them.
• Always verify that a circuit is dead by confirming absence of voltage with a multimeter.

Chemicals

• Always wear eye-protection and disposable gloves when applying chemicals.
• Methanol, commonly used to clean optics, has a high toxicity in humans. Avoid contact with skin and breathing vapors.
• Wear a respirator when creating dust or in close range of vapors.

High pressure gas and cylinders

• Always secure cylinders so there is never a risk of them falling.
• Keep in mind than CH4 is flammable.
• Do not vent gas into an enclosed area.

Fire

• Absolutely no smoking---anywhere.
• Know where the fire extinguisher is located.

Other

• Students and all visitors must be registered at the farm office before they can go to the lidar site.
• Do not work at the lidar site alone.
• If in doubt, ask someone who knows.
• Know where the first aid kit is located.
• Never jump from the deck of the trailer.
• Students, faculty, and staff must complete defensive driving before they can drive a university vehicle.
• Use headlamps and flashlights if working after sunset.

Suggestions for additional safety tips? Please send them to Dr. Mayor.