Tag: Safe Use of Lasers

New ANSI Z136.6 2015 Edition – Outdoor Laser Safety

ANSI Z136.6, “Safe Use Of Lasers Outdoors,” has just been updated.  The new 2015 Edition is available for pre-order and it’s release is expected soon.  This standard is used in conjunction with ANSI Z136.1, “Safe Use of Lasers.”  It has the latest safety guidelines for outdoor laser and laser systems (180nm to 1mm) where open beam paths are needed.  And it provides users with guidance for controlling disability glare from exposure to non-injurious levels of visible laser light.

Where is the ANSI Z136.6 applicable?  This standard is essential in any outdoor laser application, like construction sites, displays/laser lightshows, scientific or astronomical research, and government applications (like DOE and DOD.)

This 2015 update clarifies and streamlines the established protocols used by outdoor laser operators.  Changes include:

  • Improved readability — a single column format, color in the figures, and an index.
  • Definition for the term “Control Measures” plus an explanation and updated text.  There’s even a new military-specific section here now.
  • The consistant use of metric units throughout the standard.
  • More content regarding FAA coordination and visual interference zones around airports.
  • Updates for laser hazard classification, including a comparison table for the 2000 Edition and the 2014 Edition of the ANSI Z136.1.

The ANSI Z136 series is written by the LIA, the Laser Institute of America.  Founded in 1968, the institute offers standards on all aspects of the safe use of lasers.  You can purchase your copies of these publications from Document Center Inc.  You’ll find them listed in our online catalog www.document-center.com for easy identification and purchase.  Here’s a direct link to the order page for ANSI Z136.6.

Have more questions?  Contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600) or email (info@document-center.com).  We’ve been working with standards since 1982 which means we have the knowledge you need to make good choices for purchasing and maintaining your standards collection.  Make us your Standards Experts!

New ANSI Z136.3 2011 Edition on Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care due this month

ANSI Z136.3 2011 Edition has been finalized and is due to be released from the printers this month.  The standard, “Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities,”  is recognized as the definitive document on laser safety in all health care environments.  It provides guidance for the safe use of lasers for medicine, diagnostic, cosmetic, preventative and therapeutic applications in any location where bodily structure or function is altered or symptoms are relieved.  It is designed to be used in conjunction with the ANSI Z136.1.

Lasers used in these applications are incorporated into an apparatus, which includes a delivery system, a power supply, mechanical housing, and associated liquids and gases as required for operation of the laser.

The entire apparatus is referred to as a health care laser system (HCLS), and this standard is intended for use by all personnel associated with the installation, operation, calibration, and maintenance and service of the system.

The ANSI Z136.3 revision was driven by the spread of medical lasers  from hospital operating rooms to the office and/or clinic environment. The use of ophthalmic refractive surgery (excimer) lasers, dermatological lasers and other medical lasers have moved from the closely regulated hospital environment into broad applications in conventional medical, surgical and allied professions.

The majority of medical laser systems are now found in private medical offices.  From this venue they have expanded into cosmetic uses in areas that may have limited or part-time medical supervision, such as in spas and beauty salons.  Not only has the environment of these laser systems been greatly broadened, but the training of the people using them has become far more diverse.

This rapid change in the pattern of use of health care laser systems has made it essential to have a current document to guide us in the approach to the safe use of these systems.  The Z136.3 represents many necessary compromises to make it fit the needs of this diverse population of users of these medical laser systems.

Pre-order your copy now from Document Center Inc. and get a special pre-issue price.  It’s a must for all hospitals, medical centers, spas, veterinary offices and clinics using lasers!  It’s available from our website, www.document-center.com.  Or order by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617), or email (info@document-center.com).  Don’t miss out on this opportunity as it will expire at the end of the year.