Section R12-1-1427. Laser Caution Signs, Symbols, and Labels

A.      Except as otherwise authorized by the Agency, a registrant shall use signs, symbols, and labels prescribed by this Section and the design and colors specified in ANSI Z136.1-2000, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers, 2000 edi- tion, which is incorporated by reference, published by the Laser Institute of America, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Suite 128, Orlando, FL 32826, and on file with the Agency. This incorpo- ration by reference contains no future editions or amendments.

B.       A registrant shall ensure that the word “invisible” immediately precedes the word “radiation” on labels and signs required by this Section for lasers that only produce wavelengths of laser and collateral radiation that are outside of the range of 400 to 710 nanometers.

C.      A registrant shall ensure that the words “visible and invisible” immediately precede the word “radiation” on labels and signs required by this Section for lasers that produce wavelengths of laser and collateral radiation that are both within and outside the range of 400 to 710 nanometers.

D.      A registrant shall position any label placed on lasers or signs posted in laser facilities so that the reader of the label or sign is not exposed to laser or collateral radiation that exceeds the applicable MPE or accessible emission limit while reading the label or sign.

E.       A registrant shall use labels and signs that are clearly visible, legible, and permanently attached to the laser or facility.

F.       A registrant shall ensure that a permanent and legible label is affixed to each laser, identifying the classification of the laser in accordance with 21 CFR 1040.10, April 1, 2004, which is incorporated by reference, published by the Office of Federal Register National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. 20408, and on file with the Agency. This incorporation by reference contains no future editions or amendments.

G.      For a Class 3 or Class 4 laser a registrant shall ensure that a permanent and legible label is affixed to each laser, specifying the maximum output of laser radiation, the pulse duration if applicable, and the laser medium or emitted wavelength.

H.      For a Class 3 or Class 4 laser, used in the practice of medicine, a registrant shall ensure that a permanent and legible label is affixed to each laser providing one or more of the following warnings near each aperture that emits laser radiation or collat- eral radiation that exceeds the applicable MPE, as follows:

1.        “AVOID EXPOSURE - Laser radiation is emitted from this aperture” if the radiation emitted through the aperture is laser radiation;

2.        “AVOID EXPOSURE - Hazardous electromagnetic radi- ation is emitted from this aperture” if the radiation emit- ted through the aperture is collateral radiation; or

3.        “AVOID EXPOSURE - Hazardous x-rays are emitted from this aperture” if the radiation emitted through the aperture is collateral x-ray radiation.

I.        A registrant shall ensure that there is a label on each non-inter- locked or defeatable interlocked portion of the protective housing or enclosure that permits human access to laser or col- lateral radiation. The label shall include one or more of the fol- lowing warnings, as applicable:

1.        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.        For laser radiation that exceeds the applicable accessible emission limit for a Class 3 laser, the warning: “DAN- GER - Laser radiation when open, AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION.”

3.        For collateral radiation that exceeds an applicable acces- sible emission limit:

a.         If the applicable limit for collateral laser radiation is exceeded, the warning: “CAUTION - Hazardous electromagnetic radiation when open”; and

b.        If the applicable limit for collateral x-ray radiation is exceeded, the warning: “CAUTION - Hazardous x- ray radiation”.

4.        For a protective housing or an enclosure that has a defeat- able interlock, the warning “and interlock defeated” in addition to the warnings in subsections (1) through (3).

Historical Note

Adopted effective April 2, 1990 (Supp. 90-2). Amended

effective January 2, 1996 (Supp. 96-1). Amended by final

rulemaking at 11 A.A.R. 61, effective February 5, 2005

(Supp. 04-4).