scope:

The purpose of this handbook is to provide uniform guidance in evaluations for the safe use of military lasers and laser systems on DoD military reservations or military-controlled areas worldwide. Each military Service has previously established normal procedures for approving laser ranges. This guidance is intended to supplement these procedures. It does not replace those procedures or release individuals from compliance with the requirements of their particular Service.

This handbook applies to:

a. All DoD ranges or operational test facilities where lasers are used and all DoD laser operations conducted on non-DoD controlled ranges or test facilities.

b. Laser systems that have been evaluated by the health and safety specialists as designated below for your respective Service:

(1) US Army Environmental Hygiene Agency ATTN: HSHB-MR-LL Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5422 DSN 584-3932/2331, Commercial (410) 671-3932 (2) Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Code 00F Washington, DC 20363-5700 DSN 332-7235/73, Commercial (703) 602-7235 (3) Armstrong Laboratory Bioenvironmental Engineering Division Radiation Services Branch Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5501 DSN 240-3486, Commercial (210) 536-3622/4784 WATS 1-800-531-7235

c. Outdoor laser use.

d. Single-sided laser exercises.

e. Fixed and rotary wing airborne laser platforms, as well as ground- and ship-mounted laser systems.

This handbook does not apply to:

a. Indoor use; e.g., laboratory laser repair depots or industrial laser facilities due to the unique control measures required.

b. Industrial and construction lasers such as those used for surveying.

c. New technology laser applications.

High energy laser systems (lasers capable of cutting material or burning standard target material) require unique control measures. Use of these lasers must be approved by the local Laser Safety Officer (LSO) in coordination with the specialists in 1.2b.

Lasers with broad beam or autonomous scanning systems that are not directly under the operator's control may require additional evaluation assistance from the organizations listed in 1.2b.

Force on force exercises using lasers and laser devices (except training lasers such as the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) which is addressed elsewhere in this Manual) are special cases requiring additional controls. They must be addressed on an individual basis by the local LSO with assistance from the Service component safety and health specialist listed in 1.2b.

This handbook contains sections that give the general and detailed policies to be followed in evaluating and recommending laser range safety procedures. Appendix A provides safety hazard control data for specific laser systems evaluated by each of the service safety specialists. Appendix B provides safety information on lasers used for scoring tactical exercises. Appendix C summarizes safety data for gunnery training systems and simulators. Appendix D is a sample Laser Safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Appendix E describes the equations utilized to determine Laser Surface Danger Zones (LSDZ)/Nominal Hazard Zones (NHZ). Appendix F contains checklists to be used for the laser safety pre-survey, the site survey, and the laser range safety evaluation reports. Appendix G discusses methods of evaluating hazards from specular reflections of the laser beam. Appendix H provides safety policy for at-sea operations against ships towed targets and separate targets (SEPTAR).

intended Use:

The contents of this handbook are intended to serve as a guide to the safe use of lasers and laser systems used on military reservations and in military controlled areas.