Laser Safety - Regulations

Regulations

In various jurisdictions, standards bodies, legislation, and government regulations define classes of laser according to the risks associated with them, and define required safety measures for people who may be exposed to those lasers.

In the European Community, eye protection requirements are specified in European standard EN 207. In addition to EN 207, European standard EN 208 specifies requirements for goggles for use during beam alignment. These transmit a portion of the laser light, permitting the operator to see where the beam is, and do not provide complete protection against a direct laser beam hit. Finally, European standard EN 60825 specifies optical densities in extreme situations.

In the U.S., guidance for the use of protective eyewear, and other elements of safe laser use, is given in the ANSI Z136 series of standards. A full copy of these standards can be obtained via ANSI or the secretariat and publisher of these standards, the Laser Institute of America. The standards are as follows:

  • 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 Z136.3 – 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 Laser Safety Officer (LSO)
  • ANSI Z136.4 – Recommended Practice for Laser Safety Measurements for Hazard Evaluation
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.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all class IIIb and class IV lasers offered in commerce in the US to have five standard safety features: a key switch, a safety interlock dongle, a power indicator, an aperture shutter, and an emission delay (normally two to three seconds). OEM lasers, designed to be parts of other components (such as DVD burners) are exempt from this requirement. Some non-portable lasers may not have a safety dongle or an emission delay, but have an emergency stop button and/or a remote switch.

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