Current visual interference levels in draft Z136.6 standard

Current laser exposure limits are designed to protect an individual exposed to a laser beam from receiving permanent biological injury to their eyes or skin. In the draft ANSI Z136.6 Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors, visual interference levels have been established to avoid temporary vision impairment for individuals performing critical tasks, such as operating a vehicle. These levels are usually well below the levels that will cause permanent eye impairment, but not always. For some pulsed laser systems, the maximum permissible exposure limit (MPE) could be exceeded before one or more of the visual interference levels are exceeded.