DAOD 2050-0, Laser Safety

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definitions
3. Policy Direction
4. Consequences
5. Authorities
6. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2008-02-29

Date of Last Major Modification: 2025-07-16

Date of Last Review: 2025-07-16

Application: This DAOD is a directive that applies to employees of the Department of National Defence (DND employees) and an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF members).

Approval Authority: Chief of the Air Force Staff (C Air Force)

Enquiries: National Defence Laser Safety Office (NDLSO)

2. Definitions

laser (laser)

A device that produces coherent optical radiation by stimulated emission and amplification in an optical resonant cavity providing positive feedback when external energy is used to maintain a population inversion.

Note: Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 10503)

laser device (dispositif laser)

Any device that produces or utilizes radiant energy predominantly generated by stimulated emission, with wavelengths between 180 and 11,000 nanometres.

Note: In the context of laser safety in the DND and the CAF, a laser device includes laser pointers, laser aiming devices, laser designators, high-energy lasers, force-on-force training lasers, enclosed lasers and embedded lasers. (Defence Terminology Bank record number to be assigned)

laser radiation (rayonnement laser)

Coherent electromagnetic radiation produced by controlled stimulated emission within the spectral range of 180 to 11,000 nanometers. (Defence Terminology Bank record number to be assigned)

3. Policy Direction

Interpretation

3.1 The terms “eye-safe laser” and “retina-safe laser” are not authorized for use in the DND and the CAF due to inconsistent standards relating to laser wavelengths outside the retinal-hazard region.

Context

3.2 The DAOD 2050 series applies to all laser devices and associated protective equipment being procured or operated by the DND or the CAF, or operated on DND property that:

1. are used in training or operations, including combat, combat training and force-on-force training;
2. are classified in the interest of national security; or
3. have emissions capable of causing harm or damage as a result of exposure to personnel or equipment during normal operation.

Policy Statement

3.3 The DND and the CAF are committed to ensuring that:

1. DND employees, CAF members and members of the public are not exposed to harmful levels of laser radiation; and
2. laser activities within the DND and the CAF are planned, implemented and managed within a safety framework consistent with applicable practices and standards to the extent practicable in a military context.

Requirements

3.4 The DND and the CAF must develop and implement a laser safety programme that:

1. ensures DND employees, CAF members and members of the public are not exposed to harmful levels of laser radiation;
2. provides guidance to prevent or control hazards associated with laser devices;
3. provides for advice to be given on specific laser devices and their intended uses prior to procurement or deployment;
4. creates a process to evaluate and address safety issues associated with laser devices;
5. ensures that laser safety requirements are taken into account during the materiel acquisition and support process; and
6. establishes laser safety training standards.

3.5 The Director of the Air Force Safety Centre (Dir AFSC), NDLSO must notify the C Air Force of any non-compliance with this DAOD.

4. Consequences

General

4.1 Should clarification of the policy statement, requirements or authorities set out in this DAOD be required, DND employees and CAF members may seek direction through their channel of communication or chain of command, as appropriate. The anticipated results set out in the policy statement may not be achieved by the DND and the CAF if the requirements specified in this DAOD are not properly implemented. Not achieving the anticipated results could affect the ability of the DND and the CAF to ensure that the CAF is prepared to undertake missions for the protection of Canada and Canadians and the maintenance of international peace and stability.

5. Authorities

Authority Table

4.1 The following table identifies the authorities associated with this DAOD:

6. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

• Canada Labour Code
• Radiation Emitting Devices Act
• Canadian Aviation Regulations
• Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
• Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations
• Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons, (Protocol IV to the 1980 Convention), 13 October 1995
• DAOD 1000-8, Policy Framework for Safety and Security Management

Other References

• DAOD 2007-0, Safety
• DAOD 2050-1, Laser Safety Programme
• DAOD 3000-0, Materiel Acquisition and Support
• DAOD 4002-0, Nuclear Technology Regulation and Control
• A-GA-135-001/AA-001, Flight Safety for the Canadian Forces
• A-GG-040-001/AG-001, General Safety Program, Volume 1, Policy and Program
• A-LP-010-000/AG-000, Materiel Management Policies and Procedures Technical Support Guide (TSG), Part 7, Chapter 6, Laser Management
• B-GJ-005-104/FP-021, Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Levels
• C-02-040-002/TS-001, Laser Safety
• CF Health Services Group Instruction 4440-16, Physical Hazards Surveillance Program
• NATO STANAG 3606, ARSP-4, Laser Safety for Military Use
• NATO STANAG 3828, Minium Requirements for Aircrew Protection Against the Hazards of Laser Systems and Devices
• NATO STANAG 4495, Guidance for Procurement of Laser Eye Protection (LEP) for the Individual Military User
• ANSI Z136.1, Safe Use of Lasers (available in English paper copy only)
• AFSC TEAMS channel

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