ANSI Z136 Laser Safety Standards

With the increased use of lasers in the workplace, more and more employees are being assigned the responsibility of leading the laser safety effort at their organizations. As you know, it is in the best interest of the employees and the organization to follow the standards set forth in the ANSI Z136 series of laser safety standards. LIA offers the most comprehensive selection of ANSI Laser Safety Standards — providing guidelines for implementing a safe laser program in industrial, medical, military and educational applications of lasers.

OSHA Alliance

LIA is committed to keeping the workplace safe from hazards associated with lasers. On August 9, 2005 LIA formed an Alliance with the OSHA to help achieve these goals.

OSHA and LIA recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. The Alliance will provide LIA's members and others, including small businesses with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to laser beam and non-beam hazards in industrial and medical workplaces. In addition, the organizations will focus on sharing information on laser regulations and standards, bioeffects lasers have on the eyes and skin, laser control measures and laser safety program administration. In developing this Alliance, OSHA and LIA recognize that OSHA's State Plan and Consultation Project partners are an integral part of the OSHA national effort.

For More on the LIA/OSHA Alliance, Click here »

ANSI Z136 Laser Safety Standards

• ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers

  As 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 Z136.2 - Safe Use of Optical Fiber Communication Systems Utilizing Laser Diode and LED Sources
  
  This standard provides guidance for the safe use, maintenance, service, and installation of optical communications systems utilizing laser diodes or light emitting diodes operating at wavelengths between 0.6 mm and 1 mm. Optical communication systems include end-to-end optical fiber based links, fixed terrestrial point-to-point free-space links, or a combination of both.
  
  

• ANSI Z136.3 - Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care

  Provides guidance for individuals who work with high power Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and laser systems in health care (including, but 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 Evaluations

  Provides guidance for measurement procedures necessary for the classification and evaluation of optical radiation hazards.

• ANSI Z136.5 - Safe Use of Lasers in Educational Institutions

  This standard addresses laser safety concerns in educational settings.

• ANSI Z136.6 - Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors

  This standard provides guidance for the safe use of lasers in an outdoor environment, e.g., construction, displays/laser lightshows, 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 Testing

  The purpose of this standard is to provide guidance 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.

• ANSI Z136.9 - Safe Use of Lasers in Manufacturing Environments

  Intended 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.