ANSI Z136.8 (2012)SafeUse of Lasers in Research, Development,orTesting
SSC-8 SafeUse 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,ortesting of lasers is actively performed.
ANSI Z136.8
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 certifiedResearch lasers with varying output characteristics and beam path set-upsNon-dedicated lab space with multiple levels of accessCustom built housings, barriers, and curtainsLarge volume of users to train and overseeSelection of appropriate eye and skin protectionEnsuring the use of proper techniques and PPE during alignment proceduresAnd more!
Challenges at R&D Facilities
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.
How is this standard different?
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.
Can I use this standard?
New Hazard Evaluation ParametersDiscussion of Alignment EyewearImproved RoboticsSectionInformation on Export ControlsFullColor Signage and DiagramsNew and Reorganized AppendicesSample Audit FormsAndmore!
Highlights of Z136.8
Hazard evaluationstake into account the entirety of the beam path and any process interactions that may occur within the setup.Use of non-certified lasersand the appropriate administrative, procedural, and engineering controls are discussed.Alignmenteyewearselection factors and usage are outlined.
R&D Specific Guidance
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 ofon-the-job training (OJT)for users in the dynamic environment of R&D.Updates information onstandard operating procedurerequirements.
R&D Specific Guidance2
Discusses the management of multiple types oflaseruse 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).Informationonnon-beam hazardshas been condensed to R&D relevantinformation
R&D Specific Guidance3
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 lasersClass 3R, 3B, and 4 lasersTemporary laser controlled areasUnattendedlaser operationsWarning signal wordDiagrams and explanations for exterior entryway controls, multiple entry point controls, and Class 4 entryway controls for labs with and without entryway interlocks.
Figures
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.
New and Updated Appendices!
Appendix B: Sample FormsTwo sample laboratory audit formsSample laser program self-evaluation formAppendix C: Frequently Reported IncidentsDiscusses 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 RulesMany 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.
New Appendices
Appendix A: Supplement to Section 1LSO requirements and responsibilitiesGuidance on laser safety committeesPersonnel responsibilities (supervisors and employees)Appendix D: Education and TrainingClass 1M, 2, 2M, and 3R awareness trainingOn-the-job trainingLaser pointer awareness
Modified Appendices
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.Thestandard allows for quick reference toproper guidance on the issuesthatan R&D LSO faceson a dailybasis. It providesthe LSO with better professional judgment andsupport and increases their ability to be an effective safety consultant in the constantly changing world of research and development.Theaddition of this standard as a reference would be beneficial to any R&DLSO!
Why should I use Z136.8 as my main reference?
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
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