ANSI & EN | What Are the Differences Between These Two Standards for Laser Safety
In laser safety, there are two main sets of standards: the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and European Norms (EN). Let's break down their key differences and how they are applied:
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Application Regions:
- ANSI: Used primarily in the United States, North America, and many places outside the EU.
- EN (CE): Used in European Union countries and wherever EU regulations are adopted.
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Creation of Standards:
- ANSI: Created by volunteers from various organizations and fields, such as government agencies (e.g., FAA), military branches, laboratories (e.g., Los Alamos National Laboratory), and organizations like the American Dental Association. The Laser Institute of America (LIA) manages and publishes the ANSI Z136 series on laser safety standards.
- EN (CE): Formed similarly but with a key difference: once these norms are adopted, they become law. An independent verifier must certify that the protection level is met.
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Major Differences:
- Certification Process:
- ANSI: Does not require mandatory certification; it focuses on consensus and guidelines.
- EN (CE): Requires rigorous testing and certification for both the frame and lens of laser safety goggles. This conservative approach is thorough but expensive.
- Specific Standards:
- EN208: Addresses laser safety eyewear specifically for laser alignment tasks.
- ANSI: Introduces the concept of a Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ), which is not mentioned in European Norms. NHZ involves assessing the area where laser exposure could be hazardous, implying that worst-case scenarios are considered in EN standards.
- Certification Process:
In summary, ANSI and CE standards differ mainly in their regional application, creation process, and certification requirements. ANSI relies on voluntary consensus and is more flexible, while CE standards are legally binding in the EU and require independent verification, focusing on thorough testing and certification.
