Used incorrectly, lasers have the potential to be extremely dangerous. One important way to reduce risk is to have a coherent, completed standard operating procedure (SOP) for your laser. 

If you are setting up a new laser or new laboratory environment for a laser, you must inform the Laser Safety Officer for Class 3B or 4 lasers so they may come and assess its hazards. You must also complete the user registration form for everyone that might have supervision of the use of the laser/lasing system and have everyone involved with the use of the laser take the required initial online training course, which must be completed annually.