The American National Standard Institute’s (ANSI) Z136 series is the leading set of safety standards regarding the usage of lasers. The most important of these standards to JHU are Z136.5 and Z136.8 which cover the safe use of lasers in educational institutions and research, development, or testing, respectively. This year, both standards have been updated, with the following changes: 

• Demos and teaching experiments should use visible rather than invisible lasers whenever possible. 

• All current laser warning signs must be brought up to modern standards. 

• The Laser Safety Advocate must review all laser demonstration safety plans. 

• Laser project review forms will now include the following topics: 

• • Recorded room interlock checks to ensure that all entry controls work as expected biennially. 

• • On-the-job training to provide information about best practices to help ensure that all researchers are trained to the same level and that experiments will be repeatable. 

• • Barrier testing – includes details on procedures and other recommended information 

• • A structured self-review process. 

• • Improved risk assessment protocols. 

Guidance for safe laser usage can be found here. 

For any questions about this update, please contact Laser Safety Advocate Niel Leon at 913-302-8500 or [email protected].   

Guidance for safe laser usage can be found here. 

For any questions about this update, please contact LSA Mr. Niel Leon at 913-302-8500 or [email protected].