An overview of state laser regulations

Abstract

There are two different approaches to laser regulation in the states. The first involves the enforcement of occupational safety and health rules. Rules and regulations covering this area have been promulgated by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and in the absence of a recognized State program, these rules can be enforced by Federal inspectors. If a State wishes to retain the responsibility for work place safety enforcement it must have in place a system of controls at least as restrictive as that established by OSHA. OSHA has very little in the way of laser regulations which are discussed in more detail in another paper presented at this conference. In short, construction lasers have minimal rules covering adequate operator training, posting of warning signs and so forth. There are also general, non-laser specific requirements to provide adequate protective equipment to employees. Laser protective eyewear is the primary concern in this case but there are no specific rules for such eyewear. If a State has an ”OSHA“ program it can be assumed that they enforce the minimum standards discussed elsewhere in these proceedings. If a State has no ”OSHA“ program, then the Federal OSHA system may enforce those same minimum rules. The remainder of this discussion is limited to State radiological health and ”OSHA“ programs having additional significant requirements over and above these minima.There are two different approaches to laser regulation in the states. The first involves the enforcement of occupational safety and health rules. Rules and regulations covering this area have been promulgated by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and in the absence of a recognized State program, these rules can be enforced by Federal inspectors. If a State wishes to retain the responsibility for work place safety enforcement it must have in place a system of controls at least as restrictive as that established by OSHA. OSHA has very little in the way of laser regulations which are discussed in more detail in another paper presented at this conference. In short, construction lasers have minimal rules covering adequate operator training, posting of warning signs and so forth. There are also general, non-laser specific requirements to provide adequate protective equipment to employees. Laser protective eyewear is the primary concern in this case but there are no specific rules ...