ANSI Z136.8 (2012) Safe Use of Lasers in Research, Development, or Testing

1. ANSI Z136.8 (2012) Safe Use of Lasers in Research, Development, orTesting SSC-8 Safe Use of Lasers in Research, Development & Testing

2. ANSI Z136.8 ANSI Z136.8 works in conjunction with ANSI Z136.1 to provide improved guidance to LSOs at facilities where research, development, or testing of lasers is actively performed.

3. Challenges at R&D Facilities • Laser use at research and development (R&D) facilities can present many challenges to an LSO due to the large variations in use by the facility's personnel. • These challenges may include: • Production of homebuilt lasers that have not been certified • Research lasers with varying output characteristics and beam path set-ups • Non-dedicated lab space with multiple levels of access • Custom built housings, barriers, and curtains • Large volume of users to train and oversee • Selection of appropriate eye and skin protection • Ensuring the use of proper techniques and PPE during alignment procedures • And more!

4. How is this standard different? • The information in Z136.8 introduces new guidance specific to research, development, and testing that will help an LSO meet the challenges faced at their facility. • In addition, guidance pulled from Z136.1has been reorganized into a format that is more specific to R&D and makes it easy for LSOs to quickly and clearly reference information in the standard.

5. Can I use this standard? • The present and upcoming versions of Z136.1 allow guidance from specialized standards, such as Z136.8, to take precedence within the scope of that standard. Therefore, guidance from Z136.8 can be used for R&D specific applications that may not have been fully addressed in Z136.1. • It is up to the discretion of the LSO to determine which specialized standard(s) apply to their particular environment.

6. Highlights of Z136.8 • New Hazard Evaluation Parameters • Discussion of Alignment Eyewear • Improved Robotics Section • Information on Export Controls • Full Color Signage and Diagrams • New and Reorganized Appendices • Sample Audit Forms • And more!

7. R&D Specific Guidance • Hazard evaluations take into account the entirety of the beam path and any process interactions that may occur within the setup. • Use of non-certified lasers and the appropriate administrative, procedural, and engineering controls are discussed. • Alignment eyewear selection factors and usage are outlined.

8. R&D Specific Guidance2 • Special considerationssection discusses visitors and spectators, laser user facilities, and export controls, as well as useful information on fiber optics and laser robotics! • Education and Training is expanded to include the importance of on-the-job training (OJT) for users in the dynamic environment of R&D. • Updates information on standard operating procedure requirements.

9. R&D Specific Guidance3 • Discusses the management of multiple types of laser use areas, including indoor Class 3 and 4 laser control areas (LCAs), outdoor LCAs (all classes), temporary LCAs, and use of lasers in navigable airspace (includes references to related FDA and ANSI sources). • Information on non-beam hazardshas been condensed to R&D relevant information

10. Figures • Z136.8 includes full-color signage and diagrams! • Included in the figures section is: • Current ANSI Z136.1 and Z535.2 compliant signage for: • Class 2 and 2M lasers • Class 3R, 3B, and 4 lasers • Temporary laser controlled areas • Unattended laser operations • Warning signal word • Diagrams and explanations for exterior entryway controls, multiple entry point controls, and Class 4 entryway controls for labs with and without entryway interlocks.

11. New and Updated Appendices! • The Z136.8 standard includes three new appendices as well as all R&D relevant appendices from Z136.1. • New appendices contain useful information not addressed in the main standard, while appendices pulled from Z136.1 are modified to focus on information that is relevant to the R&D atmosphere.

12. New Appendices • Appendix B: Sample Forms • Two sample laboratory audit forms • Sample laser program self-evaluation form • Appendix C: Frequently Reported Incidents • Discusses the most common causes of accidental eye and skin exposures to laser radiation and accidents related to non-beam hazards. • Appendix H: Laser Product Safety Rules • Many engineering controls present in Z136.1 are not found in this standard. To maintain proper emphasis on their importance, ‘CDRH Sec. 1040.10 Laser Products’ is included as guidance for certifying laser products.

13. Modified Appendices • Appendix A: Supplement to Section 1 • LSO requirements and responsibilities • Guidance on laser safety committees • Personnel responsibilities (supervisors and employees) • Appendix D: Education and Training • Class 1M, 2, 2M, and 3R awareness training • On-the-job training • Laser pointer awareness

14. Why should I use Z136.8 as my main reference? Z136.8 manages to include all the relevant information from Z136.1 in a condensed format that, in conjunction with newly added guidance specific to R&D, acts as an invaluable tool to LSOs at R&D facilities. The standard allows for quick reference to proper guidance on the issues that an R&D LSO faces on a daily basis. It provides the LSO with better professional judgment and support and increases their ability to be an effective safety consultant in the constantly changing world of research and development. The addition of this standard as a reference would be beneficial to any R&D LSO!

15. How to Purchase Z136.8 The standard can be purchased through Laser Institute of America by following the link below: http://www.lia.org/store/ANSI/118A