The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is proud to announce the newly revised ANSI standard, Z136.5-2009 Safe Use of Lasers in Educational Institutions. Originally released in 2000, this standard addresses laser safety concerns and situations characteristic of the educational environment. As technology grows at an exponential rate, so too does the need to implement appropriate precautions when utilizing technology. The updated Z136.5 has revised and expanded upon the original version to help you ensure that your lab and students are up to date on the most current laser safety standards.

Predominate changes to the Z136.5 include harmonization of the laser classification scheme to agree with the Z136.1-2007 Safe Use of Lasers, parent document of the series and the IEC 60825-1. Another update to the Z136.5 is to the laser safety Warning Signs section, which has also been harmonized with the Z136.1. Other significant revisions can be seen in the laser laboratory layouts, standard operating procedures (SOPs), figures, and tables. The Definitions section has undergone revision as well with some terms being redefined and the addition of many new terms and definitions to the standard.

The new standard can be purchased online at (www.laserinstitute.org/store) or by calling 800.34LASER. Also available in electronic format.

Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. LIA is the secretariat and publisher of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136 series of laser safety standards.

For more information, visit http://www.laserinstitute.org.