The Departments of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) and Radiation Safety maintain programs which have been developed to provide laser safety information and to establish rules and procedures to ensure University faculty, staff, students, patients, and other visitors are not exposed to harmful laser radiation. These Laser Safety Programs apply to all employees, contractors, and students working directly with or around Class 3B or Class 4 lasers within University of Minnesota research laboratories, clinical spaces, teaching labs, and non-traditional research spaces (e.g. makerspaces). In addition to the written safety programs, several other resources have been made available to assist members of the University to use lasers in a safe manner, regardless of power output or location.

The use of lasers at the University generally fall into one of three categories. Please select from the links below to access information relevant to your specific laser use.