Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: BURNS

21 VSA Title 23, Chapter 3, Sub-Chapter 5, Section 5(a)(1) of the occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to laser hazards associated with the operation of class 4 Carbon Dioxide lasers, and ocular effects. Location: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, 2nd Floor, Production Building, Waterbury, VT. Violation: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to laser hazards associated with the operation of class 4 Carbon Dioxide lasers, and ocular effects. Hazards associated with the operation of the MARKEM Smartlase system are listed in Section 2, Safety Information, MARKEM Smartlase Machine Manual and ANSI Z136.1-2000 American National Standard for Safe Use Of Lasers. MARKEM Smartlase Machine Manual states: 2.1 Always observe the safety precautions found in this manual when operating the Smartlase to prevent possible injury from exposure to direct or scattered laser radiation. 2.1.1 The Smartlase is a class 4 laser. Class 4 lasers are those which emit hazardous laser radiation when operated in normal installations. Class 4 lasers may present a serious fire, skin and eye hazard from both direct and indirect exposure, including diffuse reflections. 2.1.3 The smartlase is a carbon dioxide laser that emits infrared radiation at the 10.6 micron wavelength. This radiation is invisible to the human eye. Direct and diffuse radiation can inflict severe injuries to the cornea of tbe eye and cause burns to the skin. Always wear laser protective eyeware when in the same area as the exposed beam. Always keep exposed skin out of the path of the direct or reflected radiation from the laser. The nominal hazard zone for the smartLase is a maximum of 10 feet (3,05m) from the focal point. Always observe these precautions when within the nominal hazard zone of the laser. Never look directly at an exposed laser beam. Laser protective eye wear may not provide adequate protection from exposure to the direct beam or from specular reflection. ANSI Z136.1-2000 1.3.1 General. There shall be a desiginated Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for all circumstances of operation of a Class 3b or Class 4 laser or laser system. The LSO Shall: 1.3.2.1 verify classification of lasers used under the LSOs jurisdiction. 1.3.2.2 be responsible for hazard evaluation of the laser work areas. 1.3.2.3 assuring prescribed control measures are in effect. 1.3.2.5 recommend or aprove protective equipment. 1.3.2.6 aprprove wording on laser area signs. 1.3.2.9 adequate safety education and training are provided to laser area personnel. 1.3.2.10 determine the personnel categories for medical surveillance. 4.3.10.2 Class 4 laser controlled area, all personnel entering must be appropriately trained and provided protective equipment. 4.4.3 Education and training shall be provided for operators, maintenance, and service personnel for class 3b or Class 4 lasers. D6. Training shall be provided to each employee routinely working around lasers above Class 3a. 6.1 Medical surveillance General. Medical surveilllance is not required for personnel using Class 1,Class2 ,or Class 3a lasers, and shall be required for personnel using Class 4.ass