Regulatory and Safety Information

Basic Laser Safety

  • The Laser Institute of America serves as the secretariat for the American National Standards Institute {ANSI} which has developed general and clinical standards for the safe use of lasers.

ANSI Z-136.3 defines engineering controls, protective eyewear, labels, and laser safety officer.  

ANSI Z-136.1 defines hazard evaluation, personal protective equipment, training and incident reporting mechanisms.

Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ)

  • Nominal Hazard Zone is the Area within 6 Feet of where the Laser is being fired

    • Essentially the Entire Operatory

  • MUST Be Designated with Appropriate Signage

  • Area Should be Restricted to Only Necessary Personnel and Patient

  • All Persons in the Area MUST Wear Appropriate Eye Protection

  • Reasonably Minimize the Amount of Reflective Surfaces Within the Zone

Warning Signs

  • Must Be Placed at Every Entrance into the Nominal Hazard Zone (Operatory)

  • Should Only Be Displayed When Laser is in Use

  • Must Identify Needed Eyewear (Wavelength)

Laser Safety Officer (LSO)

  • All Facilities Where Class 4 Lasers are in Use are  Required to Have a Designated Laser Safety Officer (LSO)

  • The LSO is the Person Responsible to Ensure that All Appropriate Protocols have Established and are Being Followed and that the Staff has Been Appropriately Trained on Laser Safety

  • Does Not Have to Be the Dentist and Is Normally a Clinical Auxiliary