Which of the following describes an administrative control for lasers?

Administrative controls are strategies and procedures put in place to manage and minimize exposure to hazards, thereby enhancing safety in environments where lasers are utilized. A controlled area is a specific location where access is restricted to authorized personnel who have received proper training in laser safety protocols. This designation helps to limit exposure to laser beams and ensures that only individuals who understand the potential hazards and procedures are permitted to operate or be present near laser equipment.

While protective curtains, beam attenuators, and interlock systems are all important safety measures, they fall into the categories of engineering controls rather than administrative controls. Protective curtains act as physical barriers to shield individuals from stray laser beams; beam attenuators serve to reduce the intensity of the laser beam; and interlock systems are designed to automatically disable the laser when access is gained to a hazardous area. In contrast, the establishment of controlled areas is fundamentally about regulating access and behavior around laser operations, which is the core of administrative controls in maintaining a safe environment.