While the ANSI Z 136.1 standard requires a Standard Operating Procedure [SOP] it does not recommend or suggest an SOP format. The goal of this article is to outline, explain and suggest an SOP format that will fit a varied number of situations and laser uses. Giving the laser safety officer one more tool. The American National Standard Institute Standard Z136.1 ''Safe Use of Lasers'' calls for the preparation of an Standard Operating Procedure [SOP] with the use of class 3b and class 4 lasers. Section 4.4.1 ''The LSO should require approved written standard operating, maintenance and service procedures (SOP's) for Class 3b lasers or laser systems. The LSO shall require and approve written SOP's for Class 4 lasers or laser systems. These written SOP's shall be maintained with the laser equipment for reference by the operator, and maintenance or service personnel''. Section 4.4.5 Alignment Procedures, states ''Written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) outlining alignment methods should be approved for Class 3b and shall be approved for Class 4 lasers or laser systems. SOP's shall also be applicable for all classes of lasers or laser systems which contain embedded Class 3b or Class 4 lasers under conditions which allow access during alignment procedures.'' The utility of such a document is undisputed. SOP's do provide a reference document for use of the unit, machine, or procedure; for the novice, experienced user and compliance officer. What should be in such a document is open to interpretation. No one form will meet all applications. What the author hopes to demonstrate is an outline developed at his facility and how it might apply to the readers. Many firms have their own format for operating procedures. These corporate formats may not deal completely with laser issues, but with the inclusion of the items below; one imagines that they could be adapted to do so.
