ANSI Z136.4

Provides guidance for measurement procedures necessary for the classification and evaluation of optical radiation hazards. This task is required when manufacturer’s information is not available, when the laser or laser system has not been classified, or when the system has malfunctioned or been intentionally altered, e.g., when a company acquires a laser and reuses or incorporates it into a new product with its own brand name (OEM).

The Z136.4 is intended for manufacturers, laser safety officers, and trained laser users.

This document only addresses the measurement of those parameters associated with laser output beam, and is intended to be used as a supplement to the ANSI Z136.1.

Examples of Laser Measurements:

• Wavelength – the distance in line of advance of a sinusoidal wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase (e.g., the distance from one peak to the next).
• Irradiance and Radiant Exposure – necessary to ascertain MPEs, the level of laser radiation to which an unprotected person may be exposed without adverse biological changes to the eye or skin (i.e., without injury to the eye or skin).