Area Warning Signs & Equipment Labels

Area warning signs should be conspicuous and displayed on all doors entering the laser controlled area. Cover or remove these warning signs when lasers are not actively in use.

All area warning signs and equipment labels must include the appropriate signal word, such as Caution or Danger, in the upper panel, and there should be enough free space left for additional pertinent information. Print or handwrite the necessary information, as follows:

• Class 3A lasers with beam irradiance 2.5 mW per cm2, Class 3B, and Class 4 lasers require the ANSI DANGER sign format with a white background, and a red laser symbol with black outline and black lettering. Note that under ANSI Z 136.1 criteria, only Class B and Class 4 lasers require area posting.
• Class 2 or Class 3A areas (if area warning is deemed unnecessary by the LSO) and all signs and label associated with these lasers, when beam irradiance for Class 3A does not exceed 2.5 mW per cm2, should use the ANSI CAUTION format with yellow background, black symbol, and letters.
• During times of service and other times when a temporary laser-controlled area is established, an ANSI NOTICE sign format is required with a white background, red laser symbol, and blue field and black lettering. Post this sign only during the time when service is in progress.

To learn more about Laser Safety visit our Laser Safety Online Training web page.