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
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
Considerations include
Laser safety requirements in the U.S. are usually centered on specific Federal Government and voluntary standards such as:
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).
Research studies, along with an understanding of the hazards of sunlight and conventional, man-made light sources have permitted scientists to establish safe exposure limits for nearly all types of laser radiation. These limits are generally referred to as Maximum Permissible Exposures (MPE's) by laser safety professionals. In many cases, it is unnecessary to make use of MPE's directly. The experience gained in millions of hours of laser use in the laboratory and industry has permitted the development of a system of laser hazard categories or classifications.
This Bulletin was produced by The Laser Institute. It can be freely copied and distributed without further permission from the LIA.
Mischief and kids go hand in hand at times. For example, when digital watches became inexpensive enough for every school-aged child to have one, kids would use the glass faces to shine patches of light at other students, teachers and objects.
