State and local government laser safety requirements.

Laser safety requirements in the U.S. are usually centered on specific Federal Government and voluntary standards such as: ~1! The Laser Product Performance Standard of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health ~21CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11!, ~2! the American National Standards Institute ~ANSI Z136 Series!, ~3! the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ~OSHA!, ~4! the Federal Aviation Administration ~FAA 7400.2D!. These are the principal standards used for both the laser manufacturers and users. Aspects of laser use can also be regulated at the state and local government levels. In the past this was manifest by only a limited number of states that had developed regulations in the early days of laser use ~ca. 1970–1975!. Most of the states that introduced standards in that era still have standards in place. It is of note that most states have replaced the early versions with up-to-date documents based upon the current ANSI/CDRH philosophies. Only the State of Pennsylvania, in 1981, rescinded the laser regulation that had been originally passed on 10 October 1971. It should also be noted, however, that in the early years ~1970–1990!, many of the state rules were not well enforced. Also in this early era, local city or county laser regulations were nonexistent.