Laser Institute of America releases new laser safety standard

The Laser Institute of America, Orlando, Fla., has unveiled the ANSI Z136.9 Safe Use of Lasers in Manufacturing Environments standard. The latest in the line of laser safety guidelines stemming from the parent ANSI Z136.1, the standard provides guidance for the safe use of lasers and laser systems that operate at wavelengths between 180 nm and 1 mm.

The standard includes policies and procedures to ensure laser safety in areas where lasers are used in manufacturing, both public and private industries, and product development and testing settings.

"The advent of really high-powered fiber lasers and the potential for femtosecond and picosecond lasers in actual manufacturing operations has increased the need for safety attention," said Tom Lieb, chair of the Z136.9 development subcommittee and president of LAI Intl. "Fiber lasers have enhanced the growth of an array of applications due to their relatively lower cost, plug-and-play capability, and low use of floor space," he commented.