LIA Revises Standard for Safe Use of Lasers

For the first time in 7 years, Laser Institute of America (LIA) has updated ANSI Z136.1, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers. The standard provides guidance on the safe use of lasers and laser systems by defining control measures for the seven laser hazard classifications.

According to LIA, secretariat of the standard, changes to the standard are extensive, and focus on improving usability. "Significant increases in the maximum permissible exposure in the near-infrared will enable a plethora of new laser applications," says Ben Rockwell, chair of the Accredited Standards Committee Z136 Standards Subcommittee 1. "Several sections were rewritten to reorganize, update and improve technical content to allow for easier access to information necessary for everyday laser safety implementation."

The standard is available through LIA's online store.