Construction

Laser hazards are addressed in specific standards for the construction industry.

OSHA Standards

This section highlights OSHA standards, directives (instructions for compliance officers), and standard interpretations (official letters of interpretation of the standards) related to laser hazards.

Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

• 1926 Subpart D, Occupational health and environmental controls
  • 1926.54, Nonionizing radiation
    
  
  
• 1926 Subpart E, Personal protective and life saving equipment [related topic page]
  • 1926.102, Eye and face protection
    • 1926.102(b)(2), Laser protection

For additional information on specific state plans or other general standards, see the general industry Standards section.

Directives

• Cancellation of OSHA Instruction STD 01-05-001, Guidelines for Laser Safety & Hazard Assessment. (2009, February 26).
  


• Search all available directives.

Standard Interpretations

• Clarification of the terms "direct staring" and "incidental observing". (1994, June 13). Provides clarification of the standard addressing the use of lasers (29 CFR 1926.54(j)).
  


• Class I Lasers. (1993, July 12).
  


• "De Minimis Violation" Status accorded to power lasers used in the construction industry. (1992, October 21).
  


• Necessary training for laser equipment operators. (1992, September 21).
  


• Degree of hazard associated with low power lasers in construction industry. (1992, September 17).
  


• Interpretation on construction standard for lasers. (1982, February 1).
  


• Search all available standard interpretations.

Hazard Recognition

For information on controls, see the general industry Hazard Recognition section.

Possible Solutions

Many workers are unaware of the potential hazards in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to injury. The following references aid in recognizing and controlling laser hazards in construction.

• Laser Systems. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin (HIB), (1988, April 28). Alerts field compliance and consultation personnel to the importance of careful evaluation of laser systems, the environment in which the laser is used and the possible exposure of workers to laser radiation.
  


• Eye and Face Protection. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
  


• Laser Safety Signs. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Division of Research Safety, (1999). Provides examples of signs to be posted in locations where lasers are in use.

Additional Information

Related Safety and Health Topics Pages

• Construction Industry

Training

• Construction Industry Digest [642 KB PDF^*, 72 pages]. OSHA Publication 2202-09R, (2011).

Other Resources

• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
  
  

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