AF Form 2760: Laser Hazard Evaluation Guide & Download

AF Form 2760: Laser Hazard Evaluation Guide & Download – Laser safety remains a critical priority in the U.S. Air Force, where high-powered lasers support training, targeting, research, medical applications, and directed energy systems. AF Form 2760, titled Laser Hazard Evaluation, serves as the official document for recording and documenting hazard assessments of laser systems to protect personnel from eye and skin injuries.

This article explains the purpose of AF Form 2760, who uses it, how to complete it, its connection to broader Air Force laser safety policies, and where to download the latest version. It targets Air Force members, civilian employees, Bioenvironmental Engineers, Laser Safety Officers (LSOs), and contractors working with Class 3B or Class 4 lasers.

What Is AF Form 2760?

AF Form 2760 is the Air Force-specific form used to document a laser hazard evaluation. It captures key laser parameters, operational conditions, calculated hazards (such as Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance or NOHD), and recommended control measures. The form ensures compliance with safety standards before operating or maintaining lasers.

The form supports the Air Force’s Laser and Optical Radiation Protection Program. It helps identify risks from direct beam exposure, specular reflections, diffuse reflections, and other hazards, then documents mitigation steps to prevent injuries that could impact mission readiness or cause permanent vision loss.

Download the official AF Form 2760 PDF here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af2760/af2760.pdf

Always use the version hosted on the official Air Force e-Publishing site for the most current template.

Purpose of the Laser Hazard Evaluation (AF Form 2760)

The primary goal of completing AF Form 2760 is to:

  • Perform a systematic hazard analysis for specific laser systems or setups.
  • Calculate safety distances (e.g., Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance – NOHD, Nominal Skin Hazard Distance).
  • Determine required protective measures, including laser eyewear optical density (OD), barriers, signs, and operational procedures.
  • Document the evaluation for review by the Installation Laser Safety Officer (ILSO) or Unit Laser Safety Officer (ULSO).
  • Support risk management within the Air Force Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health (ESOH) system.

Hazard evaluations are mandatory prior to use or maintenance of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers (and certain Class 3R lasers with significant NOHD). This includes embedded lasers in larger systems where maintenance could expose personnel.

The form aligns with AFI 48-139, Laser and Optical Radiation Protection Program (30 September 2014, with possible updates), which incorporates the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136 series—particularly ANSI Z136.1 for safe use of lasers.

Who Prepares and Reviews AF Form 2760?

  • Laser Safety Officers (LSOs): Unit LSOs typically conduct initial evaluations; Installation LSOs provide oversight and approval.
  • Bioenvironmental Engineers (BEE): Often perform or support technical calculations, especially for complex systems.
  • Users and Supervisors: Provide operational details and laser specifications (manufacturer data sheets, wavelength, power, pulse duration, etc.).
  • Commanders: Ensure evaluations occur before authorizing laser operations.

Software tools like the Laser Hazard Analysis Software (LHAZ) from AFRL can generate data and even populate parts of the AF Form 2760 report automatically.

Key Elements Typically Included in AF Form 2760

While the exact layout of the fillable PDF includes standard blocks for identification and signatures, a complete laser hazard evaluation documented on or with AF Form 2760 generally covers:

  • Laser Identification: Manufacturer, model, serial number, type (CW or pulsed).
  • Laser Parameters: Wavelength (nm), average power or energy per pulse, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), pulse duration, beam divergence, beam diameter, output mode.
  • Operational Conditions: Indoor/outdoor use, distance to target, atmospheric conditions, viewing conditions (intrabeam, specular reflection, diffuse reflection).
  • Hazard Calculations:
    • Laser classification (per ANSI Z136 or FDA/CDRH).
    • Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE).
    • Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD).
    • Optical Density (OD) required for protective eyewear.
    • Skin hazard distances (if applicable).
  • Control Measures: Engineering controls (interlocks, enclosures), administrative controls (SOPs, training, barriers), and PPE recommendations.
  • Reflections Analysis: Assessment of specular and diffuse reflection hazards.
  • Signatures and Approvals: Prepared by, reviewed by, and approved by appropriate LSOs.

Evaluations must consider both direct and indirect hazards, including platform instability for airborne or range lasers (often using buffered footprints and Laser Surface Danger Zones – LSDZ, as referenced in broader DoD range safety guidance).

How to Complete AF Form 2760 (Step-by-Step Overview)?

  1. Gather laser specification sheets and intended use details.
  2. Perform or obtain calculations (use LHAZ software where available or consult qualified personnel).
  3. Document findings on the form, including any diagrams of beam paths.
  4. Recommend specific controls and SOPs.
  5. Route for review and approval by the Installation Laser Safety Officer.
  6. Maintain records according to Air Force Records Disposition Schedule.

For range operations or outdoor use, additional considerations from Range Commanders Council (RCC) laser range safety handbooks may apply alongside the AF Form 2760.

Connection to Broader Air Force Laser Safety Requirements

AF Form 2760 operates within the framework of:

  • AFI 48-139 — Establishes the overall Laser Radiation Protection Program and requires hazard evaluations.
  • ANSI Z136 Series — The foundational U.S. consensus standards for laser safety (Z136.1 for general use, Z136.6 for outdoors, etc.).
  • DoDI 6055.15 — DoD Laser Protection Program.
  • DAFMAN 91-203 — Occupational Safety, Fire, and Health Standards (updated as of 2026).

Proper documentation helps units maintain compliance during inspections, supports accident investigations, and protects personnel health while enabling mission-critical laser operations.

Best Practices for Laser Safety in the Air Force

  • Always treat Class 3B and Class 4 lasers with respect — even momentary exposure can cause permanent eye damage.
  • Use appropriate laser protective eyewear rated for the specific wavelength and optical density.
  • Develop and follow written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Conduct training for all personnel who work with or around lasers.
  • Perform periodic re-evaluations if laser parameters or operating conditions change.
  • Report any suspected laser exposure immediately through the chain of command and the DoD Laser Safety Event Hotline.

Download AF Form 2760

Access the official fillable form directly from Air Force e-Publishing:
AF Form 2760 PDF Download

For the governing instruction, search AFI 48-139 on e-publishing.af.mil.

Conclusion

AF Form 2760: Laser Hazard Evaluation is an essential tool for safely integrating lasers into Air Force operations. By thoroughly documenting hazards and controls, personnel ensure compliance with AFI 48-139 and ANSI Z136 standards while protecting the vision and health of Airmen and Guardians.

If you are a Laser Safety Officer, Bioenvironmental Engineer, or unit safety professional, make the AF Form 2760 part of your standard pre-operational checklist. For technical assistance with calculations or program implementation, consult your Installation Laser Safety Officer or the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine resources.

Keywords: AF Form 2760, Laser Hazard Evaluation, Air Force laser safety, AFI 48-139, ANSI Z136, NOHD, LSO, laser protective eyewear, military laser safety.

This guide is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Air Force publications and standards as of 2026. Always verify the latest forms and instructions on official .mil sites and consult your command safety channels for unit-specific guidance.