Registration instructions for lasers used for patient care can be found here.

The versatility and power of lasers has produced new frontiers in research and medical treatment. Along with these advances is the recognition that there is potential for significant injury from lasers. The privilege to use lasers at the University of Virginia, in academics and the health system, requires each individual user to follow and adhere to the UVA Laser Safety Program.

As part of the Laser Safety Program, all Class 3B and 4 lasers used for research on non-human subjects must be registered with the University's Academic Laser Safety Officer. Furthermore, many funding agencies are increasingly requiring proof of registration for any proposals involving lasers, typically in the form of a registration number. To comply with UVA Policy and receive a registration number, a laser owner or their representative must, prior to the laser's use:

1. Create and submit an entry for the laser(s) in the UVA Laser Registry.

2. Ensure all individuals using or potentially exposed to the laser(s) have completed the UVA EHS laser safety training as well as secondary training specific to the laser(s), provided by the laser owner or representative.

3. Meet with the Academic Laser Safety Officer to review the laser setup and determine if any changes must be made to meet safety requirements for that class of laser.

4. Make necessary changes to laser setup and inform the Academic Laser Safety Officer once complete, if necessary.

After the Academic Laser Safety Officer has reviewed the operating conditions for the laser and confirmed they meet the requirements for the relevant laser class, the laser registry entry will be approved and have a registration number assigned.

Approval only applies for the originally reviewed laser conditions. If operating conditions of an approved laser such as wavelength, power, or overall location are changed beyond the originally reviewed conditions, the Laser Safety Officer must be informed to verify the new conditions would still qualify for approval.