
The Laser Institute of America recently released the new ANSI Z136.9 Safe Use of Lasers in Manufacturing Environments standard. This standard is useful as a guide for the safe use of lasers and laser systems that operate at wavelengths between 180 nm and 1mm. The new ANSI z136.9 standard focuses on policies and procedures that aim to protect workers from exposure to lasers in manufacturing environments.
The development of the new ANSI Z136.9 standard was a collaborative effort. The Z136.9 subcommittee included a lot of people from the laser industry, including laser companies and manufacturers. Tom Lieb, chairman of the Z136.9 subcommittee, said, “The advent of really high-powered fiber lasers and the potential for femtosecond and picosecond lasers in actual manufacturing operations has increased the need for safety attention. Fiber lasers have enhanced the growth of an array of applications due to their relatively lower cost, plug-and-play capability and low use of floor space. They have expanded the marketplace.”
You can find out more information about the new ANSI Z136.9 standard and other laser standards at the ANSI Webstore.