ABSTRACT
This chapter provides context for the Laser Safety Officer involved with leading a risk assessment for a laser-based project or as part of a team on a project involving lasers. Risk management is the structured examination to identify those processes, operations, equipment, situations, environment, and so on, that may cause harm to personnel or property. Risk and hazard are used interchangeably by some. It is true that these two terms are related, but they have very distinct definitions. A hazard is what can cause harm or injury to a person or property. There are two major groups of hazards associated with lasers or equipment containing lasers: beam and non-beam hazards. Risk is the likelihood of an occurrence of a hazardous event or exposure and the severity of injury or ill health that can be caused by the event or exposure.
