Lasers

Scope

OSHA offers regulatory provisions for lasers in construction operations. However, the agency does not have a comprehensive laser regulation for general industry, maritime, or agriculture operations. Yet, the eye protection regulations may be applicable. No matter the industry or operation, employers using lasers should follow applicable federal and state laws and regulations and consider following consensus standards.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1910.132 — General requirements
• 29 CFR 1910.133 — Eye and face protection
• 29 CFR 1915.152 — General requirements for personal protective equipment
• 29 CFR 1915.153 — Eye and face protection
• 29 CFR 1917.91 — Eye and face protection
• 29 CFR 1918.101 — Eye and face protection
• 29 CFR 1926.54 — Nonionizing radiation
• 29 CFR 1926.95 — Criteria for personal protective equipment
• 29 CFR 1926.102 — Eye and face protection
• 29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1) — General duty clause of the OSH Act

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

For general industry, shipyards, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction:

• Select eye/face protection suitable to the laser hazard (e.g., impact, chemicals, dust) that meets one of three editions of ANSI Z87.1 (2010, 2003, and 1989-Rev 1998).
• Provide eye/face protection at no cost to the employee, with the exception of non-specialty prescription safety eyewear — provided it is allowed to be worn off the job.
• Ensure employees who require corrective lenses either use goggles/spectacles over their regular glasses, or use safety eyewear incorporating the prescription.

Also, for general industry and shipyards:

• Train employees on how to use, care for, and inspect their eye/face protection.

Also, for marine terminals:

• Protect employees from radiant energy eye hazards with spectacles, cup goggles, helmets, hand shields or face shields with filter lenses complying with 1917.152(h). Filter lenses must have the appropriate shade number per Table G-1 in 1917.152, but variations of one or two shade numbers are permissible for individual preference. If filter lenses are used in goggles worn under the helmet, the shade numbers of both lenses equals the value shown in Table G-1 for the operation.

Also, for construction:

• Ensure qualified operators — Ensure employees that install, adjust, and operate laser equipment are qualified and trained and possess proof of qualification at all times.
• Provide eye protection — Provide antilaser eye protection when employees work in areas with potential exposure to direct or reflecte laser light over 0.005 watts (5 milliwatts).
• Use markings — Post laser warning signs in areas where lasers are used. Ensure laser equipment bears a label to indicate maximum output.
• Protect employees during down time — Use beam shutters or caps or otherwise turn the laser off, when the laser action is not required. Turn the laser off when left unattended for substantial periods of time, such as for lunch, overnight, or changes in shift.
• Operate the laser safely — Only use mechanical or electronic means as a detector for guiding the internal alignment of a laser. Where practicable, prohibit operation of the laser in rain, snow, dust, or fog weather conditions. Otherwise keep employees out of range of the area of source and target.
• Direct the beam safely — Ensure the laser beam is not directed at employees. Laser unit in operation should be set up above the heads of the employees, when possible.
• Prohibit exposure — Do not expose employees to:
  • Microwave power densities in excess of 10 milliwatts per square centimeter.
  • Light intensities above 1 micro-watt per square centimeter for direct staring;
  • Light intensities above 1 milliwatt per square centimeter for incidental observing; and
  • Light intensities above 2 1⁄2 watts per square centimeter for diffused reflected light.

Also, for all industries:

• Ensure a safe and healthful workplace free of recognized hazards that may cause death or serious physical harm.

• Consider the provisions of:
  • The ANSI Z136 series of laser safety standards are voluntary consensus standards that have been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the secretariat to the committee that produces the Z136 standards, as well as publisher of the series.
  • ANSI B11.21, Safety Requirements for Machine Tools Using Lasers for Processing Materials. This standard applies to machine tools using a laser for processing materials and its associated equipment.
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 21 CFR 1040, Performance Standards for Light-emitting Products. All laser products that have been manufactured and entered into commerce, after August 2, 1976, must comply with these regulations.
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 115, Standard for Laser Fire Protection. This standard provides minimum fire protection requirements for the design, manufacture, installation and use of lasers and associated equipment.
  • International standards for laser product and laser processing machine safety. Check out the standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and International Standards Organization (ISO).