Lasers

Scope

OSHA does not regulate lasers, but employers using industrial, medical, or research lasers should follow applicable standards.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1910.132 — General requirements
• 29 CFR 1910.133 — Eye and face protection

Key definitions

• Accessible Emission Limit (AEL): Minimum accessible emission level which is permissible in the appropriate class of laser.
• Accessible radiation: Laser radiation that can expose human eye or skin in normal usage.
• Average power: Total energy of an exposure divided by the duration of the exposure.
• Infrared radiation: Electromagnetic radiation of wavelength from 700 nm to 1mm.
• Irradiance: Power per unit area, expressed in watts per square centimeter.
• Laser: Acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
• Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE): The maximum level of laser radiation to which a human can be exposed without adverse biological effects to the eye or skin.
• Ultraviolet radiation:Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths from 180-400 nm.
• Visible radiation. Electromagnetic radiation which is visible to the human eye; wavelengths from 400-700 nm.

Summary of requirements

ANSI Z136.1, American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, provides guidance for the qualitative and quantitative hazard evaluation, classification, and control of laser systems. Tables 5, 6 and 7 of ANSI Z136.1 provide maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits for eyes and skin exposure to laser beams. These values are identical to the TLV’s recommended by ACGIH for the same wave length and exposure time. Table 10 or ANSI Z 136.1 provides a concise summary of recommended engineering and administrative controls for different classes of laser devices.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a performance standard in 1976 for all manufacturers of laser products (21 CFR 1040.10 and 11). The standard requires that all laser products manufactured on or after August 2, 1976, be certified to comply with the FDA performance criteria. The manufacturer must demonstrate that the product is in compliance with the standard and the associated quality control program prior to certification or introduction into commerce by furnishing necessary reports and documentation to FDA, Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Also annual reports must be submitted which summarize the records required to be maintained. Further, 21 CFR 1010.2 requires that all manufacturers of laser products must have a certification label on the product stating either “Complies with 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter J” or “Complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11.” FDA defines a “manufacturer” as any person or organization in the business of making, assembling, or importing laser products.

A comprehensive evaluation of a laser system must include the following:

• Compliance with the FDA’s Laser Products Performance Standards, 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11.
• Compliance with ANSI Z136.1-1986.
• Ability of the direct laser beam or reflected beam to cause injuries to the eyes and skin during use.
• Associated hazards such as electrical, noise, fire, and health.

Control measure programs for limiting access to laser radiation must include the engineering controls required by ANSI and FDA. Administrative controls and personal protective equipment must also be considered to supplement engineering controls. Additionally, the conditions under which the laser is used, the level of safety training of individuals using the lasers, results of medical surveillance, service and maintenance procedures, and other environmental factors are important considerations in determining the effectiveness of a safety control measure. Section 4 of ANSI Z136.1 addresses control measures necessary to reduce the probability of exposure to harmful laser radiation and other hazards associated with the operation of laser devices.

The evaluation of laser systems should be conducted only by those who are trained in this area and are familiar with ANSI and FDA requirements. Requirements such as laser certification in accordance with FDA standards, assigning laser safety officers, proper classification of lasers, warning signs and labels, medical surveillance, administrative controls, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment shall be verified. Violations of ANSI Z136.1 standard may be cited under Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act of 1970 after consultation with the Regional Solicitor. If non-compliance with the FDA certification requirements is noted, pertinent information should b reported to the Laser Product Section of FDA at FTS 427-8228.