Frederiksen, Sharli

In January 2006, a regulatory review of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona Laser Safety Program received high praise from the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA). This feedback was especially encouraging as the Laser Safety Program had undergone a transformation in structure as well as launching an intensive marketing campaign during the previous 18 months. This presentation outlines the re-organization and describes the tools utilized by the team to accomplish the program objectives.

Organic dye solutions can serve as the lasing medium in some laser systems. A few examples of laser dyes include coumarin, fluorescein, malachite green, rhodamine, and stilbene. Most laser dyes, or the solvents in which they are dissolved, are toxic; some are carcinogenic or mutagenic. A few examples of some common laser dye solvents include water, glycol, alcohols, benzenes, hexane, toluene, cyclohexane, and dimethylformamide. As the laser is used, the dye solutions degrade and eventually have to be replaced. It is probable that the waste laser dye solution will need to be handled as a hazardous chemical. Proper characterization is needed prior to handling to determine the specific hazards and control measures to prevent exposure to the engineer or the environment. Hazardous waste regulations vary by location, but there is similarity in that all restrict toxic materials from polluting the environment.