Comparison of CDRH vs ANSI Z-136.1 laser safety standards

Abstract

The two most important laser documents relating to laser safety are the U.S. “Laser Product Performance Standard” (LPPS) CFR: 1040.10 by the Center for Device and Radiological Health (CDRH), and the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Z136.1 “For the Safe Use of Lasers”.In 1985 the CDRH issued the latest changes to the LPPS. These regulations require that a manufacturer or importer shall certify that the document is in compliance; has assigned the proper classification; and has the controls, indicators and safety labeling required for the assigned class.The ANSI document, initially issued in 1973, has been revised periodically - the last revision was in 1986. After more than two years of review and recommendations by the various subcommittees, a new draft has just recently completed the voting cycle. This document is intended to provide reasonable and adequate guidance for the safe use of laser and laser systems.The two documents have been adopted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a means to assure that laser and laser systems are used in a safe manner.Knowledge of the similarities and differences of these two documents is required for a complete understanding of laser safety requirements.The two most important laser documents relating to laser safety are the U.S. “Laser Product Performance Standard” (LPPS) CFR: 1040.10 by the Center for Device and Radiological Health (CDRH), and the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Z136.1 “For the Safe Use of Lasers”.In 1985 the CDRH issued the latest changes to the LPPS. These regulations require that a manufacturer or importer shall certify that the document is in compliance; has assigned the proper classification; and has the controls, indicators and safety labeling required for the assigned class.The ANSI document, initially issued in 1973, has been revised periodically - the last revision was in 1986. After more than two years of review and recommendations by the various subcommittees, a new draft has just recently completed the voting cycle. This document is intended to provide reasonable and adequate guidance for the safe use of laser and laser systems.The two documents have been adopted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administrati...