The procedures and methodologies described in this standard are intended to give specific practices for accomplishing laser safety in areas where lasers are used in manufacturing, including public and private industries, product development and testing settings.  Laser applications in the manufacturing environment include, but are not limited to, material processing, fabrication, laser alignment, leveling, inventory, metrology, and machine vision.

The purpose of this standard is to provide guidance on 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. Similarly, in testing environments, lasers or laser systems may be operated in conditions or protocols different from normal operation, including access to levels of radiation higher than the accessible emission limits (AEL) for the assigned product class.

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.

Intended for manufacturers of

• Laser eye protective devices of instrument filters
• Laser window filters
• Laser area protective barriers, screens, or beam-blocking curtains
• Consumers who test their eyewear (e.g., researchers in laboratories)

Considerations

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).

Additional Considerations

The Z136.5 includes a guide for the organization and implementation of laser safety and training programs (Appendix F), as well as providing graphics for entryway controls, and laser installations, and laser laboratory layouts.

This standard addresses laser safety concerns in educational settings, including

• Classrooms
• Laboratories
• Lecture Halls
• Science Fairs and Projects
• Laser Pointers

Considerations include

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).

Control measures differ due to the intentional application of laser radiation to a patient for diagnostic, preventative, cosmetic or therapeutic purposes, where bodily structure or function is altered or symptoms are relieved.

In addition to protecting the employer, facility, and personnel, LSOs have the responsibility of protecting the patient. For example, an endotracheal tube fire could result in the death of the patient.

Provides guidance for individuals who work with high power Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and laser systems in health care.

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).