1. A. If maximum permissible exposure values for eye and skin exposure have not been determined by the manufacturer of a laser, a registrant shall take measurements from the laser to determine maximum permissible exposure values for eye and skin exposure in a manner consistent with the procedures contained in one of the following, as applicable:

   1. 1. ANSI Z136.1-2022, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers, which is incorporated by reference, is published by the Laser Institute of America, is available through https://webstore.ansi.org, and includes no future editions or amendments; or
   2. 2. ANSI Z136.3-2024, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care, which is incorporated by reference, is published by the Laser Institute of America, is available through https://webstore.ansi.org, and includes no future editions or amendment.

2. B. A registrant shall ensure that the radiation output measurement to determine the maximum permissible exposure is performed:

   1. 1. In accordance with the laser product manufacturer’s calibration procedure and frequency;

   2. 2. With an instrument that:

      1. a. Is calibrated and designed for use with the laser product that is being evaluated for compliance; and
      2. b. Has an attached, legible, clearly visible label specifying the date of calibration, accuracy of calibration, wavelength range, and power or energy of calibration;
   3. 3. Under the operational conditions and procedures that maximize accessible emission levels, including start up, stabilized operation, and shutdown of the laser or laser facility;
   4. 4. With all controls and adjustments listed in the operating and service instructions adjusted for the maximum accessible emission level of laser radiation that is not expected to be detrimental to the functional integrity of the laser or enclosure;
   5. 5. At all points in space to which human access is possible for a given laser configuration, including, if applicable during operations, points accessible upon removal of portions of the protective housing or enclosure or if the defeat of safety interlocks is possible;
   6. 6. With the measuring instrument detector positioned so that the maximum possible radiation is measured by the instrument; and
   7. 7. With the laser coupled to the type of laser energy source specified as compatible by the laser manufacturer and producing the maximum emission of accessible laser radiation.

3. C. Except as provided in subsection (J), a registrant shall ensure that:

   1. 1. A laser product is operated within the manufacturer’s specifications, and
   2. 2. The manufacturer’s user manual for the laser product is available on-site.

4. D. A registrant shall ensure that:

   1. 1. A laser from the lowest class that will enable the registrant to perform the intended function is used;

   2. 2. Each laser product that exceeds the exposure limits for Class 1 lasers, determined according to R9-7-1406(A):

      1. a. Has a protective housing to prevent human access during operation to laser radiation or collateral radiation that exceed the limits of Class I lasers, except when human access and resulting exposure are necessary to perform the intended function of the laser product; and
      2. b. If a portion of the protective housing is designed to be removed or displaced during operation or maintenance, has a safety interlock associated with the portion of the protective housing to prevent exposure to laser radiation or collateral radiation in excess of the accessible emission limit;
   3. 3. Service, testing, or maintenance of a laser does not render an interlock inoperative or increase radiation outside the protective housing to levels that exceed the applicable maximum permissible exposure, unless a laser controlled area is established as specified in R9-7-1408(D)(1);
   4. 4. For pulsed lasers, interlocks are designed to prevent the laser from firing;
   5. 5. For Class 3b and Class 4 continuous wave (cw) laser products, which produce a continuous output for 0.25 seconds or more, interlocks turn off the power supply or interrupt the beam to prevent accidental exposure;
   6. 6. An interlock prevents exposure to radiation emission above the applicable maximum permissible exposure when the interlock is closed; and

   7. 7. Multiple safety interlocks or a means to preclude removal or displacement of the interlocked portion of the protective housing are provided if failure of a single interlock could result in:

      1. a. Human access to levels of laser radiation that exceed the accessible emission limit of radiant power, defined as the time averaged power, expressed in watts, emitted, transferred, or received in the form of radiation for a Class 3a laser; or
      2. b. Laser radiation exceeding the accessible emission limit for a Class 2 laser, being emitted directly through the opening created by removal or displacement of a portion of the protective housing.

5. E. A registrant shall ensure that:

   1. 1. A laser product with viewing ports, viewing optics, or display screens, included as an integral part of the protective housing of the laser or laser system, has suitable means to attenuate laser and collateral radiation transmitted through the optical system to less than the accessible emission limit for collateral radiation according to R9-7-1408(A)(2)(b); and
   2. 2. If there is an increased hazard to the eye or skin associated with the use of an optical system, such as in lenses, telescopes, or microscopes, the policies and procedures, developed by the Laser Safety Officer according to R9-7-1409(1), include use controls, such as interlocks or filters.

6. F. A registrant operating a laser system with an unenclosed beam path shall:

   1. 1. Conduct an evaluation before operating the laser to determine the expected beam path and the potential hazards from surfaces where the laser radiation exceeds an applicable maximum permissible exposure;
   2. 2. Based on the evaluation in subsection (F)(1), exclude from the beam path surfaces that could reflect or scatter light if hit by the laser beam;
   3. 3. Evaluate the stability of the laser platform to determine the constraints placed upon the beam traverse and the extent of the range of control; and
   4. 4. Refrain from operating or making a laser ready for operation until the area along all points of the beam path, where the laser radiation will exceed the applicable maximum permissible exposure, is clear of individuals, unless the individuals are wearing the appropriate protective devices.

7. G. A registrant shall ensure that each Class 3b or Class 4 laser product provides a visual or audible indication before the emission of accessible laser radiation that exceeds the limits for Class 1, as follows:

   1. 1. Except for a Class 3 laser product that allows access to less than 5 milliwatts peak visible laser radiation, the indication occurs before the emission of the radiation and allows enough time for action to avoid exposure;
   2. 2. Any visual indicator is clearly visible through protective eyewear designed specifically for the wavelength of the emitted laser radiation;
   3. 3. If the laser and laser energy source are housed separately and can be operated at a separation distance of greater than two meters, both the laser and laser energy source incorporate visual or audible indicators; and
   4. 4. Any visual indicator is placed in a location so that viewing the visual indicator does not require human exposure to laser radiation that exceeds the applicable maximum permissible exposure.

