Laser Goggles Should be inspected by ANSI

Approved ANSI laser goggles may prevent laser-caused eye risks.

Recognized Benefits

Laser beams may be harmful to the eyes, so to prevent any damage, people use laser goggles to shield laser-type light. ANSI requires annual inspections of all goggles subject to Hazard Class 3B and 4 laser systems to ensure there are no cracks, scratches or loose-fitting filters.

Protection Not Guaranteed

Though ANSI requires annual inspections of laser goggles, as mentioned in the ANSI Z136 Series of Laser Safety Standards, such goggles does not guarantee 100 percent eye protection. Wearing the proper type of laser goggles for the type of laser offers the eyes some guarantee of protection from laser energy, according to Osama Bader, MD and Harvey Lui, MD from UBC Dermatology.

Bottom Line

Laser goggles must be ANSI-approved. As the University of Utah has pointed out, the goggles must also have a label listing the optical densities and wavelengths for which protection is afforded. Before wearing the laser goggles, have ANSI annually inspect it to ensure it is in good condition, thus preventing any laser-caused eye risks.