DAOD 2050-1, Laser Safety Programme

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definitions
3. Overview
4. National Defence Laser Safety Programme
5. National Defence Laser Safety Office
6. National Defence Laser Safety Board
7. Laser Safety Orders and Directives
8. Procurement and Laser Hazard Assessment
9. Laser Safety Officer Appointment and Training
10. Inventory Requirements
11. Medical Examination
12. Medical Lasers
13. Investigation, Laser Illumination and Notification
14. Compliance and Consequences
15. Responsibilities
16. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2008-02-29

Date of Last 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).

Supersession: CFAO 66-4, Laser Safety

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)

laser safety officer (officier de sécurité des lasers)

A DND employee or CAF member appointed to oversee the compliant use of laser devices and laser hazard controls. (Defence Terminology Bank record number to be assigned)

laser system (système laser)

An assembly of electrical, mechanical and optical components that includes one or more lasers. (Defence Terminology Bank record number to be assigned)

3. Overview

Interpretation

3.1 In this DAOD, “medical laser” refers to a Health Canada approved medical device that produces coherent optical radiation for therapeutic use on a patient or client by a laser-trained health care professional at a designed healthcare facility.

3.2 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.

Purpose

3.3 The purpose of the National Defence Laser Safety Programme (NDLSP) is to ensure that DND employees, CAF members and members of the public are not exposed to harmful levels of laser radiation during the approved operation of laser devices by the DND and the CAF.

3.4 This DAOD must be read in conjunction with:

• C-02-040-002/TS-001, Laser Safety;
• B-GL-381-001/TS-000, Training Safety; and
• ANSI Z136.1, Safe Use of Lasers (available in English paper copy only).

4. National Defence Laser Safety Programme

Structure

4.1 The Director of the NDLSO operates a two-tiered structure:

1. the NDLSO, which acts as the strategic tier providing policy, guidance, direction and authorization for all laser devices and activities operated by DND employees and CAF members or by anyone on DND property; and
2. the National Defence Laser Safety Board (NDLSB), which provides strategic advice to the NDLSO on laser devices, activities and the promulgation of Laser Safety Orders and Directives (LSODs).

Compliance, Procedures, Standards and Training Requirements

4.2 The NDLSP establishes:

1. requirements and procedures for the compliance assessment of laser devices during procurement;
2. requirements and procedures for the assessment, prevention, control and protection against hazards associated with laser devices;
3. requirements for the compliant use of laser devices during training and operations;
4. emergency response procedures for laser exposure incidents and accidents;
5. requirements and procedures for the investigation of laser exposure incidents and accidents;
6. requirements for DND employees and CAF members who use laser devices or work in an environment where laser hazards may be present;
7. qualification standards and training requirements for LSOs and laser safety specialists (LSS); and
8. evaluation and testing of laser protective equipment and in-service modified laser devices. 

Legal Obligations

4.3 The DND and the CAF must ensure that the NDLSP complies with domestic laws, international treaty obligations and other commitments of Canada, including:

1. Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons, 13 October 1995 (Protocol IV to the 1980 Convention), 13 October 1995;
2. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Standardized Agreement (STANAG) 3606 ARSP-4, Laser Safety for Military Use;
3. NATO STANAG 4495, Guidance for Procurement of Laser Eye Protection (LEP) for the Individual Military User;
4. NATO STANAG 3828, Minium Requirements for Aircrew Protection Against the Hazards of Laser Systems and Devices;
5. Radiation Emitting Devices Act;
6. Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations;
7. Canadian Aviation Regulations;
8. Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations; and
9. the Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Levels.

Operational Imperative

4.4 If the direction in this DAOD places a significant limitation on an operation, the applicable DND and CAF managers must seek instructions from higher headquarters, with consultation with the NDLSO.

5. National Defence Laser Safety Office

General

5.1 As the strategic tier of the NDLSP, the Director, NDLSO reports through the C Air Force as the NDLSP Champion, to the Defence Management Committee on all laser-safety related issues. The NDLSO is the centre of excellence for laser safety in the DND and the CAF.

