How lasers are regulated in Australia

ARPANSA regulates lasers for Commonwealth entities. The use of lasers in other Australian workplaces is primarily governed by state and territory legislation that varies between jurisdictions. The state and territory requirements are outlined under the page, Laser regulations in Australia. With the exception of Victoria, all jurisdictions have legislation based on the Model Work Health and Safety laws. This includes regulation 223 which specifically deals with the regulation of lasers (Safe Work Australia, 2025).

Regulation 223 applies to the person with management or control of laser equipment at a workplace. It requires that

·         Laser equipment is designed, installed and protected so that people are not exposed to accidental laser radiation, and that observation and adjustment equipment does not create a risk.

·         Workers operating laser equipment are trained in its proper operation

·         Class 3B and Class 4 lasers are not used in construction work.

Licensing in Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania

In these states, Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems are also regulated under dedicated radiation safety legislation, which includes licensing and registration requirements for operators and premises (Queensland Government, 2025; Tasmanian Government, 2026; Western Australia Government, 2026). Please refer to Laser Safety Compliance Australia's jurisdiction specific pages for more details. Readers may also access Laser Safety Compliance Australia's free online laser safety course recognised by the Radiological Council of Western Australia. This course can form part of a pre-requisite to obtaining a laser licence in WA.

Victoria's approach

Victoria operates under its own Occupational Health and Safety framework rather than the harmonised WHS model laws that other jurisdictions have adopted. Employers in Victoria are expected to meet the general duty of care under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004), which involves providing a safe place to work and reducing risk so far as reasonably practicable (Victorian Government, 2025). Employers in Victoria should also follow the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (2017) which classify lasers as plant. For more information on Victoria's approach, please refer to our page Laser Regulations in Victoria.

The underlying obligation, across every jurisdiction

Regardless of jurisdiction, employers must take reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise laser risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Because most workplace lasers, have the potential to cause harm, every PCBU/employer using lasers carries a compliance obligation to manage that risk.

Implementing laser risk management may be demonstrated through a range of measures such as

• Following Australian Standards. PCBUs and employers may consider following the recommendations of AS/NZS IEC 60825.14.

• Implementing a risk management framework. Laser Safety Compliance Australia have developed a practical framework which may be used as a guide.

• Having clearly defined procedures

• Purchasing laser and laser safety equipment from reputable suppliers and obtaining relevant documents that prove certification to recognised standards

• Training workers on both general laser safety and the specific laser systems they use. Free online general laser safety training recognised by the Radiological Council of Western Australia is available here.

• Documenting and recording any risk management and training undertakings.

• Engaging in third party risk assessments and audits

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace independent legal advice.

Author: Oliver Ried B.Vis Sci, M.Optom, Grad Cert OHS

References

Barat, K. (2022). Laser safety : practical knowledge and solutions (Second edition. ed.). IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/978-0-7503-5504-9

Queensland Government. (2025). Radiation Safety Regulation 2021.

Safework Australia. (2025). Model WHS Regulations.  Retrieved from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-whs-regulations

Tasmanian Government. (2026). Radiation Protection Regulations 2026.

Victorian Government. (2025). Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

Western Australia Government. (2026). Radiation Safety (General) Regulations 1983.  Retrieved from www.legislation.wa.gov.au