REVISED NON-BEAM HAZARD SECTION IN ANSI Z136.1

摘要

The ANSI Z 136.1 Non-Beam Hazards (NBH) Technical Subcommittee has proposed revisions to the NBH section in the Z136.1 Standard for the Safe Use of Laser. Factors motivating the need for these changes include:rna) The number of recognized NBH have tripled in the last decade;rnb) NBH tend to incur greater regulatory compliance burdens and consequences than beam hazards;rnc) NBH remain the leading cause of laser related fatalities;rnd) NBH safety issues can extend beyond the nominal hazard zone (NHZ); andrne) New laser technologies and applications have increased the potential for novel NBH concerns.rnIn order that laser safety professionals and institutions may better address the concerns raised by NBH issues, this revision includes:rn1. Clarification of the NBH definition to more explicitly delineate NBH from other hazards that, though serious, are not associated with the laser system and therefore reside outside of a laser safety standard's scope.rn2. Revision of the sections addressing exposure to laser generated ionizing radiation (LGIR)rn3. Information on the recognition and control of laser generated nanoparticlesrn4. Greater emphasis on the need to better contain laser generated air contaminants (LGAC)rn5. Guidance regarding the potential ignition source hazard from lower hazard class lasersrnThe sub-committee believes these proposed changes will help to ensure an appropriate coverage of existing and future NBH concerns.