5.2 The NDLSO is located with, and functions as part of, the AFSC at DG Air & Space Rdns in Ottawa.

Roles of NDLSO  

5.3 The primary roles of the NDLSO are to:

1. represent the interests of the DND and the CAF in the development of laser safety policies with other federal and international organizations;
2. facilitate acquisition of laser systems and devices;
3. assess risks associated with the use of laser devices;
4. advise level one (L1) laser safety officers and operational commands on:
   1. risks associated with the use of laser devices;
   2. measures to prevent injury; and
   3. specific laser devices and their intended uses prior to procurement or deployment;
5. maintain awareness of current developments in national and international laser safety standards, policies and procedures;
6. recommend:
   1. research or trials to develop or improve the NDLSP; and
   2. appropriate laser protective equipment for exposure to laser radiation;
7. establish the procedures and requirements for, as well as conducting, laser range safety certifications;
8. coordinate:
   1. the qualification standards and training requirements for LSOs and LSS; and
   2. the NDLSB;
9. review and disseminate laser safety-related reports of accidents, incidents and investigations; and
10. provide authorization for all medical lasers used in non-medical settings.

6. National Defence Laser Safety Board

General

6.1 The NDLSB provides strategic advice to the NDLSO for laser devices and activities.

6.2 The NDLSB consists of:

1. a chairperson;
2. a secretary; and
3. representatives from:
   1. L1 organizations holding or using lasers;
   2. the Quality Engineering Test Establishment (QETE);
   3. the Assistant deputy Minister (Defence Research and Development Canada) (ADM(DRDC));
   4. the CF Health Services Group; and
   5. other major stakeholders.

7. Laser Safety Orders and Directives

7.1 The NDLSO develops and implements LSODs to provide detailed direction governing laser safety, including:

1. the safe use and control of laser devices and laser-related activities;
2. the safe use and control of Laser Directed Energy Weapons (LDEW);
3. Liaisons with the U.S. DoD or any other appropriate organization via 7 Wing to provide satellite deconfliction services for LDEWs when deemed necessary by the NDLSO;
4. the procurement and disposal requirements for laser devices;
5. the qualification standards and training requirements for LSOs and LSS;
6. international obligations regarding the use of laser devices;
7. procedures and requirements for conducting laser device hazard evaluations;
8. laser device inventory requirements;
9. procedures and requirements for laser safety in training and operations;
10. procedures and requirements for conducting laser range safety surveys;
11. procedures for Laser Safety Programme evaluations and reporting; and
12. laser exposure incident and accident prevention, consequence control and emergency response.

8. Procurement and Laser Hazard Assessment

Compliance Requirements

8.1 No laser device or laser protective equipment is exempt from the compliance requirements of the NDLSP. If there is a requirement to procure or use a laser device, DND employees and CAF members must take health and safety considerations into account during the entire materiel acquisition and support process. The non-compliant use or modification of a laser is prohibited unless specifically exempted by the NDLSO.

8.2 When a laser device or laser protective equipment is to be procured or used in the DND and the CAF, the NDLSO must be informed prior to the acquisition in order to evaluate the hazards associated with the laser device and the effectiveness of the laser protective equipment. Procedures for materiel acquisition and support activities are outlined in DAOD 3000-0, Material Acquisition and Support, and A-LP-010-000/AG-000, Materiel Management Policies and Procedures Technical Support Guide (TSG), Part 7, Chapter 6, Laser Management.

8.3 The laser safety review process must ensure that prior to acquisition or use, the Laser System Review Board:

1. reviews intended uses;
2. performs and reviews hazard evaluations;
3. reviews training requirements;
4. ensures adequate protective measures;
5. re-evaluates any upgraded or modified laser device; and
6. ensures any required calibration of a laser device during its life cycle.

Exception for Research and Development (R&D)

8.4 Formal NDLSO review processes are not required for lasers used for R&D purposes provided they are acquired, used or both with approval from LSOs of the Assistant Deputy Minister (Defence Research and Development Canada) (ADM(DRDC)). However, the NDLSO must be informed of the intent to procure, use, or perform testing and evaluation of a LDEW, in any outdoor or indoor environment, including for R&D purposes.

Laser Classification and Designation

8.5 Laser classification and designation are:

1. found in C-02-040-002/TS-001; and
2. the only accepted classification and designation to be used in the DND and the CAF.

