With more therapeutic procedures moving into private medical offices and homes, the standard regulating the safe use of lasers in health care ensures that users, as well as patients, are protected.

The ANSI Z136.3 Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care publication defines the parameters of proper laser use outside the tightly regulated hospital environment and includes guidelines and information on:

• Wavelengths employed in medical environments
• The duties of laser safety officers involved with rented or borrowed laser equipment
• Audit requirements and procedures
• Clinically relevant terminology

The comprehensive ANSI Z136.3 standard addresses everything from laser systems hazard classification, to protective equipment, to non-beam hazards and room design. One of nine ANSI Z136 laser safety standards in use, the ANSI Z136.3 standard serves to “acknowledge the diversity of laser therapy applications and practice setting locations,” according to Peter Baker, LIA’s executive director. Continue reading →