8. H. Except as otherwise authorized by the Department, a registrant shall:

   1. 1. Post signs in the laser facility in accordance with ANSI Z136.1-2022 or ANSI Z136.3-2024, as applicable, incorporated in subsection (A);

   2. 2. Use labels that:

      1. a. Are clearly visible, legible, and permanently attached to a laser product; and
      2. b. Use the design and colors specified according to ANSI Z136.1-2022 or ANSI Z136.3-2024, as applicable, incorporated in subsection (A);

   3. 3. Use signs that:

      1. a. Are clearly visible and legible on the laser facility; and
      2. b. Have the design and colors specified according to ANSI Z136.1-2022 or ANSI Z136.3-2024, as applicable, incorporated in subsection (A);
   4. 4. Position any label placed on laser products or signs posted in laser facilities so that reading the label or sign does not require human exposure to laser radiation or collateral radiation that exceeds the applicable maximum permissible exposure or accessible emission limit while reading the label or sign;
   5. 5. Ensure that a permanent and legible label is affixed to each laser or laser system, identifying the classification of the laser in accordance with 21 CFR 1040.10, incorporated under R9-7-1406(A);

   6. 6. For a Class 3b or Class 4 laser product, ensure that the label required in subsection (H)(5) specifies:

      1. a. The maximum output of laser radiation;
      2. b. The pulse duration, the time increment measured between the half-peak-power points at the leading and trailing edges of a pulse, if applicable; and
      3. c. The laser medium or emitted wavelength;

   7. 7. For a Class 3b or Class 4 laser product used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes according to R9-7-1412, ensure that the label required in subsection (H)(5) provides one or more of the following warnings near each aperture that emits laser radiation or collateral radiation that exceeds the applicable maximum permissible exposure, as follows:

      1. a. “AVOID EXPOSURE - Laser radiation is emitted from this aperture” if the radiation emitted through the aperture is laser radiation,
      2. b. “AVOID EXPOSURE - Hazardous electromagnetic radiation is emitted from this aperture” if the radiation emitted through the aperture is collateral radiation, or
      3. c. “AVOID EXPOSURE - Hazardous x-rays are emitted from this aperture” if the radiation emitted through the aperture is collateral x-ray radiation;

   8. 8. Ensure that a label is affixed to each non-interlocked or defeatable interlocked portion of the protective housing or enclosure allowing human access to laser radiation or collateral radiation that includes one or more of the following warnings, as applicable:

      1. a. For laser radiation that exceeds the applicable accessible emission limit for a Class 1 or Class 2 laser, but does not exceed the applicable accessible emission limit for a Class 3 laser, the warning: “DANGER - Laser radiation when open, AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO THE BEAM”;
      2. b. For laser radiation that exceeds the applicable accessible emission limit for a Class 3 laser, the warning: “DANGER - Laser radiation when open, AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION”; and

      3. c. For collateral radiation that exceeds an applicable accessible emission limit:

         1. i. If the applicable limit for collateral laser radiation is exceeded, the warning: “CAUTION - Hazardous electromagnetic radiation when open”; and
         2. ii. If the applicable limit for collateral x-ray radiation is exceeded, the warning: “CAUTION - Hazardous x-ray radiation”; and
   9. 9. If a protective housing or an enclosure has a defeatable interlock, ensure that the warning label includes “and interlock defeated” in addition to the applicable warning in subsections (G)(8)(a) through (c).
9. I. In addition to the information signs, symbols, and labels required in subsection (H), a registrant shall provide, near the signs, symbols, and labels within the laser facility, operating procedure restrictions and any other safety information required to ensure compliance with this Article and minimize exposure to laser and collateral radiation.

10. J. If a laser product is to be used in a research environment in a university or industrial setting, a registrant may request that the Department grant a waiver from the requirements that the laser product is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s classification and instructions:

    1. 1. If the following conditions are met:

       1. a. Certain engineering controls are impractical during manufacture or research and development activities, and
       2. b. The Laser Safety Officer is able to specify alternate requirements to obtain equivalent laser safety protection; and

    2. 2. By submitting the following:

       1. a. The name and registration number of the registrant;

       2. b. The following information about the laser product:

          1. i. The manufacturer of the laser product; and
          2. ii. The model of the laser product, including a model number;
       3. c. A description of how the manufacturer’s engineering controls for the laser product are impractical;
       4. d. A description of the alternate requirements specified by the Laser Safety Officer to obtain equivalent laser safety protection; and
       5. e. The signatures of the registrant and Laser Safety Officer and date signed.

11. K. If the Department receives a request according to subsection (J), the Department may waive compliance with specific requirements of this Article based on whether:

    1. 1. Compliance requires replacement or substantial modification of a laser product’s current installation, and
    2. 2. The information provided by the registrant about alternative methods required by the Laser Safety Officer are sufficient to achieve the same or a greater level of radiation protection.

Historical Note

New Section R9-7-1407 recodified from R12-1-1407 at 24 A.A.R. 813, effective March 22, 2018 (Supp. 18-1).

Section R9-7-1407 repealed; new Section R9-7-1407 made by final expedited rulemaking at 32 A.A.R. 721 (March 27, 2026, Issue 13) with an immediate effective date of March 5, 2026 (Supp. 26-1).