There are a variety of laser safety standards including Federal and state regulations, and non-regulatory standards. The most important and most often quoted is the American National Standards Institute's Z136 series of laser safety standards. These standards are the foundation of laser safety programs in industry, medicine, research, and government. The ANSI Z136 series of laser safety standards are referenced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and many U.S. states as the basis of evaluating laser-related occupational safety issues.
ANSI Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers, the parent document in the Z136 series, provides information on how to classify lasers for safety, laser safety calculations and measurements, laser hazard control measures, and recommendations for Laser Safety Officers and Laser Safety Committees in all types of laser facilities. It is designed to provide the laser user with the information needed to properly develop a comprehensive laser safety program.
For manufacturers of laser products, the standard of principal importance is the regulation of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which regulates product performance. All laser products sold in the USA since August 1976 must be certified by the manufacturer as meeting certain product performance (safety) standards, and each laser must bear a label indicating compliance with the standard and denoting the laser hazard classification.
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of LasersAs the parent document of the Z136 series of laser safety standards, the Z136.1 is the foundation of laser safety programs for industry, military, research and development (labs), and higher education (universities).
ANSI Z136.3 - Safe Use of Lasers in Health CareProvides guidance for individuals who work with high power Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and laser systems in health care.
Affected roles include, but are not limited to: Operating room personnel designated as LSO (Circulating Nurse, Biomed Tech, etc), Physicians, Risk Managers, Medical Educators, Mobile Medical Laser Rental Services, Dentists, Veterinarians, Dermatologists, Estheticians, and Lasers for Home Use.
ANSI Z136.4 - Recommended Practice for Laser Safety Measurements for Hazard EvaluationsProvides guidance for measurement procedures necessary for the classification and evaluation of optical radiation hazards.
ANSI Z136.5 - Safe Use of Lasers in Educational InstitutionsThis standard addresses laser safety concerns in educational settings.
ANSI Z136.6 - Safe Use of Lasers OutdoorsThis standard provides guidance for the safe use of lasers in an outdoor environment, e.g., construction, displays/laser light shows, scientific/astronomical research, and military (DoE/DoD).
ANSI Z136.7 - Testing and Labeling of Laser Protective Equipment The objective of this standard is to provide reasonable and adequate guidance on the test methods and protocols used to provide eye protection from lasers and laser systems.
ANSI Z136.8 - Safe Use of Lasers in Research, Development, or TestingThe purpose of this standard is to provide guidance for the safe use of lasers and laser systems found in research, development, or testing environments, where safety controls common for commercial lasers may either be missing or disabled.
Z136.9 (Historical) - Safe Use of Lasers in Manufacturing EnvironmentsIntended to protect individuals with the potential for laser exposure when lasers are used in manufacturing environments, this standard includes policies and procedures to ensure laser safety in both public and private industries as well as product development along with testing.