|
||||||||||||||
Answer to Question #938 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Lasers The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
I need to know what the proper eye protection is, or the standard that could tell me, for laser protection. Also what has to be kept as far as record keeping goes, for class III and IV lasers?
A
Laser protective eyewear is required to be worn by all staff in an area where a class 3b or 4 laser is operating unless: the beam is totally enclosed and inaccessible, or an individual is outside the nominal hazard zone (NHZ; an NHZ delineates where the exposure is below permissible levels). The proper type of eyewear protection for a specific laser beam must be calculated using the laser output, wavelength, beam divergence, type of optics through which the beam is viewed, and distance of the person being exposed. The American National Standards Institute has laser standards that show how these calculations are performed. The reports also contain the safety requirements required for different classifications of laser systems. ANSI Z136.1 is the general standard but there some that are specific to applications, e.g., ANSI Z136.3 is for healthcare uses. These standards have some excellent information not only regarding eyewear but also record keeping and training information, and some sample standard operating procedures. Some States also have regulations or guidelines for safe use of lasers. A copy of the Suggested State Regulation can be obtained from the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors. The nonionizing portion costs $25. There also are vendors/consultants who can assist in choosing the right eyewear (they do all the calculations for you!). I use Rockwell Laser Industries but there are several and a search on the Web would generate a list for you. Kelly Classic
Answer posted on 29 May 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
|
||||||||||||||
| Ask a Question • Search ATE & ATE Categories • If you have Web-related problems, contact our Webmaster. If you are lost, see our site map. This page last updated 02 July 2008. | ||||||||||||||
