Regulations

Different agencies have issued safety recommendations and regulations for the use of lasers in the workplace. These standards provide guidance for the safe use of lasers across many industries.

OSHA

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) does not offer a comprehensive laser standard; however, certain parts of its existing regulations can be applied to laser safety.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910 establishes laser safety guidelines for general industry. OSHA 29 CFR 1926 addresses laser safety guidelines for the construction industry and states:

Employees whose occupation or assignment requires exposure to laser beams shall be equipped with suitable laser safety goggles, which will protect for the specific wavelength of the laser and be of optical density (OD) adequate for the energy involved.

In addition, Section III, Chapter 6 of the OSHA Technical Manual discusses laser hazards and presents a summary of the current laser regulations enacted at the state level.

FDA CDRH

The Food Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) mandates compliance with its standards for the manufacture and performance of lasers. Called the Federal Laser Product Performance Standard (FLPPS), it is identified as 21 CFR subchapter parts 1040.10 and 1040.11.

CRCPD

The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. (CRCPD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit non-governmental professional organization dedicated to radiation protection. CRCPD's primary goal is to assure that radiation exposure to individuals is kept to the lowest practical level, while not restricting its beneficial uses.

Several agencies work together to ensure the safe use of lasers in the work environment.

ANSI

Applicable American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standards include Z 136 for the safe use of lasers. This standard addresses engineering, procedural, and administrative controls necessary for the safety of workers.