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Laser equipment; information on the requirements for operation
Laser equipment may only be handled by qualified persons. The laser equipment must be inspected by a competent person before it is put into operation for the first time.
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Regierung von Mittelfranken Außenstelle Nürnberg Roonstraße
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Roonstr. 20
90429 Nürnberg
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90336 Nürnberg
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Description
The operation of laser equipment can endanger persons, animals and property. Therefore, only competent persons are allowed to work with laser equipment. Before starting to operate such equipment, the employer must assess the working conditions in accordance with Section 5 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG) to determine whether artificial optical radiation occurs or may occur in the workplace of employees. If this is the case, the employer must assess all the resulting risks to the health and safety of employees. In order to determine and assess any exposure to artificial optical radiation at the workplace, he must carry out the necessary measurements and implement appropriate protective measures.
Before the laser equipment is put into operation for the first time, it must be inspected by a competent person within the meaning of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, i.e. a person who has the necessary specialist knowledge to inspect the laser equipment due to their professional training, professional experience and recent professional activity.
Before starting to operate class 3R, 3B and 4 lasers, the employer must also appoint a competent laser safety officer in writing, unless the employer has the necessary expertise himself. Proof of expertise must be provided by successful participation in an appropriate training course and must be kept up to date through further training.
Requirements
- Always: Specialist knowledge for the respective laser equipment
- Assessment of the working conditions in accordance with Section 5 ArbSchG in conjunction with Section 3 (2) of the Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance on Artificial Optical Radiation (OStrV)
- For class 3R, 3B and 4 lasers: A laser safety officer appointed in writing who has demonstrated their expertise by successfully completing an appropriate training course.
- For the operation of laser systems, the occupational health and safety regulations must be applied accordingly in the areas of a place of assembly that are accessible to visitors.
Deadlines
If applicable, to the responsible accident insurance institution.
Special notes
- The operation of lasers in workplaces is governed by the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) and the Ordinance on Occupational Safety and Health for Artificial Optical Radiation (OStrV), the enforcement of which is the responsibility of the trade supervisory offices of the governments.
- In Bavaria, the Ordinance on the Construction and Operation of Places of Assembly (Versammlungsstättenverordnung -VStättV) applies to the operation of lasers in places of assembly, for the enforcement of which the lower building supervisory authorities are responsible.
Legal bases
Status: 18.09.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Familie, Arbeit und Soziales
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