Publications

Abstract not provided.

Abstract not provided.

The parent document and cornerstone of the Z136 series of laser safety standards, the revised ANSI Z136.1 (2007) provides guidance for the safe use of lasers and laser systems by defining control measures for each of the four laser classes. As a result of advances in laser devices and applications, new guidelines have been incorporated into this 2007 revision. The new revision should be obtained by all laser end users and is a must for users of class 3B and 4 lasers as it renders all previous editions obsolete. Since the ANSI Z136.1 standard is the foundation of laser safety programs for industrial, military, medical, and educational applications nationwide, revisions to the previous version can and will affect the training and practice of laser safety in these environments. Changes to the previous version include the addition of new laser hazard classification definitions, new requirements for refresher training, and changes to medical surveillance requirements. The ANSI Z136.1 (2007) standard provides an updated and thorough set of guidelines for implementing a safe laser program. In addition to these changes, the standard covers laser safety program provisions including the duties and responsibilities of the LSO, non-beam hazards, administrative/engineering control measures, definitions, optical density, nominal hazard zone (NHZ), MPEs, accessible emission limit (AEL), bioeffects, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and example calculations.