ANSI Z136.8 (2012) Safe Use of Lasers in
Research, Development, or Testing
SSC-8 Safe Use of Lasers in Research, Development & Testing
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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!
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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.
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Special considerations section 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.
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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 hazards has been
condensed to R&D relevant information
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Z136.8 includes full-color signage and diagrams!
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Included in the figures section is:
◦ Current ANSI Z136.1 and Z535.2 compliant signage for:
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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.
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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.
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Appendix B: Sample Forms
◦ Two sample laboratory audit forms
◦ Sample laser program self-evaluation form
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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.
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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.
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Appendix A: Supplement to Section 1
◦ LSO requirements and responsibilities
◦ Guidance on laser safety committees
◦ Personnel responsibilities (supervisors and
employees)
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Appendix D: Education and Training
◦ Class 1M, 2, 2M, and 3R awareness training
◦ On-the-job training
◦ Laser pointer awareness
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!
The standard can be purchased through Laser
Institute of America by following the link
below:
http://www.lia.org/store/ANSI/118A