Evaluation of ANSI Z136.1-2014 and comparison with Z136.1-2007 and Z136.8-2012

This paper evaluates the 2014 revision of Z136.1, Safe Use of Lasers, and compares it with Z136.1-2007 and with Z136.8-2012, Safe Use of Lasers in R&D and Testing. We summarize substantive changes in the 2014 revision with respect to 2007, and we also comment on a few important issues. Department of Energy (DOE) labs have a regulatory requirement via 10CFR851 to abide by Z136.1-2000, though some labs have obtained approval to use Z136.1-2007. The DOE’s Laser Safety SubGroup (LSSG) performed reviews in 2013 and 2014 of these different laser safety standards. As a result of the reviews, the LSSG has issued two recommendations for DOE facilities: i) to adopt Z136.1-2014 for regulatory requirements, and ii) to use Z136.8-2012 for additional guidance and information, for example when considering implementation of alternate controls. The LSSG is also planning to benchmark certain policy requirements at the different DOE sites, for both current requirements and for what the modified requirements would be if adop...