Laser Directed Energy Weapons

8.6 LDEW designation is a Class 4 laser or laser system specially designed for destruction or effecting mission-abort of a target. This designation must come from the NDLSO.

8.7 The NDLSO must establish a unique safety review process for LDEWs to ensure their safe operation and use. This process must include, in addition to the requirements of paragraph 8.3 above:

1. reviewing intended uses and target types;
2. reviewing embedded engineering safety features and safeguards;
3. performing and reviewing hazard evaluations, as per NATO STANAG 3606 (most recent edition); and
4. coordinating airspace and space asset deconfliction measures with appropriate authorities.

8.8 The above process is required for each LDEW system, activity or both.

9. Laser Safety Officer Appointment and Training

Appointment

9.1 DND managers and military supervisors of organizations that hold or use any laser device must appoint an LSO in writing.

Qualification

9.2 A person who is appointed as an LSO is only qualified if the person has successfully met the LSO qualification standard (qualification code AEWF).

9.3 Training for the LSO qualification standard is provided by a national level course given by the NDLSO or through a distance learning course on the Defence Learning Network portal coordinated by The Royal Regiment of Canada Artillery School, Combat Training Centre, Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. The Dir NDLSO may grant the AEWF qualification following an assessment of prior learning of an individual.

Laser Awareness Training

9.4 Only a qualified and appointed LSO may provide laser awareness training. A unit LSO must provide annual laser awareness training to all personnel within their unit who have any involvement with laser devices. The training must include laser safety hazards and control measures specific to the laser devices being used in the unit.

10. Inventory Requirements

LSO to be Informed

10.1 As part of the inventory process, DND managers and military supervisors, DND employees and CAF members are required to inform their LSO of any new laser device procurement or change in their inventory, including any commercial off-the-shelf laser purchased locally.

Registers

10.2 An LSO must maintain a register of all Class 3R, 3B, and 4 laser devices currently held by their organization. A command LSO must maintain a consolidated register for their command and forward it, annually to the NDLSO.

11. Medical Examination

Medical Examination Requirements

11.1 The Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CF H Svcs Gp) Instruction 4440-16, Annex E, Physical Hazards Surveillance Program, sets out requirements for medical surveillance for pre-assignment, post-laser incident and exit medical examinations. 

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12. Medical Lasers

Specific Therapeutic Care

12.1 Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) uses medical lasers for specific therapeutic care of patients and clients by trained healthcare providers at designed healthcare facilities. The laser safety parameters of medical lasers are encompassed by the NDLSP.

12.2 The therapeutic use of medical lasers is governed by specific:

1. healthcare act: the Food and Drugs Act;
2. healthcare regulations: the Medical Devices Regulations;
3. healthcare standards:
   1. CSA Z386-20 – Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care; and
   2. ANSI Z136.3 – Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care (available in English paper copy only);
4. Health Canada approvals:
   1. Medical Device License;
   2. Medical Device Establishment License; and
   3. Medical Device Active License Listing; and
5. medical laser practices defined for licenced healthcare providers by their regulatory bodies.

Proper Oversight

12.3 The Directorate of Force Health Protection, in collaboration with the NDLSP and other CFHS stakeholders, such as Directorate of Health Services Delivery must ensure the proper oversight of medical lasers, associated laser safety equipment and medical laser training employed by CFHS.

13. Investigation, Laser Illumination and Notification

Investigation

13.1 DND managers and military supervisors must conduct an investigation into any incident or accident involving a laser device, including force-on-force. The investigation must be conducted in accordance with, as applicable:

• A-GG-040-001/AG-001, General Safety Program, Volume 1, Policy and Program; or
• A-GA-135-001/AA-001, Flight Safety for the Canadian Forces.

Contraventions

13.2 It is a contravention under section 601.20, Projection of Directed Bright Light Source at an Aircraft of the Canadian Aviation Regulations to project or cause to be projected a directed bright light source into navigable airspace in such a manner as to create a hazard to aviation safety, damage to an aircraft or injury to persons on board the aircraft. A DND employee or CAF member must not project or cause to be projected a laser device at any commercial or civilian aircraft.

13.3 It is also a contravention to possess, without lawful reason, any laser greater than 1mW within 10 km of an aerodrome or within the entire regional areas of Toronto, Ontario, Montreal, Quebec, and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Training

13.4 If there is a requirement in training to direct a laser device or other bright light source at a military aircraft, approved safety measures and rules of engagement must be implemented.

