Local Rules for the Use of Raman Spectroscope

Location: Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, Austin Wing

Laser Safety Officer (LSO)	Dr Krzysztof Koziol (kk292@cam.ac.uk) Tel. ext. 34356
Laser protection advice	University Laser Protection Adviser Health and Safety Division 16 Mill Lane, Cambridge Tel. ext. 66354 or 33301
Class A users - practical training - changing of the operating laser - user maintenance on the spectroscope	Dr Krzysztof Koziol (kk292@cam.ac.uk) Dr Suman-Lata Sahonta (sls55@cam.ac.uk) Tel. ext. 31954
Issued under the authority of	Prof Bill Clyne (twc10@cam.ac.uk) Tel. ext. 34332
Date	27.10.2010

Scope
These local rules cover the use of the Raman spectroscope located in the Austin Wing, Room B07. They cover the normal use and user maintenance operations only. They implement the University’s laser safety policy at a practical level and form part of the University’s duties under Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Description
The Ramascope-1000 system is a fully automatic Raman microscope. It is equipped with two lasers (514.5 nm and 633 nm), microscope, video camera, X-Y-Z stage controller, and a 1200-groove grating. It has spectral resolution of 0.1 cm-1, and spatial resolution of 1 micron. The spectroscope is commonly operated with the holographic Notch-filter with cut-off at ~150 cm-1. The study of the near-excitation Raman bands is possible with the NExT-filter. Accompanying WiRE2 software has versatile facilities of curve fitting, map creating, overlaying, etc. In-situ mechanical testing is also available. More information is available from www.renishaw.com

Authorised Users

Only persons who are adequately trained and authorised may work with the Raman spectroscope.
Class B users may use the Raman spectroscope only in its pre-set conditions, which are stated in the Log Book. Class B users are not allowed to change lasers or change/interfere with the optics in any way. Class B users are not allowed to disable the safety interlocks of the Raman spectroscope.
Only Class A users may change the operating laser, carry out user maintenance on the spectroscope and train others on how to use the spectroscope.

Laser Controlled Area
The door to the room B07 must be kept closed and laser warning light turned on at all times when the spectrometer is in use.

Training

1. Read the University Laser Safety Manual

2. Fill out the Access Form, including signatures from supervisor and Laser Safety Officer (Krzysztof Koziol)

3. Arrange training with a class A user (email sls55)

4. Attend training (there will be an assessment at the end of the session to makes sure the user is able to operate the instrument)

5. Sign access checklist

6. Obtain access to the booking system

Charges

£20 per hour for internal users
£40 for external users
£60 per training session.

Summary of the Working Procedures and Protection Measures

The microscope must always be left on white light settings after use.
The Log Book must be filled in during each use and any problems recorded.
Access to behind and inside the Raman spectroscope is restricted to Class A users.
Watches, rings and bracelets must be removed before opening the protective casing of the spectroscope, when attempting to align the beam or changing the lasers.
A neutral density filter must be inserted and the laser output power reduced to 1 % before disabling the laser interlock. It is not sufficient to put the laser on stand-by.
No other person should be in the room and the door should be locked when changing the laser or aligning the beam.
Protective eyewear must be worn when aligning the beam.

Summary of Hazards
Direct viewing of the Class 3B lasers is hazardous. Avoid exposure to the beam.

Contingency Plan
If laser exposure is suspected and the user experiences symptoms, i.e. pain, blurred vision etc, medical assistance should be sought immediately (in the usual way for accidents in the department). If the user is symptomless, but exposure is suspected, the user’s vision should be checked within 24 hours.
Addenbrookes Hospital, Accident and Emergency Department
Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ UK, Tel: 01223 245 151.

All incidents must be reported to the Laser Safety Officer.

For more information

Dr Krzysztof Koziol (kk292@cam.ac.uk, phone: 01223 334356), the Department's Laser Safety Officer (LSO)
Dr Suman-Lata Sahonta (sls55@cam.ac.uk, phone 01223 331952)