Unauthorized Illumination of a Military Aircraft

13.5 When a military aircraft is illuminated, other than during training (see paragraph 13.4), by a laser or suspected laser (visible or invisible) or other light source, the aircrew should look away and immediately inform air traffic control. A flight safety incident report must be made and the military police must be informed. Any affected aircrew must seek medical attention in accordance with CF H Svcs Gp Instruction 4440-16 Annex E, and an investigation must be conducted as outlined in paragraph 13.1.

Notification

13.6 DND and CAF managers must notify their higher headquarters and the AFSC within 24 hours of any laser incident, accident or unauthorized illumination.

14. Compliance and Consequences

Compliance

14.1 DND employees and CAF members must comply with this DAOD. Should clarification of the policies or instructions 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. Managers and military supervisors have the primary responsibility for and means of ensuring the compliance of their DND employees and CAF members with this DAOD.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

14.2 DND employees and CAF members are accountable to their respective managers and military supervisors for any failure to comply with the direction set out in this DAOD. Non-compliance with this DAOD may have consequences for both the DND and the CAF as institutions, and for DND employees and CAF members as individuals. Suspected non-compliance may be investigated. Managers and military supervisors must take or direct appropriate corrective measures if non-compliance with this DAOD has consequences for the DND or the CAF. The decision of an L1 or other senior official to take action or to intervene in a case of non-compliance, other than in respect of a decision under the Code of Service Discipline regarding a CAF member, will depend on the degree of risk based on the impact and likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from the non-compliance and other circumstances of the case.

14.3 The nature and severity of the consequences resulting from non-compliance should be commensurate with the circumstances of the non-compliance and other relevant circumstances. Consequences of non-compliance may include one or more of the following:

1. the ordering of the completion of appropriate learning, training or professional development;
2. the entering of observations in individual performance evaluations;
3. increased reporting and performance monitoring;
4. the withdrawal of any authority provided under this DAOD to a DND employee or CAF member;
5. the reporting of suspected offences to responsible law enforcement agencies;
6. the application of specific consequences as set out in applicable laws, codes of conduct, and DND and CAF policies and instructions;
7. other administrative action, including the imposition of disciplinary measures, for a DND employee;
8. other administrative or disciplinary action, or both, for a CAF member; and
9. the imposition of liability on the part of His Majesty in right of Canada, DND employees and CAF members.

Note – In respect of the compliance of DND employees, see the Treasury Board Framework for the Management of Compliance for additional information.

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15. Responsibilities

Responsibility Table

13.1 The following table identifies the responsibilities associated with this DAOD:

Note – A laser beam may injure an operator or bystander through a number of mechanisms, including through eye and skin exposure or as a result of secondary effects (e.g. fire). In all cases of suspected injury, medical attention should be immediately sought and the supervisor and NDLSO informed.

16. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

• Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
• Canadian Aviation Regulations
• Food and Drugs Act
• Radiation Emitting Devices Act
• Medical Devices Regulations
• Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations
• Framework for the Management of Compliance, Treasury Board
• Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons, (Protocol IV to the 1980 Convention), 13 October 1995
• DAOD 1000-8, Policy Framework for Safety and Security Management
• DAOD 2050-0, Laser Safety

Other References

• DAOD 2007-0, Safety
• DAOD 3000-0, Materiel Acquisition and Support
• 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 H Svcs Gp 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
• Medical Device Active License Listing, Health Canada
• Medical Device Establishment License, Health Canada
• Medical Device License, Health Canada
• DFHP 4070-01, Infection Prevention and Control in Canadian Forces Health Services Centres and Detachments, Military Personnel Command intranet site
• NDLSB Term of References (available in English only)
• NDLSO Term of References (available in English only)
• Guidelines for Perioperative Practice, Association of Perioperative Registered Nurse (AORN) website (available in English only)
• ORNAC Standards, Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) website
• ANSI Z136.1, Safe Use of Lasers (available in English paper copy only)
• ANSI Z136.3, Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care (available in English paper copy only)
• CSA Z386-20, Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care, CSA Group website
• AFSC TEAMS channel

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